Dr. Celedonio "Don" Manuel Asuncion

August 31, 2019

Dr. Celedonio Manuel Asuncion died as he wished: peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Known as Papi by his grandchildren, as Don, Donny and Doc by friends and family, Don was an extraordinary man who lived a life full of positivity, curiosity, kindness, love and laughter. Don was born in Mayantoc, Tarlac, Philippines to Fausta & Pedro Asuncion and had five sisters. Don was educated at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City for his undergraduate Pre-Med degree, and then at the University of the Philippines Medical School where he graduated with an M.D. degree in 1955. Following medical school, Don had his own general family medical practice in Isabella Cligiuan, Gamu, Philippines. He came to America in 1958 where he interned at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT, followed by various pathology assignments at hospitals in Kentucky, Indiana and Canada. Finally in 1964, Don landed at his "home" at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford where he continued as Pathologist until 2001. Don was also a member of the Dept of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Director of Cytology at St. Francis from 1968 to 2001. Never one to sit still, Don was an Associate Professor at the UCONN School of Medicine and an Associate Professor at UCONN School of Cytotechnology. From 1965 to 2001 Don was an Assistant Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut. Aside from his professional accomplishments, Don was part of the Education Committee & Lecture Circuit for the American Cancer Society, a Colonel in the US Army Reserves Medical Corps, member of the Church of St. Timothy Parish Outreach & Liturgy Committees, and an active volunteer most recently at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts and at the Elizabeth Park Conservancy in Hartford where he won Volunteer of the Year in 2015 for his expert tending of their roses and gardens. Don also recently volunteered at the Mount Sinai Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Research Center and Acupuncture Center, as well as the Integrative Medicine/Acupuncture Community Center at St. Francis. Don was a member of over 20 Filipino and medical associations and clubs. Don loved to learn new skills, help others and have fun with family and friends. In his 91 years, Don's hobbies included tennis, golf, bowling, woodworking, sewing, stained glass arts, theater-going, attending music concerts, adventuring in NYC, strolling the Cliff Walk in Newport, and watching UCONN Women's basketball. Don's ultimate pastime and true love was gardening, followed very closely by cooking (esp whipping up his famous spiced pecans and "Papi's French Toast"). Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Katherine M. Asuncion (nee Matthews), his children and their spouses: Christopher Asuncion-Haynes and his husband, Martin; Keith Asuncion and his wife, Cherry; Leithia Rogers and her husband, Stuart; Stacy McBride and her husband John. Don is also survived by his niece and her husband, Doding and Rene Catubig who were Don's only extended family in CT and were always there for him; his four surviving sisters, Soling, Rosing, Fely and Julie, as well as his brothers-in-law, numerous nieces, grand-nieces, nephews and grand-nephews. Don leaves an impactful and loving legacy to his true pride & joy, his grandchildren: Grace Katherine McBride, Lily Asuncion McBride, Liam Celedonio Asuncion, Piper Jean Rogers, Tucker Stuart Rogers and Riley Lamberto Keith Asuncion. Don's wake will be held at Molloy Funeral Home in West Hartford on Wed, Sept 11 from 5pm - 7pm; the funeral will be held at the Church of St. Timothy in West Hartford on Thurs, Sept 12 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center or the Church of St. Timothy.