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Julian Gasataya

Dr. Julian Delina Gasataya, 89, of Lumberport passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 23, 2016, at his residence.

He was born July 16, 1927, in Iloilo City, Philippines, a son of the late 1st Lt. Gavino Garcia Gasataya of Company C 14th Engineers, a veteran of the Spanish-American War and Adrianna Diaz Delina Gasataya.

Julian is survived by his loving wife, Tania Le Novington Gasataya whom he married November 7, 1959.

He also is survived by his daughters, Leica Novington Gasataya-Kyle of Lumberport; Julienne Belen Gasataya-Hutson and husband, Dennis of Bridgeport; and Michelle Adrienne Gasataya of Lumberport; five grandchildren, Jacob Daniel (Kayla) Kyle, Rachel Brianna (Bobby) Mitchell, Sarah Rianne (Josh) Parsons, Eric Tyler Martin and Julian David Gasataya-Jupp; and five great-grand children, Kyliegh and Kasey Kyle, Jensen Mitchell, Matthew and Letha Parsons; as well as his sister, Carolina Cadagat.

In addition to his parents, Julian was preceded in death by his brothers, Antonio, Ramon, Raphael, Gavino Jr. and Federico. His brothers, Vincente, Roque, and Jose were killed by the Japanese during World War II in the Philippines. Also preceding him in death were his sisters, Gregoria and Juanita; and a very treasured friend, Joe Paushel who taught him how to be a handy man.

Julian attended elementary school at Ft. William McHenry in Manila, Philippines. He graduated high school in 1949 from Collegio San Augustine Private Catholic School in Iloilo City. Julian graduated pre-med at Collegio San Augustine in 1951. In 1956, he graduated from the University Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. He later completed post graduate studies at Harvard University and the University of South Florida to continue his medical education even before continuing education became a requirement for medical licensure.

Dr. Gasataya completed his general practice residency at Ohio Valley Hospital in Steubenville where he was chief resident. His surgical residency was done at Mansfield General Hospital as chief resident. He continued his surgical residency as chief resident at Ohio Valley General Hospital in Wheeling. Dr. Gasataya was one of very few doctors in WV to be recognized by the West Virginia Board of Medicine as having a dual specialty in general practice and general surgery.

Dr. Gasataya was chief of surgery and president of medical staff at United Hospital Center. He was a member of several organizations including, Harrison County Medical Society; West Virginia Medical Society; American Society of Abdominal Surgery; American Society of Philippine Surgeons in America; as well as the Gastro- Intestinal Endoscopy Society.

He was a charter member of Lumberport Rifle and Pistol Association and was the team physician for Lumberport High School’s Football team.

His other interests included traveling, hunting, photography, gardening, genealogy, fishing, farming, and target shooting. He also enjoyed discussing his experiences in World War II in the Philippines. Most of all, he enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As an immigrant to this great land, Dr. Gasataya loved the United States of America.

Friends will be received at the Harmer Funeral Home, 300 Pike St., Shinnston, on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 1-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 28, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Casey Mahone as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.

A service of the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.