Obituary of Alberto C. Gutierrez

Dr. Alberto C. Gutierrez, 74, of Jamestown passed away November 4, 2015 in his home with his wife at his side. He was born in Manila, Philippines, January 29, 1941, the thirteenth child of the late Mariano E. and Rosario C. Gutierrez. Alberto was 11 months old at the outbreak of WWII. His family survived the hardships of the war years and the brutal fight for the liberation of Manila in February 1944. During that time the family home was burnt to the ground. They evacuated to the suburbs of Manila, Caloocan Rizal before settling at a house on Taft Avenue in Pasay City, 1947. Alberto attended De La Salle College in Manila where he graduated high school in 1958. He continued his studies at the University of the Philippines and went on to graduate from the College of Medicine in 1966. Alberto then moved to the United States, fulfilled his internship and surgical residency program through the SUNY University at Buffalo, and completed a thoracic surgery residency program. After completing his residency program, he was on staff at the Thoracic Surgical Department of Roswell Park Memorial Institute, 1974-1978. He was proud to become a United States citizen in September 1975. Alberto moved his family to Jamestown Nov 6, 1978 where he started his private practice in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at Jamestown General Hospital and WCA Hospital. He held privileges at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Lakeshore Hospital and Westfield Hospital. Alberto was extremely dedicated to each of his patients. He retired his medical practice on December 31, 2005. Never wanting to truly stop working, he was employed at the Jamestown Engine Plant of Cummins Engine from February 2006 through September 2012 working at the sub-assembly and assembly lines. He sincerely enjoyed the change of pace and took pride in his work. He was an very loving Husband, Father, and Papa. He always said his greatest accomplishment is his healthy and happy family. Alberto is survived by wife Shirley Ann, daughter of the late Martin and Irene Jenny, whom he married November 7, 1970 at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Hamburg, NY. He was blessed with five children: Matthew James (Melissa) Gutierrez of Plattsburg, NY; Andrew James (Vicki) Gutierrez of Akron, OH; Stephen James (Kathy) Gutierrez of Hinesburg, VT; Susan Jean Barone of Jamestown, NY; Laura Jean (Andrew) Chapin of Akron, OH; eight beloved grandchildren whom he adored: Calder Gutierrez of Akron; Alex and Allyson Gutierrez of Hinesburg; Nathaniel, Anthony (A.C.), and Liliana Barone of Jamestown; Jackson and Parker Chapin of Akron; and five siblings: Trinidad Nolasco, Philippines; Lydia Freeman, Australia; Mercedes Riofrio, CA; Eduardo (Elena) Gutierrez, Australia; Angelina (Hans) Frey, CA; along with several nieces and nephew. He was proceeded in death by his parents Mariano E. and Rosario C. Gutierrez; sisters: Josefina, Rosario, Lourdes and Soledad; brothers: Mariano Jr., Antonio, and Manuel. The family would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice Staff, especially Dr. Thomas Putnam, Carna Pierce, and Lucy Studd for their support and dedication. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in Holy Apostles Parish, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Dennis W. Mende will be celebrant. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. and a Christian Wake Service will be led at 1:45 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to Holy Apostles Parish, SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 508 Cherry Street, Jamestown, NY or Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. You may leave words of condolence for the family at www.lindfuneralhome.com.