Dr. Loreto Lazo Crisologo

November 17, 1922 ~ December 19, 2024
Born in:
Abra, Phillippines
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Dr. Loreto Lazo Crisologo passed away peacefully at the age of 102 on December 19, 2024. Born in Abra, Phillippines, Loreto lived a remarkable life marked by faith, service, and love for his family and community.
During World War II, Loreto faced incredible challenges. In his 20s, he hid in the mountains of the Phillippines to escape capture by Japanese soldiers, enduring hardship and danger. These experiences strengthened his resolve to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Though he initially aspired to become a lawyer, a mix-up led Loreto to medical school, where he discovered his true calling. He earned his medical degree at the University of Santo Tomas in the Phillippines and completed a surgical residency at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
After graduation, Loreto began working with the Methodist Mobile Clinic in the Phillippines, where he met Dorothy, a nurse who would become the love of his life. Loreto admired Dorothy’s deep faith and dedication, often wondering, “Why would this American come to this country and serve these people?” They married on June 19, 1954, in Genoa, New York, and moved to Nashville. There, Loreto began his surgical residency while Dorothy attended nurse anesthesia school to support their medical missions.
In 1958, Loreto and Dorothy answered the call to serve at Christ Hospital in the jungles of Borneo, in Kapit, Sarawak, Malaysia. Loreto worked as a surgeon, and Dorothy served as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), forming a dedicated team that cared for patients until 1972. When the government took ownership of the hospital, the couple returned to the U.S. and later accepted a new assignment in Ba, Fiji, where they served for 3.5 years under the United Methodist Church.
After their time in Fiji, Loreto and Dorothy returned to the U.S. and worked at the Daniel Boone Clinic in Harlan, Kentucky, continuing their commitment to serving underserved communities.
In 1992, they retired to Asheville, North Carolina, where they built a life rooted in faith and community. Dorothy passed away in 2014 after 60 years of marriage.
In 2021, Loreto reconnected with Edna Vas, a nurse and former missionary colleague from his days at Christ Hospital. They married shortly after, bringing much joy and companionship to Loreto’s later years.
Loreto is survived by his wife Edna Crisologo, his three children, Dr. Peter Crisologo (wife Valeria), Carol Richardson (husband Stephen) and John Crisologo (wife Cymbre); nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Loreto was known for his humble and godly spirit. Wise, calm, and caring, he earned the respect of friends and the deep love of his family. He taught his children to live in obedience to God and left a lasting legacy of faith, kindness and service.
Dr. Loreto Crisologo will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him. If you would like to honor Lorie’s life and legacy, the family has requested that a donation be made in his name to a ministry dear to his heart for Asheville and the surrounding Western North Carolina area: Samaritan’s Purse Hurricane Helene Relief, www.samaritanspurse.org.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Loreto Lazo Crisologo 's name.
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