Virgilio Soriano Ipapo

Virgilio Soriano Ipapo, M.D. passed away on March 1st, 2019 at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, NC. Virgil, as he was widely known by his family, friends, and community, left his body at age 72 after a brief but fierce battle with cancer and a lifetime of distinguished medical service, unwavering camaraderie, and immense compassion for the countless lives he touched — most of all his family. Born September 1st, 1946 in Meycauayan, Philippines to Benita and Marciano Ipapo, Vergel (as he was called at home) was the oldest of six siblings. Leonora Silva, Roger Ipapo, Mar Ipapo (deceased), Marinette Alarilla, and Ramon Ipapo loved and respected their eldest brother, or “kuya,” to the highest degree. He attended medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila then moved to the United States in 1972 where he completed his internships and residencies. Vergel represented the quintessential immigrant’s dream, becoming not only a successful medical doctor, but a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Virgil began his private practice in northern New Jersey and married Sandra Kutney Jacobs in 1979. Together they had two daughters, Ami Marie Ipapo-Glass and Audrey Ipapo Baran, and the family moved to Monroe, NC in 1986. Here, Virgil continued his medical practice and embarked on a three-decade long relationship with Union Memorial (now Atrium Health Union). In 1999 Virgil married the love of his life, Kathy Lee Ipapo. The marriage united Ami and Audrey with Kathy’s sons, Brian and Scott Harkey, and the blended family continued to grow. Brian and his wife Cheri live in Tampa, FL with their daughter Samantha (12) and son Jake (9); Ami and her wife Caryn live in San Diego with their sons Jaxon (2) and Lennon (1 week); Scott and his wife Leigh live in Huntersville, NC with their daughter Claire (7) and twin sons Aaron and Alex (4); Audrey and her husband Mark live in Charlotte with their dogs Bump (11) and Josie (3). Virgil and Kathy moved to Sun City in Fort Mill, SC in 2016 and recently spent much time at their second home in Oak Island, NC, enjoying his long awaited retirement. The number of people that Virgil impacted throughout his life is immeasurable. As one of the most accomplished and beloved physicians in Union County, his legacy carries on through his patients’ lives and colleagues’ stories. His many friends will smile, remembering his unique humor and relentless compassion. Most of all, his family will tightly cherish the incomprehensible love, devotion, and generosity he shared with and embedded in them every single day, near and far. A public service and visitation will be held Tuesday, March 5th at 6:00pm at Lee Park Baptist Church in Monroe, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of Union County and Healthquest of Union County. Monroe, North Carolina

September 1, 1946 - March 1, 2019

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Amy Moser

June 7, 2021

I am so late finding out, but I just learned of Dr. Ipapo's passing. He performed a surgery for me years ago, and I later took my dad to see him years later. Dr. Ipapo was top notch, and I could tell that he truly cared about each person he treated. He was a wonderful do... Continue Reading

ChuckTeri Kosco

January 7, 2020

Dr. Ipapo did my complex surgery years ago for a ruptured appendix resulting in a bowel obstruction. He did a fantastic job, as I have had no complications and he was compassionate enough to save my belly button. He was such a gentle soul and I will forever be grateful... Continue Reading

Jim Duncan

March 18, 2019

Virgil 1991 orerated on my Father suspecting Pancreatic Cancer. He operated for hours and came out to draw on his scrub shirt with a Sharpie marker as to what he found. He was visibly sad and was so kind and caring with my Father and our Family. He has all of my respect ... Continue Reading

Daisies was posted for Virgilio Soriano Ipapo.

djl122960@gmail.com

March 11, 2019

You will be missed Doc

A candle was posted for Virgilio Soriano Ipapo.

Sandra Pittman

March 9, 2019

As an employee of Union Memorial ( Union Regional) and a patient of Dr Ipapo, he was beloved by my husband and myself. He was so compassionate, you felt truly cared for. He was so full of joy you could tell he was doing what he loved. He was a true gentleman that was an ... Continue Reading

Linda Lee Polk

March 7, 2019

Virgil was the kindest, most gentle, fun loving man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit were unsurpassed. He saw me as a patient at no charge and took excellent care of me. Remembering times shared with Virgil and Kath... Continue Reading

Debbie Seigler

March 7, 2019

A candle was posted for Virgilio Soriano Ipapo.

1 comment

Debbie Seigler

March 7, 2019

Nancy Grassley

March 5, 2019

I worked with Dr.Ipapo for 8 years in Monroe at hospital in surgery. He was such a pleasure to work beside, a great surgeon, and a man to admire. He treated us all with respect. I have fond memories of our times working together. My heart hurts. I pray for you all to get... Continue Reading

Penny G Edwards

March 5, 2019

Such a wonderful man that was amazing with his patients and staff.He was great to work and always made me laugh. You will be dearly missed Dr. Ipapo.

Gwendolyn M. Perkins and Anthony Bennett and Family

March 5, 2019

Fond Memories was purchased for the family of Virgilio Soriano Ipapo. Send flowers

Virgilio Soriano Ipapo

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