BANGOR – Dr. Ernesto G. Ballesteros, 81, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at a Bangor hospital. He was born July 11, 1926, in La Pog – San Juan, Iloco Sur, Philippines, the son of Adela and Bonifacio Ballesteros. Dr. Ballesteros was a gifted and dedicated neurosurgeon, who earned his medical degree at Manilla Central University and completed his residencies in neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He came to Bangor in 1965, specializing in ventriculoperitoneal – VP shunts in children. He performed the first aneurysm at Eastern Maine Medical Center and was instrumental in bringing in the area’s first surgical microscope. Dr. Ballesteros’ work had a significant impact on the community, having treated hundreds of patients in a Bangor practice that spanned more than 30 years. “Dr. B” was well known for his generous nature, joyful spirit and infectious laugh. He was an avid cook, known for his pig roasts, pancit and adobo, and he loved gardening, and ballroom dance. He was a sincere and loyal friend, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Paula Ballesteros of Bangor; son, Michael of Bangor and his wife, LuAnn, and children, Samantha Ballesteros and Shyla, Amie, Corey, Gavin and Audra Williams; sons, Christopher and Jonathan of Bangor; mother-in-law, Janice Mitchell of Bangor; son, Edward of Mission Hills, Calif., and his wife, Tita, and children, Charmaine, Christine and Earl; daughter, Donnina Estrella of Yonkers and her husband, Lito, and sons, Mark, Michael and Anjelito; daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, David, and grandson, Maceo of South Hadley, Mass.; daughter, Chistine “Tina,” and son-in-law, Luis, and granddaughter, Taylor, of Miami; daughter, Mia of Denver; sister, Asteria Villamar of Staten Island, N.Y.; and sisters, Josefa and Juliana of Baguio City, Philippines. Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Grace United Methodist Church, 193 Union St., Bangor, with the Rev. Kathleen Macedo, pastor, and the Rev. Dr. Rex H. Garrett, director of chaplaincy services, Eastern Maine Medical Center, officiating. Please join the family for light refreshments after the service. Donations in Dr. Ballesteros’ honor may be made to Eastern Maine Charities/ Neurosurgical Service, EMMC, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04402-0404 or Grace United Methodist Church. A scholarship will be established in his name at Eastern Maine Community College, please send your contributions to EMMC Foundation, 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
DR. ERNESTO G. BALLESTEROS
