Rodolfo Briones Bacolor

Dr. Rodolfo Briones Bacolor, 81, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2016 surrounded by family under the exceptional care of Lakeland Medical Center Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11 AM at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 Delaware St., Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at a later date.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 4:30 PM until 8 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph; prayers will be recited at 7:30 PM.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Marie Yeager Cancer Center or Berrien County Cancer Service.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Rodolfo may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Rodolfo was born on November 22, 1934, in Alcala, Pangasinan, Philippines to Agustin & Celerina (Briones) Bacolor. In 1963, he graduated from Far Eastern University with his MD.  Later, he went on to become Board certified in Internal Medicine and Oncology.  On May 28, 1966, he married the love of his life, Raphaeline “Rae” Rogers, in E. Chicago, IN.  Rodolfo began practicing his medical career in 1970 and later co-founded the first cancer center in Southwest Michigan with Dr. Betty Koshy.  He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1976.  He was actively involved in the Berrien County, Muskegon County, and State of MI Medical Societies.  After serving his community for over 38 years, Rodolfo retired in 2008.  He was an avid Univ. of Michigan fan.  He enjoyed gardening, reading, going to local concerts, and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting and music events. Rodolfo is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rae; children, Irene (Mark) Corbe of St. Joseph, Hon. Donna (Rich) Howard of St. Joseph, Richard (Jenna) Bacolor of Ann Arbor, and John (Connie) Bacolor of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Sarah, Madeline, Jack, Megan, Henry, Grace, Bella, Ellie, and A.J.; siblings, Rogelio, Roger, Rosalio, & Romulo Bacolor and Rosita Buencamino; and many nieces & nephews. Rodolfo was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rachilda Bacolor.