Alberto Koppin Alcantara

Alberto Koppin Alcantara, MD, of Lake Charles, passed away Monday, October 17, 2011, in a Houston hospital. He was 73.

Al, as he is fondly called by friends, was born on April 2, 1938, in Cebu City, Philippines. He graduated high school from Notre Dame of Cotabato, and received his Associate in Arts degree from Manila Central University in 1958, before earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from the same university. He spent several months in Bangkok, Thailand where he obtained his post-doctorate diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 1974. He served many years as a Resident Physician and Consultant for Infectious and Tropical Diseases for hospitals in the Philippines. He also served as Medical Research Specialist for the US Naval Medical Research Unit based in Manila, Philippines. His distinguished medical career includes serving as professor, lecturer and being part of over 16 publications and research papers on Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine. He served as Secretary-Treasurer; President-Elect; and then President of the Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) from 1984-1988. During his tenure as PSMID President, the international involvement of the group continued to flourish and in 1988, the society sponsored the country's first International Congress on AIDS and other STDs. After migrating to the United States in 1990, he retired after 20 years of dedicated service in the CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital Laboratory.

In his younger days, Al enjoyed playing basketball. He had a love for dancing, gardening, cooking and working with his hands. He treasured time spent with his family, nurturing their spiritual growth and getting involved with his church. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church where he was a member of the ACTS Ministry and an Extraordinary Minister. He was generous, kind and deeply spiritual. His personal relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ, is the greatest of many loving examples he set for his family and friends.

Al was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind to cherish his memory is wife of 43 years, Teresa Palma Davo Alcantara of Lake Charles; two sons, Vincent Alcantara and his wife Rachel of Lake Charles and Ray-Al Alcantara of Houston; three daughters, Maria Faul and her husband Beau, Thea Tran and her husband Thien, and Kristine Alcantara, all of Lake Charles. Al cherished his seven grandchildren, Anthony-Beau "T-Beau" and Emma-Bernadette Faul, Taylor-Therese and Tyler-Albert Tran, Ian Alberto and Mila Julianne Alcantara and Benjamin-Isaac Alcantara, all of Lake Charles. He is also survived by three brothers, Amado, Arturo and Angelito Alcantara all of the Philippines; one sister, Edith Alcantara of Canada; and brother-in-law, Jose Palma Davo, who has been by his side for the past few months. He will also be deeply missed by his many friends, colleagues and church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Col. Mrs. Aniano Alcantara, a sister Emma Guatelara, and a brother Amando Alcantara.

Visitation will be from 2-10 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street, with a scripture service and rosary at 6 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with Monsignor James Gaddy officiating and Rev. Rommel Tolentino will be concelebrating. Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

As a tribute to Alberto Alcantara's giving spirit, memorial donations may be made to the foundation of Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Inc., 220 Louie Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.