Dr. Mario F. Visperas

Dr. Mario F. Visperas, M.D., 92, of Bethlehem, a dedicated physician, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 16, 2025.

Born in the Philippines, he was the son of the late Ernesto and Gloria (Flores) Visperas. He earned his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. Following medical school, he served as a trauma and surgical physician at the Government Provincial Hospital in the Philippines from 1956 to 1966.

Dr. Visperas came to the United States for further training, completing an internship at Fairview Park Hospital in Cleveland and residencies at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland and St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem. In 1971-72, he served as a fellow in surgery at Long Island College Hospital in New York. He joined the staff of Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital in Lehighton in 1973 and, in 1982, became medical director of the emergency department.

Board certified in emergency medicine, Dr. Visperas was a member of the American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Carbon County Medical Society, American College of Emergency Physicians. He was a fellow of both the American Society of Philippine Surgeons in America and the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons. He also served as past president of the Carbon County Medical Society, representative and medical director of Carbon County EMS, and secretary/treasurer of the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital medical staff.

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Visperas was a man of deep Catholic faith, which guided every part of his life. He cherished time with his family above all else and found great joy in being surrounded by his beloved wife, Mely, children, and grandchildren and great grandchild. He loved traveling the world, especially to religious sites and events, and his warm smile brightened every room. His grandchildren adored him and treasured every visit.

Mario enjoyed sports, news, fast and exotic cars, and was known as a skilled dancer, often seen with his wife, Mely, performing the tango at gatherings. Together, they shared a life of love, hard work, and devotion to family. His motto was to live without regret, and his favorite song, "I Did It My Way," perfectly reflected the spirit with which he lived his life.

He is predeceased by his sister, Teresita Rabago and grandson Gabriel. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Emiliana "Mely" (Parayno); his children, Cristina (Kevin Hickey) of Atlanta, Virginia (Paul Uliana) of Bethlehem, Lourdes (Thomas Falteich) of Bethlehem, and Mario (Evelyn Daly) of Bethlehem; and seven beloved grandchildren and one great grandchild (Alexander, Matthew, Luke, Adam, Michael, Justina, Emiliana, Sadie).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10AM. Calling hour 9AM, prior to Mass at the church. Entombment will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.