Dr. Pedro B. Montemayor

Pedro B. Montemayor, Jr., age 93, of Kent, OH, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

Pedro was born November 24, 1931, in the Philippines to the late Pedro and Juana (Bolinas) Montemayor. He graduated from Manila Central University, School of Medicine in the Philippines in April of 1956. He began practicing in the Philippines before traveling to the United States in June of 1958 for additional training. He began a residency at Ohio Valley Hospital where Donna Kaye Cupples had just completed her RN studies. The quintessential romance story between the doctor and the nurse unfolded, and the two were married in 1960. They started their family by welcoming Juliann to the world in 1961 and Bruce in 1963. After becoming a U.S. citizen in February of 1964, Dr. Montemayor started his own practice in Smithfield, Ohio. 

He moved his growing family to Windham in 1966 and continued his career in private practice, serving the Portage County community faithfully for the next 37 years. The family continued to grow adding Mark in 1968 and Loralie in 1972. In 1973 he and Donna Kaye moved the family one last time to Kent, Ohio and welcomed Merideth to the world in 1978. 

Robinson Memorial Hospital (now Portage UH) opened the doors of their new facility on North Chestnut Street in Ravenna in 1977. One of his patients was the first to receive care at the new facility. Before retiring in February of 2002 Pedro served the community of doctors and nurses at Robinson Memorial Hospital in many ways for nearly four decades. At various times he served on several boards, including the Medical Ethics Board and the Medical Credentialing Board. In his years of practice, he served as committee chairman of the Emergency Room, the Department of Medicine, and the Executive Staff. He also served as the president of the Portage County Medical Society. Most notably, he served as President of the Medical Board in 1992 and 1993. 

Doctor. Juanito. Uncle. Papa. Dad. These are just a few of the titles earned by Pedro throughout his life. He loved quietly, earnestly, and with a sense of reverence for those in his life. He was charming, winning over everyone with his warm greeting and gentle smile.

True to the qualities of his profession, Pedro valued patience, wisdom and determination in his home life. He rarely rushed, and when he moved, he had the grace and presence of a ballroom dancer - dancing with his wife, Donna Kaye, being one of his favorite pastimes. Often crooning an old tune himself, Pedro loved to reminisce about the music and films he enjoyed from years gone by. 

He held himself to a high standard and was a man of deep morals and ethics. Choosing his words carefully, he always spoke with authority and assuredness that would only soften with his frequent well-placed jokes or riddles. His humor was uniquely his own and performed so well that it was easy to believe he was actually telling the truth.

An avid photographer, Pedro collected memories and in photographs worth tens of thousands of words, he illustrated the realization of his dreams–a home, a great love, an ever-growing family, a meaningful career – the Montemayors of Kent, Ohio.

Pedro is survived by his brother Alfredo Montemayor and his five children, Juliann Montemayor of Kent, OH, Bruce (Bridget) Montemayor of Clermont, FL, Mark (Helaine) Montemayor of Clermont, FL, Loralie (Todd) Heim of Kent, OH, Merideth (Mark) Stauffer of Kent, OH; his seventeen grandchildren, Kyra Kelley, Colin Kelley, Trent (Rebecca) Bontrager, Tanner Bontrager, Luke Bontrager, Brogan (Eva) Montemayor, Brandon Montemayor, Brenner Montemayor, Damon Hurt, Alese Hurt, Kiana (George) Lin, Covyn Montemayor, Andrew (Marissa) Jones, Zoe Heim, Dontae Montemayor, Owen Stauffer, Avery Stauffer; seven great-grandchildren, Luca Jones, Carsyn Jones, Thea Jones, Brody Montemayor, Riley Montemayor, Abigale Lin, and Milo Kelley Buck, as well as many, many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Donna Kaye Montemayor; siblings, Florilla Macam, Corazon Velasco, Adoracion Ruiz, Nora Montemayor; and parents, Pedro Montemayor Sr. and Juana Montemayor. 

A celebration of life will be held in Pedro’s honor at 10:00 am on May 17, 2025, at the Streetsboro United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Pedro’s name to Affinity Care of Ohio - Continuum Hospice, Foundationhttps://affinityhealthmanagement.com/donation/.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.