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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Dr. Otto Raul Medinilla

Dr. Otto Raul Medinilla of Wilmington died peacefully on November 27, 2022, reuniting with his wife, Myriam, who had passed fifty days earlier.
This man called Otto liked simplicity. Reserved and serious, he was a man of few words. His mantra about making statements was “ser deciso, preciso, y conciso,” best translated into “keep it short and to the point.” But to do so is as impossible as describing a firework display via text message. His 80 years were extraordinary, deserving of a little fanfare.
Otto came from humble beginnings. He was one of eight children born in Guatemala in 1942 to Mario Medinilla, a cab driver, and Laura Herrera, likely a saint called upon to raise eight children. But thankfully, Otto helped.
He assumed the role of provider at an early age, landing his first job at age 11 as a factory sweeper. His father said school would have to wait. But Otto decided to do both. Working days and studying nights proved a successful routine. Disciplined and smart, he achieved “#1” status in most everything he did as a first-generation college and medical school graduate, humbly accepting various awards in his life journey: valedictorian, summa cum laude, best Dad, #1 Abuelito, etc.
But his number one was the love of his life, Myriam Schwartz. She was his sunshine who made him happy when skies were gray, and often sang as much to her. They wed in 1965, joined later by their daughter, Vivian, and Otto Jr. The young family traveled to the U.S. for Otto’s surgical education, which led them to Philadelphia where Otto completed his residency at Thomas Jefferson University. And they completed their family with their youngest child, Sandra.
Dr. Otto became a neurosurgeon and Delaware became his home, where for forty years, his skilled hands and gentle bedside manner helped countless patients heal. When he retired from this calling, he dedicated his time to public service, accepting an appointment from former Governor Markell to serve on the DE Industrial Accident Board.
When not working, Otto had a wilder side, going toe-to-toe on soccer fields with players 20 years his junior, and flying planes out of New Castle County to see sunsets from a different view. He taught himself to play guitar, piano and the accordion, and learned to speak German, Russian, and Mandarin. In his seventies, he enrolled in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to continue his education until his body said it was time to rest.
Otto took great risks and made extraordinary sacrifices for the love of his family. They paid off. Like fireworks, his life is a brilliant display of magnificent accomplishments, leaving us in awe and amazement, yet quite sad upon its end.
He was humble and brilliant. Serious but cool. Introverted yet engaging. But mainly he was quietly kind to everyone who knew him. And his legacy lives on in each of the lives he touched.
Otto was preceded in death by his wife, Myriam, and his father and mother, Mario Medinilla and Laura Herrera. He is survived by his three children, Hon. Vivian L. Medinilla, Otto R. Medinilla, Jr., PA-C, (wife Joann), and Sandra P. Medinilla, M.D.
Known best as “Lito” (abuelito) he is survived by his grandchildren Victoria (husband Bennett Procter) and Alexis Longo, Otto Jake and Isabel Medinilla, Rocco Rapposelli, Xavier Otto, Theo, Remi and Sydney Meyer. He is survived by his remaining four brothers and sisters, their spouses, and too-many-to-name loving nieces, nephews, and grandnieces/grandnephews.

Funeral Services

At Otto and Myriam’s request, their joint celebration of life will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 3 pm at the Osher Lifelong Institute of Learning (OLLI), located at Arsht Hall at the University of Delaware’s Wilmington Campus, 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806. Their final resting will be held privately at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Otto wished that contributions be made to OLLI at above address (olli.udel.edu).

Condolences

    Stephen Savage lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting just about the whole family. All I can say if I had half the inner Strength of this family it would enough. Vivian, Otto, Sandra and the rest of the family I pray for you all daily. May your mom and dad rest in peace together Sincerely Stephen S
    02/27/2023 12:41 am
    Ana Elisa lit a candle and writes,
    The best Tio as well. I Loved him so much and all of his family from Los Schwatz side called him dearly "Hermano Mayor " or simply " Ottito " I remember his famous sayings: "Visteme despacio que llevo prisa" "No se llora" and my favorite " Mi corazón abrio la puerta" It was my priviledge to know him well and I always admire his story of success, his example, his kindness and also his sense of humor will always be deeply missed by all of us. Dearly, Ana Elisa Del Carmen
    02/27/2023 07:29 am
    Fifina writes,
    Cuantas horas y días felices pasamos , German y yo en la alegre compañía de Otto y Myriam ! Nunca podré olvidar los muchísimos momentos transcurridos con tan querida pareja. Me duele pensar que ya nunca más nos reiremos juntos, cantaremos, jugaremos crocket y cartas. Duele el corazón de sólo pensarlo. Para mí, fueron unos amigos sin igual. Mi mas sentido pésame para toda la familia.
    02/27/2023 01:39 pm
    Kristen Neagle lit a candle and writes,
    Sending prayers and our deepest condolences for your loss.
    02/27/2023 10:54 pm
    Laura Amparo Medinilla lit a candle and writes,
    Soy la hermana menor de Otto, Laura Amparo, hace años perdí a mis padres y quedé huérfana y ahora vuelvo a estar huérfana ya que Otto y Myriam eran para mi como mis segundos padres. De ellos adquirí muchas virtudes y enseñanzas de vida, humildad, respeto, bondad, agradecimiento, amor y mucha sabiduría, con ellos viví los momentos más importantes de mi vida. Otto tenía el corazón de mi madre, atento, amoroso, bondadoso, generoso y con una mirada, palabra o gesto nos decía todo y el corazón de mi padre, serio, trabajador, diligente, estricto y amoroso. Estamos dolidos pero agradecidos con Dios por los ángeles que nos envió a la tierra y que ahora regresan con él. En mi mente y corazón vivirán por siempre mis amados Otto y Mimi. Abrazos y amor a mis sobrinos y toda la familia.
    02/28/2023 01:21 am
    Liz rosendahl lit a candle and writes,
    I heart is saddened by the death of Dr. Medinilla and his wife Myriam. I had the honor of working in Dr. Medinilla office and working close with Myriam. They are the two most generous loving people I had the honor of knowing and they are reunited in death. Such wonderful people and will be in my heart forever. God got 2 special Angels
    02/28/2023 09:10 am
    Leonel Toledo writes,
    Nuestras mas profundas Condolencias para toda la familia. Uds. Han perdido a unos Padres ejemplares, y nosotros a unos amigos y compatriotas que venimos de Guatemala a este pais casi al mismo tiempo. La ciudad de Wilmington va a sentir la falta del excelente Neurocirujano y a una entusiasta educatora. Los echamos mucho de menos y los recordaremos por siempre. Que descansen en Paz. Leonel, Jenny y Familia
    03/03/2023 01:42 pm
    Hillary & Rick Shade lit a candle and writes,
    We’ve known Myriam and Otto ever since we moved to Wilmington, DE in 1980. Our first meeting was when I joined Mary Kay and met Myriam. She and I became very close friends and enjoyed many challenges and experiences together as Consultants and Team Leaders. Later Myriam asked for my help with the accountanting at Otto’s neurosurgery practice. It was a privilege to work with Doc along with Myriam. He certainly was a very skilled neurosurgeon who even helped our family get through some difficult times with his on the spot advice and caring support. When they both continued on to join OLLI, Rick and I met up with them again and continued to enjoy their support and friendship in several classes and especially in the Ukulele Group. They will both be missed greatly by our family💞 God Bless !
    04/29/2023 11:45 am
    Sarah Esteva lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest condolences for the family. I will always remember them with love and great respect. He would call me sarita de barrio. They gave me a chance to remake my life after my husband passed away, and me moving to Delaware.
    05/06/2023 09:40 pm
    Carla Anderson writes,
    Dr Medinilla was a wonderful surgeon. He was a kind and caring person who was always willing to teach. I am so sorry for your loss.
    05/07/2023 06:41 am
    Mary Ann Zappaterrini writes,
    Dr. Medinilla took care of my Dad, Frank Ramone, during a very sad time for all of us. He was the most caring person I have ever come across. He did everything to help us care for my dad and make his end of life as comfortable and easy as he could. I have thought of Dr. Medinilla many, many times through the years. He made a heartwrenching time in my life a little less devastating, I will never forget him for the person he was, a truly great man has been lost to many. Mary Ann Zappaterrini
    05/07/2023 12:38 pm
    Debbie Dibert lit a candle and writes,
    My condolences to the family for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Dr.Medinilla for many years in the operating room and witnessing his kindness & compassion for those he came in contact with. They will both be greatly missed!
    05/07/2023 01:27 pm
    Pat Fenimore writes,
    I had the honor and privilege to work with Dr Medinilla in the Neuro IntensiveCare unit for many years. I truly believe because of him I became the neurosurgical nurse that I was and evolved to my passion. My deepest sympathy to family for your loss.
    05/07/2023 08:44 pm
    Beverly A. Weigand Bizjak writes,
    My sincere condolences to all of Dr. Medinilla's family. After graduating from nursing school 40 (+) years ago, I was offered a position on the neurosurgical unit in the Delaware hospital in Wilmington, De. It was there, where I met Dr. Medinilla and had the wonderful opportunity to grow as a neurosurgical nurse. He was always kind , and loved what he was doing. He will be missed. Beverly A. (Weigand ) Bizjak
    05/09/2023 12:08 pm
    Roy A. Hanshew Jr lit a candle and writes,
    Sincere condolences to the family. Dr. Medinilla cared for me in 1986 after being nearly killed by a drink driver. He was a good man and will be missed
    05/09/2023 02:04 pm
    Ricardo Narvaez writes,
    To the Medinilla Family, My wife and I did not have the pleasure of meeting Dr. Otto Medinilla and his wife Myriam Schwarz. We are deeply grateful to their daughter Dr. Sandra Medinilla for her expert medical surgeries for my mother-in-law and my aunt a few years ago at Christiana Care. We are now able to appreciate the reflection of Dr. Otto on Sandra who shares many of her father's traits described so well in his obituary. Our sincere condolences. We hope that the great memories of Otto and Myriam will remain with all of you forever. Ricardo Narvaez Carlotta Catullo
    05/09/2023 08:44 pm
    Matt Eppley lit a candle and writes,
    Otto was a wonderful friend and colleague. I had the honor of working with him for many years as a fellow neurosurgeon in Delaware. He was a thoughtful, kind and skilled surgeon who was respected by all. Otto had a great sense of humor yet took his job as a caregiver very very seriously. Humble yet confident, he was a gift to all who were blessed to know him. Rest well my friend!
    05/13/2023 04:55 am
    Lisa Brewington lit a candle
    05/14/2023 09:48 pm
    Rose Brownstein lit a candle and writes,
    After reading the obituary of this sweet, kind and brilliant man, I understand more the profound influence Dr. Medinilla had on his family and colleagues. In my career as a nurse I had the honor of working with Dr. Medinilla on the neurosurgical floor and also felt privileged working in the emergency department with his son, Otto, who shares so many of Dr. Medinilla's virtues. Most often quiet and unassuming, Dr. Medinilla had a powerful presence and support you could rely on. What an amazing man! My sincere condolences to you, Otto, and to your family.
    05/15/2023 09:15 am
    Bonnie L Bupp writes,
    My heart is saddened to hear of this wonderful man’s death & also of his wife. They were both great people. My condolences to his family & friends. I first met him in 1982 when I was a young 25 yr old. He operated on my brain -17 hrs. & then a second surgery for my face several months later-9 hrs. & saved my life so I was able to return home to my newborn son & husband & through the years had to more children. I have gone back off & on to see him. The last was several years ago & he ask if I had time to wait so his beautiful wife could come & see me after so many years. It was so good to see them. They were both so special to me & they will always have a special place in my heart.
    05/17/2023 08:41 am
    Veronica DiGiacomo writes,
    I first met Dr. Medinilla on the neurosurgical floor at Christiana Hospital in 1988 where I worked as a nurse. He had such concern for all his patients and knew all the staff by name. He was truly a beacon of hope for us all. May your family find comfort knowing that Dr. Medinilla had such a positive impact on all who met him.
    05/17/2023 07:48 pm
    Bill Sommers lit a candle and writes,
    I had the honor and privilege of working with Otto over many years, Otto could always be entrusted with providing the most thoughtful and skilled neurosurgical care. He was adored by his patients and held in the highest esteem by his colleagues. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Otto.
    05/17/2023 09:24 pm
    Jan Pirhalla Smick Hirst lit a candle and writes,
    My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Dr. Medinilla family. I am so sorry for your loss of Otto and Myriam. So thoughtful and caring people. Working with Otto decades ago at the Medical Center of Delaware was a privilege, he was a wonderful teacher and talented surgeon. I will never forget him and Myriam and their kind, warm smiles at my wedding. I think about their Christmas cards and about the conversations Otto and I had over the years when working at the hospital together. He always talked about his family and how proud he was of their accomplishments. I miss you, Otto, may you and your lovely Myriam Rest In Peace.
    05/18/2023 07:17 pm
    Magdy Boulos writes,
    Our sincere condolences to Otto and Mariam family and friends. I have known Otto for over forty years he was a great colleague and friend he was dependable, sincere and always ready to offer advice and support. They will be surely missed. May they rest in peace and we will continue to keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
    05/19/2023 11:09 am
    Susan Mack lit a candle and writes,
    I had the pleasure of working with Otto while he served on the Industrial Accident Board, after his retirement from his medical practice. He approached his role on the Board with intelligence, dedication, and empathy. I am sorry to learn of the passing of Otto and his wife Myriam and send my sympathy and prayers to their family.
    05/19/2023 01:06 pm
    Karla Horne lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sorry for such a great loss. Dr Medinilla and his wife were such sweet, caring people. I was a patient of Dr Medinilla for a short time but I could see his reverence for his bride. A love story for the ages is what they had. My condolences to the family at this sad time.
    05/29/2023 06:04 pm
    R SNYDER lit a candle and writes,
    Otto and Myriam were two of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They came into the place I worked pretty often and we would make small-talk. When I had received a job offer somewhere else, I might have mentioned it in passing to them, or they may have overheard me telling a coworker that I had put in my two-weeks notice. I was surprised and overjoyed when they came in and gifted me a tie, a box of chocolates, and a thoughtfully written card congratulating me and wishing me the best of luck at my new job. They were both truly special people and the world is a poorer place without their loving presence.
    06/28/2023 12:36 pm

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