Dr. Jose Delgado

Funeral services for Dr. Jose Delgado will be conducted Thursday at 11 A.M. in the First Methodist Church with Rev. Mac Infinger officiating. Interment will follow in Heritage Memorial Park. The family will receive friends here at Williams Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 until 7 P.M. and a Rosary will be said at 7 P.M. in Williams Funeral Home Chapel. Dr. Jose Arturo Delgado, esteemed physician, devoted husband, and loving father, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at his home in Milledgeville, Georgia surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 6, 1928 in Havana, Cuba to Jose and Isabel Cobo Delgado, he embarked on a life journey marked by dedication, resilience, and compassion. A scholar from his earliest days, Dr. Delgado pursued his early education in La Instituto de La Vibora in Havana, Cuba where he cultivated a passion for learning and service. In 1954, he married Teresita Fernandez, and together they raised three cherished children: Teresita, Jose Jr., and Esther Maria. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Havana Medical School, where he not only excelled academically but also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding La Polilla, a book and print shop. In 1959, he proudly earned his medical degree, from the University of Havana, a testament to his unwavering determination and intellectual prowess. However, the winds of political change swept through Cuba as Fidel Castro rose to power, prompting Dr. Delgado to make a courageous decision. Faced with an intolerable regime, he, along with his wife, son, brother, and five others, embarked on a perilous journey across the Florida Straits in a small 17-foot boat. Their arrival on Sugarloaf Key marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with freedom, hope, and opportunity. After being welcomed by extended family in Key West and a brief stop at the Freedom Tower in Miami, he ventured to St. Louis, Missouri where he accepted a job working alongside his brother-in-law. At the same time, he honed his medical skills while completing a rotating internship at St. John's Mercy Hospital. In 1968, Dr. Delgado's path led him to Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, under the guidance of Dr. James Craig. Despite initially holding a temporary medical license, his dedication and expertise soon earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the community and in 1970, he earned his medical license in the state of Georgia. From 1970 forward, Dr. Delgado worked in various positions ranging from Director of the Methadone clinic in Macon to Consultant for the Atlanta Penitentiary. He served as Chief of Staff of Baldwin County Hospital and President of the Baldwin County Medical Society. From 1971 to 1973, Dr. Delgado enlisted in a psychiatric residency training program and in 1973, he opened a private practice in Monticello, Georgia. He eventually expanded his service to Milledgeville where he dedicated himself to the field of obstetrics and gynecology bringing forth new lives with joy and commitment. In 1987, Dr. Delgado embarked on a new chapter of love and partnership as he married Marguerite Steverson Ward, a registered nurse with a shared passion for mental health care. Together, they made a formidable team, working tirelessly to serve the middle Georgia area for nearly four decades. Their union was not only one of love but also of shared purpose and dedication to healing the mind and soul. Jose’s and Marguerite's collaboration in healthcare exemplified the profound impact that can be achieved through love, partnership, and mutual respect. After over 40 years of service to the community, Dr. Delgado retired as Medical Director of Oconee Mental Health. Dr. Delgado’s intellectual pursuits extended far beyond the confines of his medical practice, encompassing a rich tapestry of literary and artistic endeavors. An avid reader and writer, he possessed an insatiable appetite for knowledge across a myriad of subjects, a trait that defined his lifelong expression through poetry, painting, and drawing. He enjoyed week-end after week-end fishing and boating at Shellman Bluff - he was at his best when he pulled up his net full of large wiggling shrimp. .Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Delgado proudly published three books, each a reflection of his diverse interests. His debut work, 'The Greek Within Us, The Greek Among Us,' delved into the timeless tales of Greek mythology, offering readers a glimpse into the ancient world that captivated his imagination. His second publication, 'The Cuckoo Clock,' served as both a memoir and a collection of short stories, providing a poignant exploration of the complexities of the human psyche from the unique perspective of a psychiatrist. With his third book, 'La Republica de Biran,' Dr. Delgado turned his scholarly gaze towards the life and legacy of Fidel Castro, offering a nuanced portrayal of a figure who loomed large in the history of his native Cuba. Dr. D, as he was affectionately called, was life member of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, American Medical Association, American Psychiatry Association. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, a testament to a life lived with purpose, love, and boundless curiosity. Though he may have passed from this world, his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory be a blessing to us all. Dr. Delgado is preceded in death by his beloved parents as well as his son, Jose Delgado, his brothers Raul and Luis Delgado, and his nephew, Willy Delgado. He is survived by his sister, Isabel Vidal of Tucker. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Marguerite, whose unwavering support and companionship enriched every aspect of his life . His legacy is carried forward by two daughters, Terri Heiber (Mike) and Esther Maria Noonan (Paul). Additionally, he is survived by his stepdaughters Janet Peeler (Hal) and Susan Gebhart (Bruce), as well as his stepson Robby Ward (Denise), each of whom he welcomed into his heart with open arms. The Delgado family includes a host of grandchildren, including Andrea Heiber, Mandy Epps, Alexander Schofield, Zachary Delgado, Nicholas Delgado and Anthony Bognar, whose lives were touched by his boundless love and wisdom. He also leaves behind step-grandchildren Rebecca Peeler, Rob Ward, Bill Peeler, Tori Padgett, Caroline Gebhart, and Clark Gebhart,, all of whom were blessed to know his gentle spirit and kind heart. Dr. Delgado leaves behind a number of beloved nieces, nephews, and beautiful great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love and compassion into the future. The family would like to extend a sincere thank -you to Dr. Delgado’s caregivers: Ruby Johnson, Lorine Williams, Lucy Rozier, Bernice Winkfield, and Lori Lloyd, along with Ian, Jenna, Vicky and the staff of Georgia Hospice Care. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made in honor of Dr. Delgado to your favorite charity.

Dr. Jose Delgado

February 6, 1928 - April 26, 2024