Roberto A. Bacani, M.D.

Roberto A. Bacani, M.D. — obituary

Roberto Antonio Bacani, MD, age 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at his Liberty Township home, on January 25, 2026.

Roberto (known as ‘Bob’ to family and friends) was born in Quezon City, the Philippines, on May 13, 1938. As a young scholar, he excelled in school and graduated high school at the age of 14. Upon high school graduation, he attended the University of the East in Manila, graduating in 1961. Shortly afterwards, he emigrated to the United States in 1962.

Dr. Bacani began his medical career in Youngstown, Ohio in the early 1960s, and was one of the area’s preeminent Nephrologists in the Mahoning Valley. He was a pioneer in the study of kidney disease, establishing the area’s first hemodialysis unit at Northside Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio in the early 1970’s. At the time the unit opened, area options for such critical conditions were limited for patients needing alternative care. Greatly admired by his patients and colleagues, with a career that spanned nearly six decades, he was recognized by the Mahoning County Medical Society naming him their ‘Distinguished Physician of the Year’ in 2022.

He married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Fitzpatrick (aka ‘Beth’), in June 1965 after both meeting at Northside Hospital at the start of their healthcare careers ~ she as a nurse in training and he as a first-year resident. They raised their three children on the North side of Youngstown and fostered lifelong friendships with numerous families to this day.

Bob was happiest in the company of his family and friends. His various interests over the years included photography, music (he loved playing his guitar), travel, history, golfing, skiing, playing cards with his PCPA group and was an avid moviegoer and book collector.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Beth and is survived by his three children, Dante Bacani, Cynda Bacani Brainard, and Robert Bacani. His two surviving grandchildren, Lily and Wilson Brainard were adored by their ‘PopPop’.

Furthermore, he is predeceased by his parents, Alberto and Nina Bacani, and by his siblings Lyda, Viña, and José; he is survived by his youngest sister, Mimi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation (https://www.kidney.org).

Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 5th from 4 to 7 pm at Shriver Allison Courtley Funeral Home located at 292 Madison Avenue, Youngstown, OH. A mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, Feb. 6th at 11:00am at St. Edward’s Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown, Ohio.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home proudly serving the community for more than 124 years.

Please send thoughts and condolences to the funeral home website/