Manuel M. Fajardo, M.D., 97, Tampa, Fla.
It is with great sorrow and immense gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Manuel M. Fajardo, M.D., 97, on May 25, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
Born in Lima, Peru, on May 15, 1929, he grew up during the Second World War and learned to be a great help to his parents and seven younger siblings, working several part-time jobs during his young adult years while attending high school and college. He demonstrated an early passion for reading, singing, reciting poetry, and studying languages, including his first English lessons at age 12.
At the historic National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1948 and his Doctorate in Medicine in 1955. Dr. Fajardo emigrated to the United States in 1956 to begin his residency in Pathology at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, by invitation. He later became a naturalized U.S. citizen and completed additional residency training at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois and at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami, Florida.
From 1956 to 1988, Dr. Fajardo earned licensure to practice as a Physician in multiple states, predominantly practicing in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and Georgia until his retirement in 2013. He completed Board Certifications in Clinical and Anatomic Pathology and in Family Medicine. He enjoyed caring for patients of all ages and was well-suited to being a Family Physician. He also adapted well to practicing in small rural communities, as well as large cities. He completed Fellowships with the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of International Physicians.
Dr. Fajardo was a member of the American Society of Cytology, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and the Peruvian American Medical Society. He served as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa from 1981 to 1984.
Dr. Fajardo was a member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, the Scottish Rite Masonic Center of Tampa, and the Italian Club of Tampa. After retiring in June 2013, he continued to enjoy reading, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Fajardo was preceded in death by his parents: Amanda Tello Dominguez, Pedro R. Dominguez, Sr., and Manuel Fajardo, Sr.(c.1935); his wife: Maria Luz Fajardo Galvez, two sisters: Mrs. Betsabe (William) Anglim and Mrs. Estrellita (Francisco, D.M.D.) Cavero, and two brothers: Mr. Pedro R. Dominguez (Thelma) and Mr. Vincent Fajardo.
He is survived by his children: Flower Fajardo, Manuel V. Fajardo, Jr., Rossanne Fajardo, and Yvonne (E. George, M.D) Rosanelli; Godchildren: Erick H. Hurtado and Maria Luz Galvez; Siblings: Mrs. Palmira R. (Gaspar) Testa, Mrs. Edelmira J. Mateo and Mr. Anthony Dominguez, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews.
A Catholic Funeral Mass is scheduled on June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST, at the Mary Help of Christians Center Catholic Church, 6400 East Chelsea Street, Tampa, Florida 33610. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life and memorial beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST in the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610.
Entombment in the Garden of Memories mausoleum is scheduled after the memorial. Both will be mass, and the
Celebration of life will be live-streamed.
The link for the funeral mass is: https://youtube.com/live/d4-skeVvByk?feature=share
The link for the celebration of life is: https://www.youtube.com/live/1sqXRQAnPOI
The Fajardo Family would like to thank family and friends for their support and condolences. We thank Dr. Nimesh Panchigar, M.D. and the medical and nursing staff of Tampa General and BayCare Hospitals.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation at: https://www.tgh.org/foundation/giving/how-togive OR for BayCare Hospitals at: http://www.sjhfoundation.org
