Eliseo Tamola Banguis, M.D.
September 30, 1937 ~ November 17, 2022
Eliseo Tamola Banguis M.D. — loving husband, father of four, grandfather of eight, great grandfather of two and friend of many — passed away on November 17, 2022, at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his wife and children in the comforts of home.
Dr. Banguis — known as Dr. Ely to all — was born to Anatolio and Mercedes Banguis in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. After earning his M.D. from University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, he completed his internship in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and did his surgical residency in Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced general surgery in Lewisburg, West Virginia, before practicing for more than 30 years at W.S. Major Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana, where he served as Chief of Surgery and was the first at Major Hospital to execute laparoscopic procedures.
While in Perth Amboy, he met fellow medical trainee and the love of his life, Lucia Pasilabban Banguis. They spent 57 years working together — he in surgery, she in family practice — and building their family. They married in 1964 and welcomed their children Christopher, Noreen and Eileen. Later they welcomed a fourth child Jennifer.
Through the years Eliseo was a devoted husband and father. Over the years, he enjoyed golfing, traveling, playing piano, singing, playing tennis, and watching and supporting his wife and children in all their hobbies and pursuit. He endeavored to attend nearly every baseball or basketball game; swim or gymnastics meet; piano, flute, trumpet, saxophone, violin recital. And he recorded most of those events with still and video cameras so he and his family could relive and enjoy all the memories. He was a season ticket holder and die hard Colts fan
He continued to be a “superfan” as the next generation — Eliseo and Lucia’s eight grandchildren — gave him more moments to experience and capture on “film.”
Near the end of his professional career and during retirement, he continued to share his gifts through medical mission work in The Philippines, often with his lifelong friends from his medical-training days in Perth Amboy. “The Amboyans” also visited each other and vacationed together throughout the years, visiting all corners of the globe — from the searing heat of hiking the Galapagos Islands to the frigid cold of dog-sledding in Canada to see the Aurora Borealis.
Eliseo is preceded in death by his parents Anatolio and Mercedes and brother Norvel. He is survived by his wife, Lucia, their children Chris, his wife Catherine; daughter Noreen and husband Andrew Cagle; daughter Eileen and husband John Thomason; and daughter Jennifer and husband Charlie Randall. His 8 grandchildren — Jordan, Andrew, and Christopher (Noreen and Andrew), Hannah and Lucy (Eileen and John), Audrey and Abby (Jennifer and Charlie), and Jackson (Catherine and Chris). His two great grandchildren — Alex and Tyler (Jordan and husband Jeffrey Florek). He is also survived by his siblings, Nelson (Sydney Australia), Greenly (San Diego) and Marina (San Diego).
Visitation for Dr. Banguis will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Monday, November 21, 2022, at O’Riley Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 5353 McFarland Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Eliseo’s name may be made to National Organization for Rare Disorders, Attn Dept 5930. P.O. Box 4110, Waburn, MA 01888.
Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory of Eliseo or to sign the online guest registry.
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Our sincere condolence to the Banguis Family. Our prayers are always with you. God Bless From Tita Betty, Tito Dan, Tito George and Tita Cristyl
Always loved him. He treated everyone with love & compassion. And ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS had that big smile on his face.
He will be greatly missed by so many.
Go rest in heaven Saint. ߙ̰ߏݰߙ̰ߏݰߙ̰ߏ½
So many thoughts come to mind. One of my favorite times was at their home for a surgery xmas party. Standing around the piano singing carols while Dr Eli played
Tito Elsie was my baptism ninong or godfather, and one of Mama’s favorite cousins. We kept in touch through the years, and I always looked up to him as he had such a magnanimous spirit not only to his family and us, relatives, but also in his profession as a doctor, doing medical missions, touching lives. He lived a full life, he loved and was loved fully… so long, good-bye for now Tito Elsie, God rest your beautiful soul! ❤ߙ
Remembering Woowoo Ely and his smile that lit up a room. Sending love, peace and prayers.
Dr. Banguis is half of the reason (Dr. Lu is the other half) of why I became an RN. I worked as the receptionist in their practice and helped me see my true calling- nursing. I am one of the luckiest people to have grown up next door to the Banguis family and will always cherish great memories and lasting friendships. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Tito/Ninong Elsie, you brought sunshine into the lives of everyone who knew you. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
We are so sorry for your loss! Keeping your family in our prayers, and we hope these flowers bring you some small bit of comfort. We love you all
Ice cream ߍ¨ Shelbyville ߌ½ surgeon ߑȰߏޢ
⚕️Loving family ߒ• smile smile smile ߘƒ treadmillߏðߏ¾Road trip to Michigan ߚ— waffle ߧ‡ house … Cracker Barrel ߍ³ fun driving ߏŽ in San Diego… like a virgin ߑТ
♀️ Golf ⛳️ tennis ߎ¾ Australia ߇ư߇º Philippines ߇հ߇ Trips near and afar
Uncle … I loved every moment I remember and know the moments I don’t are indelibly etched in my soul… your generosity and care taught me to be grateful and to appreciate my blessings. You leave a legacy of love and joy the runs beyond blood and family but streams to community. Your kids, my cousins, are awesome humans… their kids are awesome humans… so although there are a trail of tears.. the joy prevails. Hope you are resting yet keeping an eye on us. You will be missed but I know you’re never far.
Love you! Always have an always will…
All our love during this difficult time. ߒ” your Dad was so sweet. So sorry for your loss.
WooWoo and Lola were like my second family at Culver! My heart breaks for you all for his loss!
WooWoo is irreplaceable! We were all lucky to have our lives touched by him. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lifetime of memories will always come to mind when we think Uncle Ely…to have intertwined EVERY aspect of life with my parents specifically for 60+ years and our entire family is incredibly special. These memories, the kindness he always had for everyone, and his signature smile will remain in our hearts forever.
Ely, you will never be forgotten.. We went to the same Med. school, trained in the same hospital in New Jersey, went on our honeymoon together.. you and Lu, Cesar and myself, Diony and Virgie…We will never forget your musical voice, your fingers on the piano….so many memories…. You will be missed…
My name is Esperanza Sabisaje Abellaneda. Elsie and l were classmates in grade school and cousins through marriage. In sixth grade,One day before Christmas break the class asked Elsie to sing. He sang “Oh Holy Nite” in his beautiful baritone voice. Our teacher, Mr. Evasco was moved to tears and so was the whole class. We were so quiet for seconds then someone started clapping. My memory of Elsie is his singing and being kind and friendly to everyone.
And now you belong to the Ages ! Godspeed my friend, I’ll treasure the memories growing up and our visits with cousins and friends In Chicago and Shelbyville. To Lu and family l feel your loss and sadness.
With love from Paul, Bing, Richard, Sasha, Shanna, and Ezra.
Sending my love, prayers, and good thoughts.
Eternal peace to you in heaven dear friend. We were so lucky to have shared life on earth with you. Love, Bert & olive
So sorry for your loss. Dr Eli was a wonderful man. I was blessed to have worked with Dr Eli and Dr Lou for many years at Major Hospital. I will keep all of the family in my prayers. God bless, Debbie Gaudin
Our warmest condolences, receive our love Miguel,Karla, Mike, Pau and Pato
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. With heartfelt sympathies. May the angels look over him as he rests in eternal peace.
So sorry for your loss. We send our love and prayers. Tom, Jill, Melissa, Andrew and families
So sorry to hear of his loss. Many wonderful memories working with he and Dr Lou at Major. Sending prayers for the family. Blessed to have known him
We are so sorry of Eli passing. He was a good man and good teacher. He taught me a lot in my career. He will be deeply missed. May Eli rest in peace.
Oen Pouw
There are many memories I would love to share with about my uncle but there are few the that stick out. Me and my sister would visit Indiana from San Diego. Even if we were in our 20’s and 30’s he would still want to take us out, he even drove us to Michigan to visit our aunt. Its because of him I’ve been to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, twice. So now when I see the Indy 500 on tv I can tell everyone I’ve been around that track. He loved his family but he also loved his nieces and nephews.
“My heartfelt sympathy to you all at this sad time” May all your wonderful memories with your Dad comfort you during this heartbreaking timeߒ”..He will be forever missedߒްߙ Rest In Peace (Kuya Ely)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
An angel among us , Ely is one of the kindest person we know . We feel so blessed to have known him . Hugs to you , Lu and your family -Noel,Luna , Gabrielle and Liam
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I will cherish the years I spent in practice with Ely (and Lu) at the Inlow Clinic. Ely was a figure I looked up to and was a good mentor in my early years of practice.
Celine and I, together with our children, Mariel and Carlo, were treated like family for which we are grateful for.
Rest In Peace, old friend. You will always live in our hearts.
Primo and Celine Milan
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Eileen, John, Hannah, & Lucy, our deepest sympathy and love are with you and your family. He captured so many memories of love with his photographs.
My deepest sympathy & condolences to our dear Lu & family. We will miss Ely, but he will always be in our hearts forever. May he Rest In Peace.
So blessed to have known and worked with Dr. Eli and Dr. Lou. He was a kind and wonderful man and physician. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. Debbie Mathies
May the memories of Tito Elsie and the support of all those who know and love him comforts you at the most difficult time.
Another bleak chapter in the Amboyans’ saga.Ely left this earthly domain, headed heavenward for a better domain and once again the rest is plunged into deep deep sorrow. The saga of this closely knitted knotted lifelong friends of twelve started in their 20’s. We’re all octogenarians now. Of the twelve Ely is the 4th to go
Ely had a roving eye pre-marriage. Good-looking, forever smiling, smoothly crooning Matudnila what girl can resist?But after he got smitten with Lu, he didn’t let her get away and from then on faithfulness became the mantra of their marital union that lasted almost six decades. Generous is not enough to describe the benevolence of his heart and spirit. A lot of friends and family can attest to this, always sharing his wealth and time at the slightest call.Ever- giving, ever-loving he played his numerous roles as husband, father, grandfather ,uncle, ninong, physician and friend without limits or hesitation. A competent surgeon,he humanely practiced his profession,hence garnered accolades from his patients for being treated so——accolades the most telling measure of success of any physician and he is very successful indeed. I can truly say he is one man who has compassion for all and malice to no one. The frailties of age have overtaken the exuberance and vitality of youth. Diminished vision and audition, chronic aches and pains an tottering gait are the realities of our existence nowadays. But the memories are undimmed—- the comfort of camaraderie,The peals of laughter during periods of togetherness at weddings, baptisms,touring, cruising or simply just getting together to devour bushels of crabs. These memories are priceless. So long Ely, Dad ,woowoo, Tito Ely, manong Ely, ninong, Dr Ely. We are not saying goodbye because we are certain we’ll meet up again in the future in another dimension—- when our “lease on life”(As Tita Boots says) is terminated(without possibility of renewal, Tita Yeye ‘s quote ). In the meantime we,grieving members of his very extensive family continue to pray for the repose of his soul and that the Almighty grant Lu and immediate family the strength and grace to cope. Even in grief we should all thank God for allowing Ely to touch our lives and be better for it. Godspeed, Ely. You are loved in a way no words can express. Lu/Noreen if you feel appropriate please ask someone to read as part of his eulogy our tribute to Ely. Love to everyone, Tita Yeye (Lilia M Sayson)
Sent from my iPad
Wonderful days working with Dr Eli at the Inlow Clinic in Shelbyville. May you eat in peace. Mary Kay Cortelyou
I only met Dr. Ely a few times, but I encountered the rich warmth of his spirit (and Dr. Lu’s) through 3 of his children, with whom I went to high school. He clearly made the world a better place while he was here, particularly for the family, friends, and patients whose lives he enriched with his love, devotion, and good humor. May we remember and celebrate his life with the same love and appreciation that he showed for others.
Mike Sommer
May God comfort you during this time of grief, Banguis family. Tito Ely was a truly special man who left great legacies on this earth and who now has a special place in heaven. He was a gifted healer who brought compassion and comfort to his patients. He was the epitome of a loving family man. He spread joy and happiness to all blessed to be near him with his kindness, laughter and warm and caring smile.
We thank God for Tito Ely and the mark he made and leaving this world a much better place. RIP Tito Ely. With love and prayers, Noelle Muceno and Family
Condolence to Lucia and the Banguis family. RIP Ely. I always remember the times we play a round of golf and how I envy your smooth and easy way of hitting your drives. Also when you came to Community Hospital East to do a case of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and you asked me to help you on the procedure. You have been missed in our lunch group and will be missed more that you have left us. All of your friends are grieving. Farewell my friend.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We were so sad to learn of Dr Eli’s passing. He was a great husband and father, and was a fine physician/ surgeon. We recall Dr Eli’s warmth and kindness and send our love to Dr Lu and the Banguis family.
—Frank & Sandy Learned
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Banguis Family. Love and Hugs, Jim and Kat Hopkins
Our love and thoughts to you Banguis family. Tito Ely was the epitome of everything good in this world and we are grateful for his friendship.
We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet father. Love, Anita, Nicholas and Jason Staples
Sending lots of prayers to the Bangui family. May comfort come over all of you at this time. Blessed memories you have forever.
One of the best Drs I’ve known he was kind, compassionate he will be missed.
Indianapolis,Indy 500 racetrack tour,Chinese hot and sour soup you want me to try and it’s one of my favorites now.You told me stories when you were growing up in Plaridel.That you and my Papa were like brothers.You both stayed up late listening to the drama on the radio.That you will only go home if' Tia Mading 'will asked you to go home because it’s late.
The smile you gave when we visited you few weeks ago was PRECIOUS and PRICELESS. A warm,loving,caring uncle that’s how I will always remember you .Thank you for everything.
God speed Tito El’s ! Have a peaceful rest among the angels.
Lu, there’s no word to really express my grief on the passing of my BFF, Ely. You have my heartfelt condolence as well as to the whole family. And I pray for his eternal peace. Ely was one of those who encouraged me to come to USA and Perth Amboy became the stepping stone in the building of my own family history that you are quite familiar. I miss him.❤️Jose N R Sayson
So sorry to hear the passing of Dr. Eli! Our thoughts and prayers for the entire family! He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. Praying for comfort.ߙϰߙϰߙϰߙ
Connie Shuppert
From the Wheaton crew – your family is in our thoughts.
I am so blessed to have worked with such a great man! I will always be grateful that Dr. Lou and Ely came to my wedding reception! My regret is not going to the mission trips with them! So caring and compassionate! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family! David Miller
The entire Banguis family, so sorry to hear this and thinking about all of you at this time. What a great man and so thankful to have known him. He literally saved my life. He really did, back in 1982. Every time I would see him, which wasn’t often, but when I did I always hugged him and thanked him for being the ER surgeon the day I was taken to Major. In true form, he’d always say it was nothing, just a days work. He will be missed by many !!!
To Lou and the entire Banguis family, I was so sorry to here about the passing of Eli. I was so fortunate to be in the medical community with Eli for many years at Major Hospital. I always felt bad when I had to call him in during the middle of the night for a C-section on one of my patients. He always came quickly with his ever lasting smile and positive personality and did the job in front of him. There are many great memories working with Eli. He will be missed by all!