Juan Patricio Gadea

Juan Patricio Gadea Rodas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on November 14th at the age of 87. 

Juan was born in Asunción, Paraguay to his parents Pastor and Eva Gadea on June 24th, 1938. He was the oldest brother to his siblings Marta, Ruben, and Elba. As a young man, he taught himself English and then gave English lessons to help pay for his medical school in Paraguay. It was during medical school that he met his wife, Delia, a nurse at the same hospital. After marrying, the two moved to the U.S. so Juan could help a short-staffed hospital that had requested help from international doctors who spoke English. He later opened a private pediatric practice in Newark, Delaware. He worked extremely  hard to build a successful medical practice and support his wife and three daughters, Patricia, Claudia, and Natalie. 

Juan was a beloved and highly respected pediatrician in Delaware. He also took great joy in his friendships with other Paraguayans, often hosting gatherings at his home, which formed core memories for his family. He was known for his unwavering work ethic, strong-will, devotion and love for his wife Delia, who he diligently cared for until her death from Alzheimer’s last Christmas Eve, his corny sense of humor, his love of tennis, and his extensive generosity.

Aside from his daughters and siblings, Juan is survived by his five grandchildren: Maximus Cannon, Wilson Parke, Vivian Parke, Michael Lewis, and Isabel Lewis. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

A private memorial service will be held in his honor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

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