Princeton - "16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17

Generoso Divinigracia Duremdes, MD, FACS, a beloved husband, father, and esteemed surgeon, went to his Heavenly home on June 12, 2026, at the age of 88, to be with the Lord.

Born on November 13, 1937, in the city of Davao, Philippines, Dr. Duremdes was a beacon of compassion and dedication, whose life was a testament to service and love.

Dr. Duremdes' journey in medicine began at Central Philippine University where he excelled in PreMedicine. He furthered his pursuit of knowledge at Far Eastern University in Manila, where he earned his MD degree in 1960. It was during these formative years that he met the love of his life, Janelle Bermejo. The two married on May 18, 1961, in Iloilo City and embarked on a shared journey that would span 65 beautiful years.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Duremdes, alongside his wife and their young son, Gene, ventured to the United States. He completed his general surgery training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, in 1968. His thirst for knowledge and skill led him to pursue an additional fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at the renowned Wyler Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago, under the mentorship of Dr. Mark Ravitch, icon in Pediatric Surgery.

Originally planning to return to the Philippines, the Duremdes family chose instead to settle in Princeton, West Virginia, where Dr. Duremdes found his calling at Princeton Community Hospital. What began as a temporary stay evolved into a lifelong commitment to the community he came to cherish.

For over five decades, Dr. Duremdes served as a cornerstone of medical care in southern West Virginia, sharing his surgical expertise and compassionate spirit with countless patients. His legacy continued as he worked alongside his son, Dr. Gene B. Duremdes, from 1993 until his retirement in 2022. The duo, affectionately known as "Dr. Dad" and "Dr. Gene," brought healing and hope to the community. A man of faith, Dr. Duremdes was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Princeton since 1969. His deep spirituality permeated his work, as he often prayed with his patients before surgery, ever mindful of the divine grace in healing.

In addition to his work in the operating room, Dr. Duremdes believed in giving back. Through his family's philanthropy, he helped create educational opportunities for surgeons in his native Philippines, ensuring that his commitment to advancing medicine would reach far beyond our community. He was also a dedicated supporter of the PCH Foundation, championing its mission to help patients overcome financial barriers to care and access to health care services they needed. Because of the generosity and faithfulness of Drs. Generoso and Jane Duremdes, Bluefield University has been blessed to host the Duremdes Christian Emphasis Week each year since 1992. In addition to this meaningful Legacy, the Drs. Generoso and Janelle Duremdes Endowed Scholarship, established in 2006, reflects their deep appreciation for higher education and their heart-felt desire to help students pursue their academic and spiritual journeys. Beyond his professional accomplishments.

Dr. Duremdes was a loving husband and father. He cherished traveling and dancing with his beloved Jane, creating treasured memories together. Dr. Duremdes was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress, reflecting his commitment to excellence in his field. In 2021, he was awarded the Distinguished Philanthropist Award from the American College of Surgeons Foundation. His warmth, integrity, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Janelle B. Duremdes, MD, FAAP, and his cherished son, Gene B. Duremdes, MD, MBA, FACS and his wife, Mary. His legacy of love, healing, and faith will forever be remembered and celebrated by those fortunate enough to have known him.

A service to honor Dr. Duremdes' remarkable life will be held at the First Baptist Church, located at 1116 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV, on Friday July 10, 2026. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm followed by a memorial service from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. His family, friends, and community will gather to pay tribute to a man whose life was a blessing to so many.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Generoso D. Duremdes, MD, FACS to his favorite charities; First Baptist Church, 1116 Mercer Street, Princeton, WV 24740, Princeton Community Hospital Foundation, 122 Twelfth Street Princeton, WV 24740, or Bluefield University, 3000 College Drive, Bluefield, VA 24605.