Manuel Bolante Versola
July 11, 1939 - July 02, 2019
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Obituary For Manuel Bolante Versola
Dr. Manuel B. Versola, 79, of Durham, NC, passed away on July 2, 2019, surrounded by family.
He was born to parents Leonardo Rosario and Raymunda Bolante Versola on July 11, 1939 in Manila, Philippines. He grew up in Abra, a small village in the northern island of Luzon.
Manuel (also known as “Dr. V”) received a doctor of medicine degree from Far Eastern University in Manila and began post-graduate medical training in Brooklyn Cumberland Medical Center in New York in 1968. He completed a rotation in Portsmouth, VA before arriving at Dorothea Dix Hospital in 1970. He received fellowships in adult and child psychiatry and became a forensic psychiatrist for the State of North Carolina.
When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, Manuel and his wife, Mila, chose to raise their young family in the United States. He and his family never returned to the Philippines.
After six years working at Dorothea Dix, Manuel began a small family practice in Fuquay-Varina. When patients were unable to pay their medical bills, their gratitude was shown by delivering bushels of harvest produce to his porch. When patients were unable to travel to his clinic, Manuel would make house calls if necessary.
In the years leading up to the Gulf War, Manuel served honorably for 10 years with the US Army Medical Reserves based out of Ft. Bragg, NC.
Manuel battled prostate cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Despite regular monthly or bi-monthly chemotherapy over the course of 10 years, Manuel continued to treat patients and was especially devoted to the homeless and underserved populations in Wake County. He dreamed of creating a foundation that supports programs for ending homelessness. He expressed regret he was unable to achieve this dream and asked his family and others to carry on God’s work. His humor and endless optimism radiated to all who met and knew him.
Manuel lives on through Mila — the love of his life and wife of 55 years. His spirit lives on in his four children (and their spouses): Anna-Rhesa Versola Kallam (Eddie), Jun Manuel Jordan (Dr. Robyn), Dr. Judy Mariela Versola-Russo (Frank), and Lorrie Jean Versola Furbacher (Johann). Manuel will carry on God’s work through his 11 grandchildren: Leah Versola Kallam, Caroline Cecilia Kallam, Alessandra Mariela Versola Mulder (Shannon), Julianna Marie Versola, Sophia Isabel Versola, Sydney Nicole Mercer, Addison Jordan Mercer, Marc Versola Russo, Mia Versola Russo, Torsten Versola Furbacher and Konrad Siegfried Furbacher. He is survived by his older brother, Fernando Versola and his older sister, Clara Versola Garces.
On Thursday, July 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, visitation will be held at 2pm and funeral mass at 3pm, followed by military honors and a reception in the Founders Room. In honor of Dr. Manuel B. Versola, please make donations to Oak City Cares https://oakcitycares.org/donate/ , a non-profit organization collaborating between Wake County, the City of Raleigh, the Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh.
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
Dr. V and I worked together at Wake County Mental Health, DDH, ATC and Wake County Housing and Homeless Services. What a privilege to know and work with Dr. V all these years. I never saw him without that smile, not once. He touched countless lives of patients, their family members, co-workers and everyone who knew him and yet he always wanted to do more. He was the kindest person and had a loving, servant's heart. He will be missed and we, especially our clients, have lost a treasure. I'm lifting you all in prayer during this difficult time. Tammy Strickland
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September 01, 2020
I am so sorry about Dr. Versola's death. I worked with Dr. Versola from when he came to NC - first at the Wake County Mental Health Center and then at Dorothea Dix. I saw him about three years ago when the Human Service Board went to several facilities in Wake County (I am the Nurse on the Human Service Board). Dr. Versola was so s beautiful man and what a great Forensic psychiatrist. I am going to the beach with my sister who is from Lincoln NE, and her four children and 7 grandchildren so will not be able to attend the wake or funeral. What a fabulous person and psychiatrist he was. Margaret Raynor
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September 01, 2020
Hi Tracy, Thank you so much for your note. Dad spoke highly of you and shared how you both had a big laugh when he walked into the office one day wearing two wrong-sided shoes in two different colors. He said his note self -- don't get dressed in the dark.
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September 01, 2020
My deepest condolences and sympathies Tita Mila. I have you and your family in my thoughts and I share with you my grief and sadness with the loss of Tito Manny. I remember him so fondly as a gentle soul, always smiling and so kind to everyone he meets. May his life be cherished for the good works he has done. To my cousins...you were always fun to be with and I cherish our time that we spent together with your Dad and Mom as we travelled through NC during the Florida days. I miss you all and pray for you during this difficult time. May God bless...Dylan Co
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September 01, 2020
My condolences to your family. Dr. V. and I worked together at Cornerstone for many years. His kindness and gentle spirit touched many lives including my own. A very silly story: Once, the county put on a walk across America health initiative. Dr. V agreed to participate in the team I built to challenge the men's shelter. He took to the walking program with his usual dedication and instead of only walking 10,000 steps a day began walking over 20,000 steps a day. To meet that personal goal, he began walking everywhere he could including the perimeter of the inside of his house. He laughingly told me how he was getting so many steps and that his wife was getting frustrated with his constant pacing of their home! Silly stories aside, he was a lifesaver to countless people who he helped through some of the toughest times of their lives.
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September 01, 2020
I have worked with Dr. V at the South Wilmington Street Center and Cornerstone for 8 years. During those time Dr. V found a way to provide any advice and support towards the client's to uplift them during their challenges. The jokes and laughter we shared made my job to be less stressful. Dr. V was a kind hearted man treated his staff to a wonderful Philippines meal which was delicious. I will surely miss him but hold on to all the wonderful memories. To the family of Dr. V I extend my condolences to you all. Audra Richards
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September 01, 2020
Mrs. Versola and family: I did not know Dr. Versola. I just coincidentally happened to read his obituary in the N&O when it caught my eye as I was tearing out the adjacent page to save the crossword puzzle. For some reason I was prompted to read the obituary, and I was quite impressed by what I read about this amazing man, especially his selfless devotion to, and care for, people in need. Consequently, I have made a monetary donation to Oak City Cares in Dr. Versolas memory, and another donation in memory of our precious son Brian, who died suddenly 3 years ago of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). I believe I was prompted to read about Dr. Versola and to make a donation for a reason. Brian was also an extraordinarily compassionate person and cared very much about the hungry and homeless people around him, even when he was at times somewhat down and out himself. One time when he was unemployed and living on his own away from us in a different city, he paid for a young mothers groceries in line at the supermarket when he saw that she didnt have enough money to cover her purchase. He then put back his own groceries and left the store empty-handed, because he had literally given the young woman his last dime. He had no more money at the time, either in his pocket or in the bank. Dr. Versola must have been the same kind of person. Thankfully and prayerfully, Karen W. Burdette Clayton, NC
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September 01, 2020
Uncle Manny and Auntie Mila were always very warm and welcoming and good hosts whenever we stay at their house on our way to Florida. We're from Toronto Canada. Uncle, your memories will always live in our hearts. Praying for Auntie Mila and for the rest of the family. God bless, Roy and Carol Co
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September 01, 2020
Hi Karen, Thank you for reading Dads obituary and then acting with kindness. You are right in knowing that Dad would have done exactly what your son did to help that young mother. Im sure Dad and Brian will greet each other in heaven. They were angels among us. Blessings to you and your family and many thanks for your gift of donation for homeless programs. Thank you, Anna-Rhesa
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September 01, 2020
Thank you, Margaret Raynor, for posting your message. I will share this too with Mom and our family. Dad loved the beach. He and Mom would walk for miles. When we were little, Dad taught us how to surf fish at Hatteras. We would appreciate you thinking of Dad when you step across the sand and into the water.
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September 01, 2020
Hi Roy and Dylan, Thanks for your notes. Yes, we had such a fun time when our Canadian "cousins" arrived by caravan. Mom and Dad held those memories close and always looked forward to another visit. Love to you all.
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September 01, 2020
Dr V and I worked together at Cornerstone for the last 8 yrs. I liked him instantly- his quick wit and infectious laugh made me feel comfortable right away in my new role! His compassion for others was unbelievable. A few months ago, the day before I went in to have surgery, Dr V was hospitalized and he found the time to text me well wishes for my surgery while laying in a hospital bed himself. Dr V loved his family and often talked about their visits esp during the holidays. Dr V, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. To his family, we will be praying for you during your time of bereavement. Your Cornerstone team and and your favorite nurse, Tracy Sanders-Currie, RN
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