Dr. Mauro Pat Gangai, MD

Dr. Mauro P. Gangai, known to all as Moe, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, teacher, and patriot, passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, on August 14, 2025. He was 95 years old.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mauro lived a life of service, devotion, and purpose. A proud graduate of Holy Cross College (Class of 1952) and Tufts Medical School (1956), he dedicated his life to the healing profession and to the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of full Colonel. His career spanned decades of excellence as a surgeon, urologist, and educator, shaping the lives and careers of countless physicians around the world.

In June 1956, just six days after earning his medical degree, Mauro married the love of his life, Lorraine Doherty, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Worcester. Their story, which he fondly recorded later in life, began on a dance floor in the early 1950s — a moment that blossomed into a partnership lasting 63 years. Together they raised four children and shared a lifetime of adventure and devotion.

Mauro’s 23-year military career carried the Gangai family around the world, from Albany and Washington, D.C., to Italy, California, Washington State, Hawaii, and finally Texas. As Chief of Urology at major Army medical centers, including Tripler in Honolulu and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, he embodied the highest ideals of military medicine — discipline, compassion, and commitment to excellence. He also represented the U.S. abroad, helping to train physicians in Jordan, and was admired by his peers for his leadership and humility.

After retiring from the Army in 1979, Mauro continued his medical service as Chief of Surgical Services at the VA Hospital in Kerrville, Texas, where he remained until his final retirement in 1999. Even after stepping away from the operating room, Dr. Gangai continued to inspire those around him with his kindness, wit, and unshakable sense of duty.

In retirement, Moe and Lorraine embraced the open road, traveling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in their motor home — even reaching Alaska in 2012. When Lorraine’s health declined, Mauro stood steadfastly by her side until her passing in 2015. At Brookdale Alamo Heights (Juniper Village), where he was known affectionately as “Dr. G.”, he continued to share stories, offer wisdom, and live with grace, gratitude, and faith.

Dr. Gangai is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lorraine; his brother, Joseph Gangai; and their parents, Ignazio and Pasqualina (D’Terlizzi) Gangai.  He is survived by his brother, Gino V. Gangai, and his wife, Paula, of Paxton, MA. His children, Angelo Gangai, his wife Lisa Tames Gangai, Anna Gangai Liesman, her husband, Bruce Liesman, Adele Gangai, and Amy Priest and her husband, Forest Priest; and his four grandchildren, Mikaela Gangai, Madison Gangai, Tessa Liesman, and McKenna Liesman; and the many extended family, colleagues, students, and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

Throughout his long and remarkable life, Mauro never lost his curiosity, humor, or humility. He often said, “God has been good to me,” and his family and friends can say with certainty: God was good to all who knew him through him.

A ceremony with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on November 25, 2025, at 2:15 pm, with a Celebration of Life to follow. A Memorial Mass will be said at St. Anthony di Padua in San Antonio on November 28. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dr. Mauro P. Gangai’s name to the Fisher House Foundation https://www.fisherhouse.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/ , American GI Forum of Bexar County https://www.agifbexarcounty.org/donate , or any Veteran’s Medical charity of your choice

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