MARGARETVILLE - Dr. Humberto Moizez Abrahao, 77, longtime Margaretville physician, died peacefully Friday morning, May 12, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife, Amalia; children, Lara, Thalia and Gregory; and mother-in-law, Victoria.

Born in Valenca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Feb. 19, 1940, Dr. Abrahao was the eighth of 11 children of Maria and Moizez Abrahao, a merchant.

Dr. Abrahao received his medical degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro on Dec. 16, 1965. Prior to receiving his New York State license to practice medicine and surgery in 1977, Dr. Abrahao completed his post-graduate training at the following hospitals: 1967 to 1968, Long Island Jewish Hospital - Internship 1968 to 1970 - Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center - assistant resident in surgery 1970 to 1971 - St. Mary's Hospital - resident in surgery 1971 to 1973 - New York Infrmary - chief surgical resident 1973 to 1974 - Doctor's Hospital - Fellowship in Surgery In 1977.

Humberto and Amalia Abrahao settled in Margaretville, nestled in the Catskill Mountains, where he began his practice of general surgery and general medicine in conjunction with Margaretville Memorial Hospital. Amalia focused her efforts on raising their three children and later joined her husband as office manager.

Margaretville Memorial Hospital enjoyed a thriving surgical practice in the 1970s and early 1980s in part to Dr. Abrahao's tenure during which he performed a broad spectrum of surgeries ranging from minor to life-saving operations.

When Margaretville Memorial Hospital ceased its major surgical service, Dr. Abrahao accepted the challenge, adjusted his practice and continued to dedicate his service to a community, which had become his hometown. Dr. Abrahao served as the Director of Surgical Services from 1990 to 2011 and Director of Emergency Services from 1993 to 2001 at Margaretville Memorial Hospital.

A longtime Rotarian, he served as president of the local club from 1983 to 1984, and was the Margaretville Central School physician for 19 years.

In 1993, Dr. Abrahao was elected a Fellow of the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 2002, more than 100 of Dr. Abrahao's friends and neighbors gathered in the local fire hall to thank their friend for his selfless service to his community. Speakers that evening noted how easily Dr. Abrahao could have joined the many highly skilled medical specialists who left their rural Critical Access Hospital for greener pastures, but instead remained; Dr. Abrahao's commitment to community and service set him apart from the rest. For nine more years, Dr. Abrahao continued to serve his community until he retired in May 2011. Upon his retirement, Dr. Abrahao was praised by many as a kind and compassionate man who cared deeply about his patients, medical staff, and families, was the epitome of a gentleman, an excellent surgeon and diagnostician, who was gentle and meticulous during procedures, and attentive and available afterwards. "This is a major loss to our community," said Nurse Practitioner Joanne McLaughlin, who collaborated with Dr. Abrahao for many years and cared for him during his final days. "Dr. Abrahao was part of a line of physicians who put community and patients first. We miss him already." Eight-year old granddaughter, Sofia, put it this way, "He was the greatest doctor in the world!"

Dr. Abrahao was a passionate soccer fan, following the fortunes of Botafogo, the Rio team he rooted for his entire life. Along with his brothers, Humberto played "futebol" on leagues during his youth.

Dr. Abrahao equally and generously dedicated his life to both his profession and his family.

Along with Amalia, Lara, Thalia, Gregory and Victoria, Dr. Abrahao is survived by four grandchildren, the aforementioned Sofia, Laila, Giovani, and Gabriela; sons-in-law, Jose Humberto Colon and Hansel Gonzalez; daughter-in-law, Ashley Staab; along with seven siblings, 13 nieces and eight nephews in Brazil.

He is predeceased by his parents, Maria and Moizez Abrahao; and siblings, Salua M. Abrahao, Olga M. Abrahao, Abrahao M. Abrahao.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m., May 19, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Margaretville, with the Rev. Daniel Quinn as celebrant.

Funeral arrangements are by Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.