Obituary of Dr. Danilo Carlos Mangunay
Dr. Danilo Carlos Mangunay was born on December 12, 1946, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, in Green Brook, NJ, on January 15, 2025.
Following his graduation from Arellano High School, Danny pursued premedical studies at the University of the Philippines, where he was a proud member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity. He continued his medical education at the University of the East RMMMC (Class of 1973), where he joined Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and met the love of his life, Nora. They were married for 48 wonderful years.
After graduation, Danny and Nora embarked on a remarkable journey, leaving behind the oppression of Martial Law in the Philippines to work as overseas contract physicians in Iran. They married and welcomed their daughter Kathleen in the Philippines before moving to the United States in 1979. Settling in New Jersey, they built a new life together and welcomed their son, Jeremy.
Danny completed his training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mt. Sinai in New York City. He went on to work as an Emergency Medicine physician at Christ Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Jersey City before opening his private PM&R practice in Jersey City, where he served his community for many years.
A dedicated physician, Danny was also a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. His zest for life was unmatched, and he brought joy to every room he entered. He was known for his warm personality, booming laugh, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. Whether singing with The Lettermen during a concert, dancing at a party, or belting out karaoke classics, Danny embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed playing tennis, watching sports (even when his favorite teams had losing records), following horseracing, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones. Danny was active in the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity, the UERM Northeast chapter of alumni, and the Filipino-American community in New Jersey. In the 1990s, he wrote a column titled "Laser Beam" for a national Filipino-American newspaper, sharing his wit and perspective with readers.
Danny was predeceased by his parents, Bernardo Mangunay and Renata Carlos. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Dr. Nora Ramos Mangunay; his daughter, Dr. Kathleen Mangunay Pergament, her husband Joshua, and their three sons, Elijah Mangunay, Isaac Stuart, and Danny’s namesake, Asa Danilo; his son Jeremy; Marianne Ramos Kramer, her husband Jordan, and their daughters, Sybil and Daphne; Paolo Ramos, his wife Mary, and their children, Caleb and Madeline; his sister Celia, his brothers Armando, Carlos, Rogelio, and Ramon, and their families; as well as countless extended family members, friends, and caregivers who cherished him.
Danny’s legacy is one of kindness, humor, and an enduring love for family, friends, and community. He inspired those around him to live boldly, love deeply, and celebrate every moment. He will be remembered for his boundless generosity, his unwavering devotion to his loved ones, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. His absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply, but his spirit and memories will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Visitation will be held on both Thursday, January 23, 2025, and Friday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with Upsilon Sigma Phi Final Rites at 6:30 PM on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Mount, 170 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ.
