LOHMAN FUNERAL HOME
220 Palm Coast Parkway SW
Palm Coast, Florida

Antonio Singson Raval
September 22, 1936 - June 9, 2023



Antonio Singson Raval, MD from Laoag, Philippines, passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2023. He was 86 years of age and passed away peacefully in the presence of family and loved ones.

Tony's childhood and youth were marred and hardened by the ravages of the war and disciplined by the hard bitter peace of the war's aftermath. A better life of freedom and opportunity was sought through education. So after college, Tony gained acceptance to medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila with the intent of moving to the United States to practice medicine.

However, love struck first. It was here during his medical rotations that he first saw my mother, Maria Florena (Nena). It was love at first sight with Tony and Nena. Shortly after he first saw her, he placed a note in her white coat proclaiming that he was going to marry her someday. After a brief courtship, they fell in love and decided to elope. This was the best choice for several reasons. Firstly, it was early in their relationship and even though they were sure of their love for each other, they also knew their families would not approve of such an early nuptial. This was especially true since they were still in medical school and had yet to graduate. Secondly, they originated from two very different and opposing areas of the country that were historically and culturally at odds with each other. Growing up my dad always said, "People from your mom's province don't like people from Laoag." Sometimes, after a few beers, Tony would also add a third reason, "your mother's family just didn't like me because I was so good looking."

After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School, Tony briefly practiced in Mindanao, in the southern part of the Philippines prior to passing the medical flex board exam and gaining internship acceptance at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady, NY. A year later he was joined by the rest of his family in Detroit, Michigan where he and his wife began their medical residencies. During his training he combined his sharp mental acumen with talented and graceful hands to become an exceptional general surgeon. He was a hardworking and dedicated physician. Tony provided complete coverage and care for numerous hospitals spanning multiple counties throughout the metro Detroit area. In some hospitals, he was the only general surgeon available for emergency room coverage. Throughout this time Tony was an irreplaceable asset to the community and served with devotion and purpose.

His professional achievements were equally matched by his athletic prowess. Tony's athletic abilities were well known in his hometown of Laoag as a track and field star as well as the local tennis champion in singles. He continued his passion for tennis well into adulthood and helped coach his eldest son Edwin to excel in the sports as well. Edwin was a star himself earning several scholarships playing tennis in college.

Tony's later years were challenged by both prostate cancer and heart disease, yet he gained exceptional mastery in golf achieving an eight handicap, as well as becoming an avid hunter and fisherman. The size of the fish he caught were beautiful, enormous, and mostly imaginary.

He was a devoted and loving partner to his spouse Maria Florena (Nena), as well as a caring yet firm father to his four children, Cynthia, Edwin, Jeffrey, and Steven. With their love and guidance, all their children achieved graduate level degrees ranging from masters to doctoral level.

His death was preceded by the passing of his son, Edwin (48), his son Steven (48), and his wife Maria Florena (83). He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia (60) with her spouse John McGovern and son, Brendan; his second son Jeffrey (55) with wife Amy and children, Daniele, Matthew, and Sophia. Also, Julia and Joshua Raval, children of Tony's third son Steven, as well as Steven's wife Karen Drumm.

Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast FL 32164 on Saturday July 22nd starting at 10:45 am with a viewing beginning at 10 am. Interment of ashes to follow.