SALEM, NH: Fernando A. dos Santos, M.D., Ph.D., a prominent area physician, and former Professor of Medicine, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.
He was the devoted husband of Jane E. (Saunders) dos Santos, with whom he celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2009.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Celso and Alzira (Alves) dos Santos.
Dr. dos Santos was raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and graduated from the Medical University of Brazil in 1959.
He later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his first Ph.D. in Medicine in 1978. Dr. dos Santos was awarded a second Ph.D. from the University of Medicine in Brazil for his tireless research on the subject of Inter-Vascular Coagulation of Yellow Fever.
An accomplished author, Dr. dos Santos has 176 publications to his credit.
Prior to forming his private practice in Salem, NH in 2000, he was a professor and head of the hematology department at the University of Medicine in Brazil for 28 years.
Dr. dos Santos was as a humble and dedicated physician who cared for his patients tirelessly.
For relaxation, Dr. dos Santos enjoyed growing and caring for the many different species of fruit trees which adorned his yard. In addition he was an avid reader and researcher.
His greatest treasure was spending time doting on his beloved grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Jane, he is survived by two sons, Paul E. dos Santos, Robert S. dos Santos and his wife Lindsay all of Lowell; one sister, Emilia A. dos Santos of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; his four grandchildren, Marina C. Cashman of Tewksbury, Brianna D. and Robert A. dos Santos both of Salem, NH and Gabrielle L. dos Santos of Lowell; also many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Calling Tuesday, Feb. 16th, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 8:30 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m., at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggetts Pond Rd., Andover. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.