Prominent surgeon and Shrewsbury resident, Dr. Hermenegildo “Hermie” D. Ante, “left this world peacefully at Monmouth Medical Center while surrounded by his three children — Spencer, Nicole and Allison — and loving former wife and mother of his children, Leslie Schoengold” on Dec. 30. He was 98.

Dr. Ante was born on Sep. 23, 1924 in Cotabato, Philippines. The oldest son of Bibiano and Dolores Ante, he had 10 brothers and sisters. 

“Dr. Ante worked 80 hours a week and was very well respected among his peers and community … Dr. Ante was known for his charming bedside manner and incredible generosity with his family and friends, supporting many family needs, frequently offering medical advice and doing house calls for friends and relatives.

“Dr. Ante learned the value of family, discipline and hard work while growing up in a strict military household. His father was a provincial commander and later retired as a general in the Philippine Army after serving in World War II and surviving the Bataan Death March and a Japanese concentration camp. Inspired by his Uncle Stephan who was a physician in Cotabato, Dr. Ante attended the prestigious Saint Thomas University and Medical School in Manila, where he specialized in surgery. He immigrated to America in 1955 to seek out the best medical technology and training
in the world and to make a better life.” 

Loved ones of Dr. Hermie Ante in his obituary

He interned at Fordham Hospital, then did his residency in urology at Morrisania Hospital. There, he met his future wife, Leslie Lowenstein, then the secretary to the chief anesthesiologist. They married in 1965, bought a house in Westbury, Long Island and had three children: Spencer, Nicole and Allison. Dr. Ante practiced at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. In 1977, the family moved to Marlboro to cut down on the commute to St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he worked as a general surgeon for many years. 

He also worked at other hospitals in his distinguished 50-year career, including South Amboy Memorial Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center.

He is survived by: his three children and five grandchildren, Douglas Goldsmith, Gil Goldsmith, Natalie Goldsmith, Justine Ante and Alexander Ante; sisters, Lourdes and Tita; brother, Tony; and countless relatives, friends and former colleagues.

He predeceased by: his brothers, Father Joseph Ante, Marcial, Carmelo; and sisters, Vicky, Clementine, Gloria.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday Jan. 7 at the John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank from 10 a.m. to noon, with blessings given at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home

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