Dr. Jose Tenorio Villagomez, 72

Dr. Jose Tenorio Villagomez—considered an influential community leader in the CNMI, a great motivator and mentor, and a great family man—bid his last farewell yesterday. He was 72.

Dr. V, as he was fondly called, was pronounced dead at 10:42am at the Commonwealth Health Center on Saipan.

The death was due to a lingering illness, his family said without elaborating.

Vice Speaker Timothy P. Villagomez, the fourth child of the deceased, described his father as “the greatest dad that you can ever have.”

“He took good care of his kids. He taught us well, and all our successes are attributed to him and mom,” said Tim.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, in a statement issued early afternoon yesterday, said that Dr. V “served the public in many capacities, most notably as a physician and as the Director of Public Health.” Villagomez had specialized in pediatrics and family care.

“I learned today, with great regret, that Dr. Jose T. Villagomez passed away. On behalf of the people of the CNMI, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Rita, and his family members,” the governor said.

The governor said he has known the late physician for many years.

House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial was quoted as saying he was greatly saddened by the loss of “a great man.”

“The speaker is very sad to learn of the death of Dr. Villagomez and he expresses his condolences to the family,” said House leadership spokesman Charles Reyes Jr.

Fitial, who is seeking the gubernatorial post in this year’s election, is running with Tim.

“He [Fitial] is very close to Tim. They are running together and work well together at the Legislature. So it’s a blow to the speaker,” said Reyes.

Sen. Thomas “Kiyu” Villagomez, Reyes said, considers his cousin Dr. V. as “a very close and trusted adviser.”

“They were very close. Sen. Kiyu considers him a mentor, the one who motivated him to go into politics. Dr. V. played many roles in his political career and in his life,” said Reyes.

Dr. Villagomez was said to be very much involved in politics, but he never actually ran for any position. Dr. Villagomez was a major supporter of then Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. He was the chairman of the committee to elect Tenorio-Pepero in the mid 90s. During Tenorio’s first two terms in the 80s, Dr. Villagomez served as director of Public Health.

He is regarded as an influential adviser to the former governor, Sen. Villagomez, and lately to his own son, Timothy. Without the blessing of Dr. Villagomez, Timothy would neither have joined politics nor joined Covenant Party, Reyes said. The Villagomez family has been traditionally associated with Republican Party.

Rep. Oscar M. Babauta described Dr. Villagomez as “a passionate guy.”

“I used to see him at the former Dr. Torres Hospital (now the Northern Marianas College), treating residents, and talking with patients to comfort and cheer them up,” said Babauta.

“He will be deeply missed by his families and friends,” said the lawmaker.

Dr. Villagomez is survived by his wife, Rita Pangelinan, and five children: Joaquina, Dave, former Health Secretary Kevin Joseph, Timothy, and Rowena.

The news of Dr. Villagomez’ death yesterday prompted the House of Representatives to cancel its session, set at 2pm yesterday.