Rogelio Doromal Depra

Sumter, SC …… Dr. Rogelio “Doc” Doromal Depra, Lt Colonel, U.S. Air Force Retired, 90, widower of Florentina “Polly” Depra, died on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Cherokee Medical Center in Gaffney, South Carolina.

Born in Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines, he was the son of the late Francisco Derla Depra and Teofila Dineros Doromal.  As a young child, he grew up in the Philippines during the Japanese invasion and occupation of the islands during World War II.  These early experiences influenced his lifelong desires to become a physician and serve in the military.  His life became about healing and service.  After attending the University of Santo Tomas, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1962 on a work visa, starting his medical career at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, New York, enjoying bachelorhood to the fullest cruising around in his 1956 Chevy Bel Air -- the ladies loved that!  In 1966 he found himself at French Hospital in New York City where he met the love of his life and wife, Polly, for the next 52 years.

After this, Roger and his lovely bride raised 4 wonderful children and, in 1979, they decided to join the U.S. Air Force fulfilling his second lifelong dream of becoming a soldier. Their 20-year adventure took them to the Mojave Desert of California, Upstate New York, Ankara Turkey, and finally retiring at Shaw AFB, making Sumter SC home for the remainder of their years.  While on active duty, Doc attained the qualifications of Flight Surgeon at Edwards AFB and Chief of the Primary Clinic at Griffiss AFB, Balgat AB, and Shaw AFB.  He was a kind, patient, and thorough physician, endearing to both patients and staff. 

In retirement, he was active in the Military Officers Association of America, but his focus was mainly on spending time with his children and grandchildren, instilling in them the importance of family.  He kept busy reading (loved history), keeping himself physically fit, overseeing his rental property, working on his 1989 Jeep Wrangler, and traveling the world.  It was a common sight to see Doc & Polly just cruising around The Oaks and through Sumter on a Sunday afternoon, reflecting and enjoying the blessings God had bestowed on them.  He also enjoyed hanging out and playing Mahjong with the Sumter Philipine community (his kababayan). 

He was preceded in death by his wife Polly Depra and his daughter, Julie Depra. 

He is survived by three daughters, Debbie Curtis and her husband, Stephen, of Chapin, Emily F. Russell and her husband, Peter, of Johns Island, and Polly A. Moxley and her husband, Rick G. Moxley, Lt Colonel, U.S. Air Force Retired, of Tamassee, one son, Dr Roger C. Depra and his wife, BernaDeane, of Spartanburg, a sister, Zaida Moleta of Huntley, IL, a brother, Benito Depra of Bedford, NY, and 10 grandchildren, Amanda Russell, Army CPT Conner Russell and wife CPT Emma Russell, Trevor Moxley, Evan Moxley, Samantha Russell, Nicole Curtis, Irene Moxley, Michael Depra, Christopher Depra, and Roger A. Depra, Jr. 

A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church.  The internment will follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors.  The pallbearers will be Stephen Curtis, Peter Russell, Conner Russell, Rick Moxley, Trevor Moxley, Evan Moxley, Michael Depra and Christopher Depra. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.  A Rosary will begin at 2:30 pm preceding the visitation in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following charities: Wounded Warriors Project, Toys for Tots, Alzheimer’s Association, Tunnels to Towers and Fisher House Foundation.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements. 

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