Rejoice, the Lord is risen!  Dr. Rogener "Joe" Lacerna of Elyria, Ohio, beloved husband of the late Gail Leslie Lacerna, passed away on April 17, 2025, at O'Neill Healthcare at North Olmsted at the age of 77.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Janice Kovach of Elyria OH and his stepdaughter Angela Holland of Cincinnati, OH.   He is survived by his daughter Nikki (Rollie) Rogers of Milan OH, stepson Chris Hoffman of North Olmsted OH, son in laws Ken Kovach and Richard Holland, and grandchildren Briahna, Brandon, Connor, Kaia, Sasha and Jacob. He is also survived by his brothers, Raul, Leocadio Jr, Renato and Luis, sisters, Lilia, Lorna, Ledda and Maria Lilibeth, as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews. His family will receive relatives and friends in the Weigand Room at St Mary's Church 10:00 am for gathering followed by a Mass Service in his honor, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church at 320 Middle Ave, Elyria, OH. The Reverend Father Charles T. Diedrick, Pastor will be the Celebrant. Family inurnment will take place with later date at ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY, 32789 DETROIT AVE, AVON, OH 44011.

Rogener "Joe" was born in Candelaria Quezon, Philippines on April 21, 1947, to Leocadio Lacerna Sr and Purita Burgos. He was the second of nine children. He graduated in 1972 from the University of  Santo Thomas, Philippines as Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. He immigrated to the United States in 1974 and finished his internship and residency at Elyria Memorial Hospital. He had been a Primary Care Doctor for 40 years in Elyria, OH.

Aside from his solo practice, he was also affiliated with Sacred Heart Hospital in Cumberland, Maryland, Cooper Foster Urgent Care in Amherst, ER physician in Bellevue OH, Urgent Care Physician in Mediclinic in Elyria, and UH Elyria Memorial Hospital.

His hobbies and interests included fishing, riding bikes, writing, playing piano/keyboard and reading books. He was known to his colleagues, residents, nurses, and patients as a compassionate, caring physician and loved by everyone he gives care.  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com