Dr. Rene Pedro Molina, M.D., 82, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home with his family on March 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
He was born on July 6, 1943, in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Eldest son of Rene “Pipa” Molina and Zoraida “Tatita” Molina. In 1960, he escaped Cuba and immigrated to the United States with his younger brother. Together, they were some of the original members of the PETER PAN MISSION in Orlando, Florida funded by Catholic Charities to house Cuban refugees from Communist persecution.
In 1970 he began medical school at the University of Santiago, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, earning his medical degree in 1976. He continued his studies in the state of Ohio where he further trained in medicine and surgery and ultimately specializing in Urology.
Dr. Molina began practicing as a Urologist in Erie, PA in 1983. Over the course of his distinguished 35-year career, he cared for and served thousands of patients with compassion, dedication, and integrity. He was a beloved physician whose steady presence and genuine concern for others left an indelible impact on his patients and this community. He retired at the age of 67, and touched countless lives through his skill, kindness, and unwavering care, leaving behind a proud legacy.
“Papi,” as he was lovingly called by his children and grandchildren, was a man of many talents and passions. He had a deep love for music and cooking. He found joy in preparing meals for his family, playing the guitar for his grandchildren, and listening to his favorite music. He took great pride in the home he lived in for 43 years, tackling countless projects. He was especially talented at woodworking, building beautiful bedroom furniture for his children and grandchildren, crafting picture frames and crosses, and creating cherished artwork on both canvas and wood, of which we all proudly display in our homes. His talent and creativity will live on in the pieces he lovingly made and shared.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda Molina who he shared his life with for over 60 years. His four children, Rene Molina (wife, Brandi), Lysette Molina Mutkus (husband, Eric), Desi Molina (wife, Rebecca), and Alex Molina (wife, Alethea), fourteen beloved grandchildren: David, Alexia (husband, Cody Johnson), Emily, Brandon (wife, Piper), Olivia, Kayleigh, Sophia, Gabriella, Matias, Jacob, Grace, Julia, Noah, and Ana. Great grandchildren include Kaden and Ella.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Raul Molina and Hector Molina.
Dr. Molina will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering love for his family, his generosity, his talent, and his dedication to his patients. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the community he faithfully served. He will be truly missed.
A memorial service will be held in his honor on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St George Catholic Church beginning at 10 am for an hour of visitation with the family followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to St George Catholic Church, 5154 Peach St., Erie, PA 16509. https://onrealm.org/SaintGeorgePari89845/-/form/give/now