Humberto C. Párraga Chirveches MD, a Bolivian-American physician, author, and intellectual, was born in Sucre, the capital of Bolivia on October 30, 1941, to Cleto Párraga Benitez and Marcelina Chirveches Garnica. He was the eldest of four brothers: Ramiro Párraga Chirveches (deceased), Roberto Párraga Chirveches, and Alfredo Párraga Chirveches.  He is survived by the mother of his children, Rosario C. Párraga, with whom he shared two loving daughters: Marianela Párraga Clow, wife of David Clow, and their children Hollis (10) and Adelise (10); and Karen Párraga Walker, wife of Richie Walker, and their daughters Alicia (11) and Lyna (7). His four grandchildren brought him immense joy, laughter, and pride.

Dr. Párraga pursued his passion for knowledge throughout his life. He excelled in his studies at the University of San Francisco Xavier, earning degrees in both Medicine and Languages and receiving several academic distinctions. His early career included service at the San Pedro Claver Antituberculosis Hospital and various mining company hospitals, most notably the Catavi Specialty Hospital. Immigrating to the United States in 1970s, he joined the esteemed Cleveland Clinic before establishing his own medical practice in Springfield, Illinois. For four decades, he served the Springfield community as a psychiatrist, specializing in child and adolescent care, and publishing extensively in medical journals.

While his medical career was distinguished, he also found fulfillment in his literary pursuits. His writings, characterized by profound social and economic observations of Latin America, seamlessly intertwined with philosophical and poetic reflections.

As an author, Dr. Párraga published numerous works, including "Los Elegidos" (stories), "El Camino Andado" (poetry), "Juguetes Poéticos" (poetry), "Icosahedros" (poetic prose), "A Contraviento" (poetry), "Hombre de los Ecos" (stories), "Corceles" (poetic prose), "El Arúspice" (novel), and "El Soldado Itinerate" (stories), among others, both in print and on Amazon.

His literary achievements garnered significant recognition. He received a Prize from the Department of Culture of the Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca (Short Story Contest, 1967) in Sucre, Bolivia. After a hiatus, he re-engaged with his literary pursuits, becoming a finalist in the III Novel Biennial "Premio Copé Internacional 2011" in Lima, Peru. He was also honored with prizes from the Franz Tamayo (Short Story, 2013) and Eduardo Abaroa (Short Story, 2018) Contests in La Paz, Bolivia.

Dr. Párraga passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 and leaves a lasting legacy of both professional accomplishment and a loving family. He will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM CST/12:30 PM EST Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home, 437 S Grand Ave W, Springfield, IL. A reception and time of fellowship will follow until 1 p.m.

To view the service life, please CLICK HERE

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the following:

Helping Hands Bolivia - https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/help-bolivian-youth-access-higher-education/

The Helping Hands Foundation provides support for marginalized and disadvantaged youth, especially boys and girls with extreme needs. Helping Hands works in the department of La Paz, one of the two most populated regions in Bolivia. This project enables our students to attend university or a technical institute and therefore have the opportunity to fulfill their potential in life.

Springfield Parks Foundation - https://springfieldparksfoundation.org/

The Springfield Parks Foundation (SPF) was formed in 1991 as a not-for-profit fundraising organization dedicated to enhancing the use, growth, and preservation of our parks. Springfield has nearly 40 neighborhood, community, and regional parks.