Reynaldo “Rey” Gregorio Labrador Yatco, M.D., 76, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in Columbus, Ohio, on July 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, physician, mentor, and friend, Rey lived a life defined by compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.

Born on September 7, 1949, in Manila, Philippines, Rey was the beloved son of Feliciana Labrador Yatco and Miguel Guico Yatco. He attended the University of Santo Tomas from kindergarten through medical school, laying the foundation for a lifetime of service. After earning his medical degree, Rey came to the United States to complete his internship and residency at the Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, followed by his fellowship in diagnostic radiology at Roswell Park Memorial Institute, the world's first dedicated cancer research center, in Buffalo, New York. He later served as a radiologist at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, before making Monroe, Louisiana, his home, where he spent most of his distinguished career with Radiology Consultants at Glenwood Regional Medical Center and later with Brown-Folse Radiology Group, serving patients throughout Louisiana.

Beyond his medical practice, Rey was deeply committed to his community. He was a faithful member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Monroe and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbus. In 1990, he was a founding member and the first president of the Philippine-American Association of Northeast Louisiana (PAANEL), an organization established to preserve Filipino culture and build community in the region, which remains active today. He was also a dedicated supporter of the University of Louisiana at Monroe Athletic Foundation and longtime member of Bayou DeSiard Country Club, where he helped grow the W.E. Cole Cotton States Invitational into a nationally recognized amateur golf event.

Above all, Rey’s greatest joy was his family. He met the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Ferrer Braganza Yatco, in 1971 on an elevator in the medical ward where they were training, and it was love at first sight. They married on September 7, 1974, Rey’s birthday, so he often joked he would never forget their anniversary. They shared over 50 years of marriage, celebrating their golden anniversary in 2024 in Italy, surrounded by family. He had an especially close bond with his daughter, Veronica Rae Yatco Bradley, with whom he loved spending time, especially on the golf course. He warmly welcomed her husband, Anthony "Tony" Christopher Bradley, into the family, and together they gave him one of his greatest joys, his grandson, William "Raleigh" Yatco Bradley. He treasured their annual trips to Rosemary Beach and Walt Disney World and delighted in their conversations about investing and life.

Rey enjoyed traveling, sports, movies, and playing the piano while family and friends gathered around to sing. He had a gift for making people laugh, and even in difficult times, his humor brought comfort to those around him. Whether caring for a patient, encouraging a loved one, or reaching out to someone who needed a friend, Rey had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and valued. The outpouring of love during Rey’s illness, as dozens of family members and friends traveled from near and far to be by his side, was a testament to the remarkable life he lived and the deep affection so many had for him.

He is survived by his wife, Ginny Yatco; his daughter, Veronica (Tony) Bradley; his grandson, Raleigh Bradley; and his sister, Gloria (Victoriano) Dungca; along with many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Feliciana Yatco; his father, Miguel Yatco; his mother-in-law, Caridad Braganza; his father-in-law, Dominador Braganza, Sr.; his sister, Jocelyn (Virgilio) Carreon; his brother, Miguel (Teresita) Yatco, Jr.; and his brother, Ricardo (Mahelfa) Yatco.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, August 7, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 AM at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2510 Emerson Street, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA. The Rite of Committal will take place at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, 623 US-80. A celebration of life reception will follow at Bayou DeSiard Country Club, 3501 Forsythe Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Louisiana at Monroe Athletic Foundation or The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. In honor of Rey’s memory, the family encourages performing an act of kindness for someone in need of a friend, a simple gesture that reflects the way he lived every day.