Howard Macaranas, 53

Office on Aging director Howard Macaranas passed away from a stroke yesterday at the Commonwealth Health Center.

Saipan Tribune learned that the 53-year-old official was admitted to CHC’s intensive care unit Monday morning after suffering a stroke.

Macaranas died at 3:30pm yesterday due to a massive cerebral hemorrhagic stroke.

His condition failed to improve during his four-day confinement at the hospital’s ICU, prompting family members to decide to turn off the ventilator.

Macaranas is survived by his wife, Susan, and children.

Macaranas was appointed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial early in his administration to serve as Aging Office director. He succeeded Joseph Palacios at the Man’amko Center.

Press secretary Charles Reyes Jr. said Fitial extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late official.

“The governor was very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mr. Macaranas. He extends his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family,” Reyes said.

The press secretary added that he was with the governor when they learned about the official’s death.

He said Macaranas’ untimely death is a loss to the Commonwealth.

“Mr. Macaranas managed the Aging Center with professionalism and compassion, and his passing represents a loss to our Commonwealth,” added Reyes.

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Cecilia T. Celes described Macaranas as a supportive friend and colleague to everybody in the department.

Prior to his appointment in January 2006, Macaranas and Celes worked in the same department.

Yesterday, all eight divisions of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs closed early to visit the former official at the intensive care unit.

“It’s sad day for all of us. I have been consistently visiting him at the hospital…he’s a very supportive friend and colleague to me and to everybody in the department. We will miss him and he’s a great loss to DCCA,” Celes said.

Yesterday, the man’amko trooped to the hospital upon learning of the passing of their friend.

“It broke my heart. The scene this afternoon at the hospital…was so emotional. Seeing our man’amko in deep grief was heartbreaking,” Celes said.

The secretary noted the “special bonding and friendship” the former Aging director developed with the man’amko. “He’s so special to our man’amko.”

DCCA employees were also seen converging at the hospital lobby upon hearing the news.

“We closed our offices early and all came down to the hospital. Mr. Maracanas is a man with leadership skills. He left us with a lot of teachings and encouragement,” Celes said.

Today, Celes will call for a directors’ meeting among all DCCA departments to plan a special tribute to Macaranas.

Rose Mondala was named acting director of the Aging Office yesterday.