On the morning of September 11, 2025, Dr. Elmo R. Acio, 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Frederick, VA. After battling colon cancer for over a year, he was surrounded by his friends and family in the end, as was so often the case for him.

Elmo was born in the Philippines on May 4, 1954, and where he lived for 12 years until he immigrated and moved to Washington, D.C. He was a graduate of George Mason University and Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Elmo met his wife, Myrna, during his medical residency in Washington, D.C., and they married on February 8,1985.

Elmo was a loyal veteran of the United States Army, serving his country as a physician at Walter Reed for 4 years in active duty and 7 years in reserve, promoted to Major along the way. After the birth of his first daughter, Abigail Kroptavich (Acio), Elmo chose to prioritize family and was honorably discharged. Their second daughter, Catherine Pizzarello (Acio) was born shortly after. Elmo worked as a Nuclear Medicine Physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center for 18 years before retiring in 2019.

Elmo was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially making jokes and playing pranks. He was as equally kind and generous as he was funny. He loved toys and delighted in seeing that same joy with toys through gifts to his children and grandchildren.

He always looked forward to traveling with his family during the summers, and his favorite destination was Hawaii. He loved every moment from planning the trip, to watching the planes at the airport, to capturing each family moment with his camcorder and camera that he always had at hand.

Elmo was thoughtful and kind, which made him talented at making others, including strangers, feel cared about. In his spare time, Elmo enjoyed flight simulator and watching Star Trek with a pint of Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

Elmo has always been a spiritual person and enjoyed existential discussions. Throughout his life and at his final hours, Elmo assured his family that he would always be with them in spirit and watch over them.

Elmo is survived by his wife, Myrna Acio; two daughters, Abigail Kroptavich and Catherine Pizzarello; four grandchildren, Maxwell Pizzarello, Claire Kroptavich, Dante Pizzarello, and Alina Kroptavich; brother, Omar Acio; and mother, Virginia Acio. Elmo was predeceased by his sister, Belinda Aivaliotis and father, Inocencio Acio.

A memorial service will be held on October 4, 2025, at 12 pm at Omps South Chapel in Winchester, VA.