Cesar Alfredo Vinueza

Dr. Cesar A. Vinueza, 86, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, with his loving wife of 55 years by his side at their home in Savannah. Although his illness and passing have brought immense grief, we celebrate his life, which was full of humor, kindness, and love.

Dr. Vinueza was born in Quito, Ecuador and grew up camping with his father and brothers in the mountains. He completed his medical degree from the University of Salamanca in Spain. In 1967, he met the love of his life, Maria Morales, in Madrid. They married and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where Dr. Vinueza completed his medical training. There they began growing their beautiful family, which now includes three successful children whom he cherished, four incredible grandchildren, and their first great-grandson. In 1986, Dr. Vinueza and his family settled in Savannah, Georgia, where he opened his private medical practice.

While in private practice, Dr. Vinueza was also the Medical Director of the Coastal Correctional Institution (now Coastal State Prison). He later served as a physician at the Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center. His dedication and desire to use his skills in service to others kept him in this role after retiring from private practice. He was a hard-working, thorough, and kind physician who took the time to listen to his patients. His patients would often bring him gifts of appreciation, all of which he kept. He fully retired from the practice of medicine in May of 2019.

Despite attempts to appear stoic or stern when the circumstances required, ultimately, his great sense of humor would shine through. While he loved and valued his family above all else, among his other favorite things in life were soccer, boxing, chocolate, photography, animals, opera, UFOs, YouTube, coins, estate sales, and classic cars, especially VW Beetles. He loved to travel and learn about other cultures. Dr. Vinueza was always humble, friendly, and full of humor, with an infectious smile that could light up the room. But most of all, he was a family man. He was a doting husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family beyond words. He was always there with open arms for a warm hug or ready to play with his grandchildren, even if it meant being a jungle-gym. As the children and grandchildren got older, he would happily share his other interests with them as often as possible, creating memories that will be passed down to even the youngest of the family.

Dr. Vinueza is predeceased by his parents, “Fanny” Vinueza and Fausto Vinueza; his brothers, Leonard Vinueza, M.D. and Fausto Vinueza, Esq.; and his son-in-law, Christopher Foster.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Maria Vinueza; son, Cesar A. Vinueza, Jr., M.D. (Gina); daughters, Maria Vinueza Drown (Arnold) and Sandra Vinueza Foster; grandchildren, Jarrod Drown (Hannah), Emily Drown Ramsay (Zach), Sofia Vinueza, and Lorenzo Vinueza; great-grandson, Hayes Drown; and nieces, Claudia Brennan and Maggie Donoso.

He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him, but his memory will live on forever. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will continue to inspire and guide us until we meet again. Te queremos con todo nuestro corazón y alma, Papi. Esperanos con los brazos abiertos.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date.