Dr. Cesar P. Veluz

Dr. Cesar P. Veluz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, surgeon, and undeniable force on every dance floor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:40pm at the age of 78. He leaves behind a legacy stitched with compassion, deep loyalty, strong dad joke game, and enduring service to others.

Born on August 24, 1946 in Manila, Philippines to Sofronio Veluz, Sr. and Eduviges Perez Veluz, Cesar was their eldest child and only son. He was raised in a lively home alongside his four younger sisters, Norma, Doris, Lydia, and Merceditas, just as quick to affectionately tease as he was to issue doting protection. As the only boy in the family, he developed a mischievous charm, often sneaking out to play barefoot with the neighborhood kids against his mother's wishes, returning home with mud-caked fingernails and a beaming smile.

Cesar's childhood fascination with medicine evolved into a lifelong vocation. A diligent student, he inspired his sister Lydia to pursue nursing. He attended high school and college at San Beda College, followed by medical school at the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine (Class of 1971). After marrying his longtime love, Suzette Valdes, in May 1972, the newly married couple had the opportunity to come to the United States where Cesar continued his medical training internship in Baltimore and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. There he trained under former Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop and was able to scrub in on one of the early, successful surgical separations of conjoined twins. During the final few months of his residency, Cesar and Suzette welcomed their daughter, Anna Karenina (""Anna K.""), in February of 1977. His cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Southern California then brought the young family to the west coast. After his USC fellowship, Cesar moved his family to Northern California, building his career in the San Francisco Bay Area. He quickly became an avid 49ers and Golden State Warriors fan, engendering that same fierce passion for both teams in Anna K. He joined Petaluma Valley Hospital and a few years later, Sonoma Valley Hospital, where he specialized in vascular and thoracic surgery.

Outside of the O.R., Cesar loved to dance, though he'd often joke that Suzette, given her independent streak, rarely followed his lead. He enjoyed not only watching, but playing sports, including racketball and basketball. In fact, he participated in an adult basketball league into his sixties, only reluctantly hanging up his jersey after a few finger jams made it increasingly inconvenient for a surgeon.

In his later years, he played golf, tended lovingly to his succulent garden while wearing faux tattoo sleeve rash guards, and delivered endless doctor-vs.-lawyer jokes to his niece, Stephanie. He became a staunch Democrat and Trump critic, never shy about sharing his opinion and convictions. But perhaps above all, Cesar reveled in his role as the proud and adoring grandfather to Anna K.'s three children, Jacob, Julia, and Avery. He spent countless afternoons excitedly teaching Jacob to dribble and shoot a basketball, dancing to motown and disco with Julia, first on his hip, then later with Jules on his feet, and endlessly showing Avery how to care for his succulent plants or sing together to Frozen. These moments were among his most cherished.

Cesar's life was marked not just by professional success, but by a deep humanity and undeniable love for his family. He was known by patients and colleagues alike for his surgical precision, warm bedside manner, and unshakable calm in high-pressure situations. He was wholeheartedly devoted as a husband and father who balanced the demands of a medical career with tender, unwavering commitment to his family. He will be remembered for his loyalty, humility, OCD-level dishwasher loading skills, enthusiasm for storytelling, and quiet acts of generosity.

Preceded in death by his parents, Cesar is survived by his wife Suzette; daughter Anna Karenina Veluz-Wilkins; son-in-law John Wilkins; grandchildren Jacob, Julia, and Avery; and sisters (and brothers-in-law) Norma ( & Pipes Lacambra), Doris (& Jon Lantin), Lydia (& RG Reyes), and Ditas (& Manny Tuazon), as well as a wide circle of nieces, nephews, friends, former colleagues, and grateful patients.

In honoring Dr. Cesar Veluz, we remember a man who embodied compassion, gave generously, laughed deeply, danced joyfully, and healed with both hands and heart. Though he has left our physical world, his impact will ripple forward in the lives of all who knew and loved him, and whom he loved dearly.