Dr. Fernando A. Guerra of San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully on January 21, 2022 at the age of 82.

Fernando was born August 11, 1939 to parents Fernando P. Guerra and Eva Vela Guerra.

He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin, earned his degree in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and received his Masters in Public Health from Harvard University.

He served two years in the US Army Medical Corp and was awarded the Bronze Star during his tour in Vietnam.

He was a practicing pediatrician seeing to the welfare of the children of San Antonio for almost 40 years, served as a clinical professor of Pediatrics for the University of Texas Health Science Center for 30 years, and served as the Director of Health for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for 23 years.

He served on numerous boards and organizations including the Urban Institute, March of Dimes, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM) The Commonwealth Fund, The Philosophical Society of Texas, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. One of the projects he was most proud of was the establishment of the Barrio Comprehensive Child and Family Health Care Center that saw to the health needs of the under-served children of the West Side of San Antonio for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fernando and Eva Guerra. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Beverly Purcell Guerra. They enjoyed their membership in the San Antonio Country Club and several Dinner Dance Clubs. Together they created a special blended family of their six children who lived with them. The children are from their previous marriages. He is survived by their children, Alicia Guerra Litzau (Mark), Catalina Guerra Cooper (Chuck), William Purcell (Patricia), Roberto Guerra (Ruxandra Guidi), Ashley Purcell Bolin (Chris), and Luis Guerra (Sasha Piper). Survived by eight grandchildren, Sam Cooper, Ben Cooper, Ethan Bolin, Payton Bolin, Natalia Guerra, Dominic Purcell, Ava Purcell, and Camila Guerra Guidi. He is also survived by his sisters Dardanella Cardenas and Irma Perez and his brother Raul Guerra along with many first cousins and a large extended family.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM.

MEMORIAL
CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to A Fund for Public Health through the San Antonio Area Foundation, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by:

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Aug. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Fernando Guerra

Sponsored by Angelus Funeral Home - San Antonio.

16 Entries

F M

December 26, 2024

I just reazed almost three years later that the good doctor passed away. My sincere condolences to his family. Dr Guerra, was a one of a kind doctor, humanitarian and person. I was born prematurely during the mid 1970's and spend the first year of my life in an NICU. During that time, I died three seperate times. On my last death, I was officially pronounced deceased and covered with a bed sheet. As a nurse was making early preparations for my final arrangements, Dr. Guerra walked by and decided to check in and see why my grandmother and mom were crying. Well, the amazing doctor brought me back to life and despite the prognosis being grim, I survived into a healthy child and adult. I am forevever greatful for Dr. Guerra's time he took to just check in. Thank you for that day. May you rest in peace!

Rachel Montemayor

October 4, 2022

My sincerest condolences on the loss of Dr. Guerra. I worked at Barrio Comprehensive from August 1987 to November 1996 as an LVN. I was proud to have worked there in caring for the uninsured and under insured of our community. Dr. Guerra you have your crown in heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace.

Connie Uribe

August 13, 2022

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my cousin, Dr. Fernando Guerra. I have many fond memories of him. He was my son´s pediatrician for a number of years. My son, Jason Hernandez enjoyed attending Central Catholic High School with his cousins, Roberto and Luis. I remember the Guerra family gatherings fondly.
My deepest condolences to Beverly, Roberto, Luis and my Guerra cousins and family.
Much love,
Connie Uribe

Nancy Lehde

August 9, 2022

I am so sad to read of Dr. Guerra's passing. He was an excellent physician to all he cared for in his many years of practice in San Antonio. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Nancy Lehde, RN
Colorado Springs, CO

Jose III SanMartin

August 8, 2022

I regret that I will be out of town on Saturday. My deepest condolences to his entire family especially Irma and Raul (Roy). I echo the fact that he was never too busy to help with a patient. In addition to his medical practice, San Antonio lost a great medical director when he retired. He was here, he made a difference, and he will be remembered.

H. Montalvo

August 7, 2022

Un hombre grande en la comunidad medica y un grande hombre en asuntos sociales. A la familia Guerra le envio mis sinceros pesames. Me siento privilegiado y honrado poder conocer el estimado y destinguido Dr. Guerra y trabajar junto a el. Q.E.P.D.

Steve Arocha

August 7, 2022

Bear and I have been friends since we were 7. We went to school together, we played on the same teams, we basically grew up together. When I first met Dr. Guerra, I must admit that I was a bit intimidated by him. He was so intelligent and well spoken. However, over the years, I realized that under that, he was kind, generous, and a great father. I came to admire and respect him. He was a role model for all of us. To all the Guerra family, I'm very sorry for your loss. We were lucky to know him.

Vangie C. Mathis

August 6, 2022

My condolences to family and friends on the loss of Doctor Guerra. I had the opportunity to meet him when I worked at downtown Santa Rosa Hospital. He was an excellent physician and was loved by many. RIP Dr. Guerra.

janie arredondo

August 6, 2022

guerra family sorry for you loss . your dad was a great pediatrician. i worked at santa rosa labor and delivery . he was my 2 daughters pediatrician . my thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

John Berlanga

August 6, 2022

As One Who guides & protects "little ones", our Creator gives us a 2nd chance. He gives us skills, knowledge, & love for others. He blessed me with a job that allowed me to develop my potential. As a rare department director, willing to risk with a visually challenged, Dr. Guerra gave me my chance at success in my profession. I felt I had a family with the City of San Antonio & a "dad" in Dr. Guerra. We will all miss his generosity & unique humanity.

Anthony Pierulla

August 5, 2022

Fernando was a gentleman, friend, a doctor who was never too busy to take the time answer a medical question from a friend. A person it was impossible not to like, appreciate and love. RIP dear friend.

Richard N. Condra

August 5, 2022

Thank you for the many years of dedicated medical service to the community of San Antonio, to South Texas and especially for looking in on my son on occasion.

Patricia Henry

August 5, 2022

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
I worked at the Baptist Hospital about eighteen years. Dr. Guerra was a wonderful pediatrician. He was always willing to help us to learn something new about our tiny patients.

Mark Sullivan

August 5, 2022

Fernando, you made the world a better place in so many ways.

Lee and Denise Loessin

August 5, 2022

We have never met a more kind and caring man. What he did for the children of San Antonio is attribute to his character.
May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief.

Emilio F Romero, M.D

August 4, 2022

It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of my dear friend Fernando Guerra MD I have known him and his wife Beverly for many years In fact they were at all cultural or altruistic gatherings in San Antonio ! I knew his father and mother Don Fernando and Dona Evita as my father Emilio J Romero ,MD considered them as family ! I know his sisters and brother Raul as well and to all I send my deepest condolences , prayers and Sunday Mass from Miami Beach where I live half of the year Fernando was a brilliant pediatrician who contributed greatly to improve the health of children in our city He was a great professor at UTHSCSA where I taught for all my profesional career He was nationally and internationally recognized pediatrician who was ready to improve the health of children specially the underpriviledge I admire him very much and it was a great delight to see Beverly and him
at the opera or the symphony or in altruistic gatherings We have lost a great professional and friend but I know he is in Heaven with his beloved parents and in the presence of Our Lord ! Emilio F Romero ,M D.

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