Cesar Daniel de la Guardia, 79, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Born in Baire, Oriente, Cuba, Cesar immigrated to the United States in 1962 as part of Operation Pedro Pan. He dedicated 36 years to teaching Spanish at Snider High School in Fort Wayne, where he brought the same joy and passion to his classroom that he carried through life.

Cesar had a love for cooking, traveling, and cheering on The Ohio State University football team. He especially enjoyed sharing his culinary talents and travel stories with family and friends, creating lasting memories with those he cherished.

He is survived by his sister, Isabel (Greg) Cutchin of Fort Wayne, nephew, Daniel (Erica) Cutchin of Madison, NJ, nephew Marco (Carolina) Cutchin of Indianapolis, IN, niece, Cristina (Josh) Parrish of Fort Wayne, IN and many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsa de la Guardia and father, Cesar Augusto de la Guardia.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 1:00 PM at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Cesar will be laid to rest at Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105