Dr. Juan R. La Cerda

Juan was born in Camaguey province on the Island of Cuba to Eufemio and Prudencia LaCerda.

 He studied medicine at the University of Havana and secured a permanent visa to travel to the States when offered a prestigious opportunity for a residency position at Mass General.

After the Cuban revolution in 1959 he decided not to return and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to continue his medical training. This was where he met his future wife, Christine, also expatriated from her homeland in East Germany subsequent to WWII.

 They moved to Zanesville, Ohio where Juan created the Surgical Medical Clinic. He served as the president of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Surgeons in 1993. Practicing medicine was Juan’s passion. He was ever grateful for his god given talent as a surgeon that enabled him to help people.

 Juan was a family man and he and Christine have four children and six grandchildren. In the 1970’s Juan’s parents and sisters, Bilba and Maria Luisa, moved to the Miami area while other Cuban relatives returned to Spain.

 Juan and Christine were patrons of the arts in Zanesville including the Art Museum and the Concert Association. They were long standing members of the St. James Episcopalian congregation. Juan was an avid skier, boater, golfer and vintner. In 2010 they moved to Hilton Head Island, where they joined other Zanesvilians and lifelong friends.

 Juan is survived by his wife Christine; daughter Erika; sons, Robert and Ken. He is predeceased by daughter Christina in 2018.

 Cards to Christine may be sent to The Island Funeral Home, 4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 to Christine LaCerda’s attention.

 A memorial service will be held on October 19, 2025, 3pm at the Bayshore, 421 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island.