Cesareo Bandera, 90

GILFORD — Cesareo Bandera, 90, of Tate Road, passed away on July 14, 2024, at Concord Hospital in Laconia.

Cesareo was born on April 28, 1934, in Malaga, Spain, the son of Cesareo and Cristobalina Bandera.

His passion for literature, philosophy and theology led to a distinguished academic career that took him from Seville to upstate New York (Cornell University and SUNY Buffalo) to North Carolina, where he retired as distinguished professor from UNC Chapel Hill in 2001. It was after retirement that Cesareo could “finally focus on his work,” writing three more books, the last one published only a few days before his passing.

In 2007 Cesareo and his wife Esther moved to Goodyear, Arizona, to be closer to their youngest grandchildren, and in 2018 to Gilford, to live out their remaining years. When he wasn’t in his home in the U.S. he was usually in the “Hacendilla,” his beloved home in Spain, nestled within the rustic mountains of Malaga in the town of his early childhood.

Whether in a classroom, a living room, a chiringuito at the beach or by the pool at the Hacendilla, Cesareo was always teaching, sharing his broad knowledge and love of world history and human culture. In everything he was motivated by his deep Catholic faith, his devotion to his family, his love of Spain and (at times) his loyalty to Real Madrid.

Cesareo is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Esther Bandera, his daughter Maria (Jodi) and two sons Cesar (Elisa) and Pablo (Sherri), seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by both of his parents.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave., Laconia. Friends and loved ones are invited for a light reception at the family home after the service.

A private rite of committal will be held with the family at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery and Mausoleum, Manchester.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.