Dr. Rodolfo Cejas-Rosas (known to many as simply Dr. Cejas) passed away at age 90 on April 20, 2019 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was born on August 27, 1928 to the late Susanna and Salvador Cejas in Havana Cuba, the third son in a family of four children. After receiving his medical degree at La Universidad Superior de Ciencias Medicas in Havana, he emigrated to New York City where, in 1958, he completed his medical residency at Harlem Hospital. That year, Dr. Cejas moved with his wife and infant son to Norfolk, Virginia to begin a medical practice that would span more than 60 years, touching the lives of generations of patients throughout Hampton Roads. From the very beginning and throughout his career, Dr. Cejas was a passionate advocate for the African-American community. When the battle to end segregation in public schools reached Hampton Roads in 1959, he was one of several leaders to actively protect and prepare the seventeen African-American students who would be the first to integrate Norfolk’s all-white schools. Dr. Cejas’ contribution to the victory of the famed “Norfolk 17” was noted in the Journal of Negro Education and lauded by the students themselves, including student Andrew Heidelberg, who, in his book, “The Norfolk 17: A Personal Narrative on Desegregation in Norfolk, Virginia” said of Dr. Cejas: “Even today, I still want to be just like him … he was a very good teacher, a very good doctor, a very good businessman and a very good person.” Dr. Cejas was the Medical Director and served on the board of Norfolk Community Hospital. In addition to his medical practice, he was also a successful and respected entrepreneur, with commercial properties and businesses throughout Hampton Roads. He was a founding partner in the first black-owned and operated medical office facility, the Medical Building of Professional Associates, which opened in on Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk in 1964. Dr. Cejas will be greatly missed by his family and by the community to which he dedicated his life’s work. He is survived by his wife Carol Hansen-Cejas, his three sons René, Roberto, and Rodolfo II, his daughter Olivia Ines Cejas, as well as ten grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.
Dr. Rodolfo Cejas-Rosas
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
Metropolitan Funeral Service
7246 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
11:00am
Metropolitan Funeral Service
Granby Chapel
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The Edmonds Family says
April 23, 2019 at 12:24 pmWe send you our deepest sympathy. Although this is a very sad time for the family, the Bible does provide us with much comfort. Revelation 21:3, 4 and 1 Corinthians 15:26 stated that God will do away with all causes we have for suffering, as well as sickness and death. These thoughts have always comforted us, and it is our wish that they will comfort you and your family as well.
Maria and Sharon Massie says
April 24, 2019 at 2:55 pmWe send you our deepest sympathies. We wish you all peace as you mourn the passing of Tata. May you find comfort in knowing you are surrounded by people who love you and support you during this difficult time. You are not alone on this journey.
The Bible does promise: “Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted.” We pray that God will give you the strength to see you through this sad and difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Dannel Snowden says
April 27, 2019 at 7:31 amIt was a joy knowing you. You brighten the world with your thoughtful, caring ways.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Good people will be remembered as a blessing…
Michelle McDowell says
November 24, 2019 at 5:13 amDr. Cejas-Rosas provided care to my father, the late John Don Pete Palmer. Dr. Cejas-Rosas was always compassionate and professional. He was a wonderful healthcare provider. May God bless the Cejas-Rosas family and provide the strength/comfort to weather this difficult season.