Cezar Liwanag

Cezar was born on July 10, 1934 in the province of Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines. He was the second youngest of eleven children born to Buenaventura, Sr. and Dominga Liwanag. His strong work ethic was evident at a very young age as he traveled as a shoe-shine boy to different town festivals to earn money to help his family. With assistance from some of his older siblings, he was able to attend Far Eastern University earning a degree in accounting. He worked as an accountant in the Philippines and spent the majority of his career as an accountant for the Montgomery County Government.

He married Perlita Ruiz Maaba, his beloved wife, on June 10, 1967. In 1973, they made the decision to immigrate to the United States and they settled in Rockville, Maryland with their two eldest children, Maria and Jay. Their third child, Anna, joined the family in 1975. Family was the most important thing to Cezar. He prioritized his wife and children but was important to a large number of family members, many who lived in his home their first months in the United States. When extended family needed advice and counsel on numerous situations, he would be the first person they would call. His children heard many times throughout the years, “Uncle Cezar is my favorite!”

Cezar enjoyed life and loved having fun. He was the life of the party and had the wonderful ability of authentically and naturally connecting with anyone and everyone. Nephews and nieces still joke today that weekend plans were “whatever Uncle Cezar wanted us to do”. There were regular family gatherings which included barbeques in the backyard, picnics at local parks, and trips to amusement parks or Ocean City. He and Perlita loved to travel and went on many trips together as well as with their children. As his children became adults and had their own children, he enjoyed joining them on their trips. He was good at playing basketball, tennis and golf. But what he excelled at was ballroom dancing. His ability to lead made him everyone’s favorite dance partner. After his wife, Perlita, passed away, it was dancing that led him to meeting Connie Meyers. For many years, they enjoyed going to ballroom dances and long bike rides. Connie was a source of love and support, especially as his health declined in recent years.

He loved and was so proud of his children. He supported them throughout their lives in every way and taught them priceless lessons by example. The most important being to always be prepared, enjoy life and, of course, family comes first. He also loved his children-in-law and the feeling was absolutely mutual. They would do anything for him. But his grandchildren—Sofia, Nico, Rafi, Alex and Zoe--were the light of his life. They could do no wrong - except he did wish his grandsons would cut their hair more often. Their Lolo (grandfather) was their number one fan for everything including soccer games, band performances and school productions. His biggest joy the last few years was just being around them.

In addition to his parents and wife, Perlita, Cezar is predeceased by nine of his siblings. He is survived by his children, Maria Liwanag Palacios married to Mario Palacios, Jay Liwanag, Anna Liwanag Anagnostopoulos married to Gregory Anagnostopoulos as well as his grandchildren, Sofia Palacios, Nicholas Anagnostopoulos, Rafael Palacios, Alexander Anagnostopoulos and Zoe Anagnostopoulos. He is also survived by his brother, Buenaventura Liwanag, Jr. and countless other family members.

Cezar will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dementia Society of America.

Visitation will be held at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, US, on April 14, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906, US, on April 14, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.