Vural Uluer

Dr. Vural Uluer, a beloved physician, husband, father, grandfather, community leader and pioneer, passed away leaving behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, service, an uncanny sense of humor, as well as connection to family and friendships that touched countless lives across continents.

Born in Konya, Türkiye in 1930, Dr. Uluer spent much of his childhood in Konya, Malatya and Antalya following the early death of his father, Ziya Uluer—a large-animal veterinarian, World War I veteran, and mayor—who once introduced his young son to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. At age 14, this profound loss if his father shaped Vural deeply, personally and professionally. Raised primarily by his mother and three older sisters, he was greatly influenced by the strong women in his life.

As a young man, he discovered a passion for music, becoming an accomplished jazz percussionist. No celebration was complete without him stepping in for a song or two—rarely needing much encouragement. His first professional dreams were shaped by a love for radio and a fascination with politics and history. And though his early aspiration was to be a radio journalist, he was ultimately called to medicine, a career that would define his life.

Dr. Uluer attended Ankara University for medical school and completed his military service in Erzurum, where he famously broke his leg skiing—a hallmark of the fearlessness that would carry him through life. That same spirit led him to the United States, joining lifelong friends, Erol, Bulent, Ercan, on an adventure that took him to Jacksonville followed by the Bronx, where he trained as a young immigrant doctor. He often recalled the exhilaration of that period—not the long hours (shifts that would never be permitted today), but the incredible people he met, the experiences, the mentorship, including a Peruvian physician who deeply influenced his clinical practice.

He trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology, becoming a passionate advocate for women’s health, motivated by the suffering and medical neglect he witnessed. He inspired countless people to become physicians, including his son and nephew Serdar Bulun, who even went on to become an OB/GYN like himself. During his time in NYC, he developed a fondness for hot pastrami sandwiches and a reputation for charm—often visiting the United Nations to meet international colleagues (and their coworkers), thanks to his best friend’s wife, Ustun Kusefoglu. It was Ustun who orchestrated a fateful introduction to Gunsel Edibe “Gigi”, the love of his life and wife of 60 years. Their love story began in Türkiye and carried them across the world, including an extensive travel log.

Together, they moved to Buffalo, New York, where they raised their children Zeynep and Ahmet, and made amazing friends whose children still stay in touch to this day and who shared their grief with us these past few days. A brief return to Türkiye brought them to their cherished home in Moda, Kadıköy, overlooking Fenerbahce, the Marmara Sea and the islands—hosting unforgettable celebrations. He brought new technology to Istanbul with him and developed expertise in laparoscopic obstetric techniques not yet available in Turkiye. An adventurer at heart, Dr. Uluer loved the sea, even surviving the capsizing of his own catamaran and briefly piloting a custom motorboat before returning to Buffalo, where he took over a clinical practice from Dr. Oliver Steiner. Despite the return to Buffalo, he and Gigi ensured their children remained deeply connected to their Turkish roots, speaking Turkish at home and returning every summer to visit family and friends.

Throughout his long and devoted medical career, Dr. Uluer cared for the people of Buffalo with extraordinary skill and humility. He was widely known as a physician who delivered generations of babies--to his family seemingly half of the population of Bufallo was delivered by him--and even made the news delivering triplets. His acts of kindness inspired enduring loyalty and gratitude.

He remained a committed leader within both the Buffalo and Southern Florida Turkish communities, in retirement becoming one of the founders of the Florida Turkish American Association and the Florida Turkish Center. He cherished lifelong friendships—Turkish and American alike—and more recently mourned the growing toll of losing close friends.

Dr. Uluer is survived by his wife Gunsel “Gigi” Uluer, his daughter Zeynep Uluer Aytekin and her husband Haluk Aytekin, and his son Ahmet Uluer and his wife Deborah Uluer. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Aydin Uluer, Evren Uluer, and Derin Aytekin.

He is lovingly remembered by his extended family, including the children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other family members too numerous to include here, along with lifelong friends…you know who you are. You are all in our collective memories and hearts, and are forever part of his story.

Dr. Vural Uluer leaves behind a legacy not only in medicine, but in love, laughter, resilience, family, community and the joy of bringing people together. His impact endures in every life he touched.