My name is Norma Ramirez I was 8 years old when I was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm (PDA). It was Dr Cuello who diagnosed me. Dr Cuello and a group of intern students who at the time were at Robert B Green hospital in downtown San Antonio Texas performed my miracle of life. I always wonder who this magnificent dr was. Being  that my mom a single parent factory worker of low income only with 5th grade education entrusted this Dr whom she said she prayed for would help her child. As years went by I tried to inquire more of Dr Cuello. My mom’s recollections was vague only remembering his last name. I continued to search until one day at a Baptist imaging office I broke into a friendly conversation with a women who said Dr Cuello’s first name was Leo and that he was the teacher of cardiology at that said time. She went on to say dr Cuello had been her dr til the day he died she also mentioned that he raised horses in which on of his horses was in the movie Black Beauty. I need to make mention that back in 1966 myself and a male of 7 or 8 years of age were going to be the first to have PDA repair in the hospital at least that was what I was told by my mother and others that knew us. I also recall that both the young boy and I were both in isolation together and shared an oxygen tent by putting 2 pedi hospital beds together. I recently found out through conversation that dr Aramburu was a close friend to dr Cuello. I am 64 years now living life because of you Dr Cuello.All to say THANK YOU DR LEO CUELLO for the sacrifice of time and family. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE CALL TO MEDICINE❤️

I have often wanted to contact Dr. Cuello to tell him what became of one of Cass Ole's sons. Dr. Cuello was so gracious in allowing my grade mare, Layla, to "visit" Cass Ole in San Antonio. Their son, Cass Soleil "Ollie" will celebrate his 33rd birthday on May 15th. Dr. Cuello's kindness helped Layla and me heal after a tragic loss - and Ollie is there every day to remind me how wonderful people can be. I am sorry I waited so long to attempt contacting him. Your father was a very special man.

Hello Francesca, hello Cuello family. I was Frannie's penpal for about three years after the first Black Stallion film was released. Not long ago I was thinking about you, Frannie, and decided to say hello after the passing of many years. (You might remember me as "Chrissy" Cosenza from Connecticut and New Jersey.) After a brief Google search, I discovered this virtual obituary for your dear father. To the entire Cuello clan, I want to say that I'm so very sorry. I know it was a while ago, Frannie, but you also loved him very much from what I recall in our letters. As I lost my own parents and sister within the past several years, I definitely understand the pervasive nature of grief. There is no closure. But I hope you are doing okay and have received myriad messages of love from your dad on the wings of angels...and the manes of Arabian horses. I never quite realized until now what a learned and amazing person he was? Wow! Frannie, I would love to hear from you if you have a few minutes to spare. My email address is boudicca7@comcast.net Much love to all, Christine Cosenza

Leo, mi consentido. I am watching the Black Beauty which of course reminds me of the few and wonderful memories we shared. You were so thankful for my services but I was even more thankful for your kindness, unsolicited second opinion of dad's cardiac conditions and reassurance that he was in good hands and you were available at a moment's notice. Cass Ole will also be forever in my thoughts. It was a pleasure being your acquaintance.

Dr. Cuello gave my father almost 16 more years of quality life with his family. In 1975 Dr. Cuello performed a triple bypass on my father, who was 46 at the time. I am truly thankful for the talent ands kindness of Dr. Cuello - my father thought he was wonderful. I was sorry to find out that he has passed away.

I have very fond memories of the Cuello's. I was best buddies with Francesca for many years. I remember cramming Francesca, Leo and Jancy and I all in his little sports car to drop us off at school. And I remember how angry Francesca would get when she got to school and realized that the dollar he gave her for lunch was actually a $100 bill! And I also remember funny things Dr. Cuello would do like asking us to go change the music inside while were out at the pool. He paid us $20 to do that! Many great memories...I have prayed for him and all of the family. 
selma, TX usa

I knew him since 1962 while he was my professor of surgery during my training in San Juan, P.R. I last saw him on May 2007 when a did a video-tape interview of his career and achievements in life. I admire him for his work and as a good friend. My condolence to his surviving wife and children

Please accept my sincerest sympathies at the loss of Leo. He was a wonderful friend and doctor and I will always remember his kindnesses expressed over the many years of our friendship. You are in my prayers.

When I think of Dr. Cuello, I think of his passion for his horses. I have such fond memories of the times spent with Dr. Cuello and his family when I was a child. He was a loving and generous man who will be missed.

We just learned of Leo's passing today and share in the loss of such a wonderful person. He was kind to our family in many ways; we will always remember his generosity of "loaning" My Wisdom to Michelle. Leo was a gifted physician and beyond that , genuine and kind. He will be missed by many. Please accept our belated sympathies and our prayers that God will comfort your hearts with many fond and loving memories.

We first met Dr. Cuello March 2007 while he was treating my Uncle, Billy Sheppard for swelling in feet and legs. During their conversations they learned they both had a passion for horses and from that Dr. Cuello was very instrumental in getting my Uncle to take better care of his health. We both loved talking to him, respected his knowledge of medical treatments for my Uncle's problems, and his passion for horses. We shall always cherish memories of our talks with him and the poster that he signed and gave our family of "The Black". He was such a joy to know and we were blessed to have the opportunity to meet him. Blessings to the family. 
The Sheppard Family

I had the priviledge of working with Leo in some common patients. I found him a very dedicated physician, always thinking of the needs of the patient first. Besides that, being myself from Spain, I had lots of conversations about our common latin background. Leo was a real rennasance man, always interested in history and spanish literature and culture, in currents events. It was delightful to talk to him. As a doctor, human being friend and colleage, I will endeed miss him

A un familiar, amigo y consejero. Soporte en los momentos de tribulacion se que donde quiera que estes, seguiras velando por todos los que has dejado, tristes y con la pena de no poder despedirnos. Te queremos y jamas nos acostumbraremos a tu repentina partida. 
Descansa en paz querido hermano. Luis, Carmen, Victor Ivan y Luis Rafael Cuello Gonzalez

I will never forget such a kind, loving, supportive, genuine, and sincere uncle and godfather. I am truly grateful he was a part of my life. I will miss him terribly but will continue to hold on to the wonderful memories I have of him. He is my inspiraton.

Although I was never privileged to meet Dr. Cuello, I cheered for Francesca & Cass Ole many times at the Dallas shows, and just thought you might like to know that your family's influence was felt even among people like me, whom you never met. The Cuello family is in my thoughts and prayers. May the Holy Spirit comfort you with the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, and may the peace of God be in your hearts throughout this time of sorrow.

Hello I'm a friend of Alec and Molly,and I just wanted to say I'm very sorry for your loss and I will keep your family in my prayers.

The first time I heard of the Cuello Family was when I attended Churchill High School, Class of 80, I remember going to Blossom on the school bus on the way to the football games passing by their house and wondering who lived there. I had a good friend who had a crush on the youngest boy. And I always wish I were Franny, she got to train horses and ride that beautiful Case Ole. Later in life my Grandmother became very ill and had to have heart surgery we called the best Dr we could find, Dr Cuello, he helped us have that much more time with my Grandmother. I loved him for that. I grew up and had a family of my own we joined them in CYO. My son Austin had the good fortune of playing basketball with Alec. That's when I met Trisha, she is the sweetest person I have ever had the good fortune of meeting. I remember one time when the kids had ball practice Trisha dropped off Leo and Alec at practice, she went to visit a friend and her car battery died. I drove them in my tiny car to my dads house and he took Leo and Alec to jump start the car. I guess you could say I've known the Cuello family all my life. I will always miss Leo and Hope to keep Trisha as a good friend always. Thanks for all the good memories. I Love you all....

I first meet Dr. Leo Cuello and Patricia, in 1987, while helping Uncle Manuel Cerda remodel his home off Bitters Rd. I knew then in the first few minutes I had lifelong friends, Since then every time I?d him he was 
Always very happy go lucky kind guy . One of my fondest memories was when our sons played basketball, at Holy Sprit and I was? volunteered? to be one the coaches I had ever coached or even played organized basketball in my life. Before one game the boys were just running around , and I was clueless, finally Leo came down from the stand and ask me if I had ever coached basketball I replied with an embarrassed no. He it shows! You are now designated the ball boy. I laughed so hard . Dr Cuello will missed in the medical field , I will miss him as my friend. Thank you sir for being part of my life and my children Stephanie and Austin. Goodbye my friend, Albert B. Perez Jr

As a volunteer at the Baptist Medical Center for the past 32 years I had the pleasure of knowing Dr Cuello for many of those years. He was a very kind, caring person and always had something positive to say. He loved his family and spoke lovingly of them quite often. He never failed to thank me for volunteering each Sunday. I will miss his smile and pleasant personality.

We are so sorry that we were not able to attend Leo's rosary or mass. 
Despite his age he always exuded the cheerfulness, the optimism, the vitality of a man half his age. He was full of life till the last moment. 
It is sad that he will no longer be with us to lift our spirits the way he used to. 
Marlann and Roberto Negron

Dr Cuello performed heart surgery on my mother Sarah Davis in Dec 1998. He was a very caring professional. Please convey my condolences to the family.

Our prayers are with you and your beautiful family, Trisha. It doesn't seem possible that someone as full of life as Leo could be gone.

To the Cuello Family, but especially Leo and Frannie, who I went to high school with at Churchill. I am sorry for your loss and wanted to extend my deepest sympathies. I pray you are able to find some comfort knowing that you are surrounded by many people who love & support you. May God continue to bless you all. 
Love, Anita Munoz Dilley

You left so fast that I never had a chance to tell you how much a privilage it was to work with you. Leo, you were always such a nurses advocate, mentor and friend. I will miss you and your smile. Take someone under your wing and look over them as you have done many down here on earth.

I am a nurse who has known Dr Cuello since 1971. He was an extremely kind man, always wearing a smile and always, always the consumate gentleman. He was a wonderful pysician to work with and I was always glad to see him coming down the hall. I know that you will mourn him greatly as will our community. May he rest with God. 
Sincerely, 
Linda Mann

Dr. Cuello was a wonderful colleague and was admired for his intellect, his energy and his interest in educating residents. We will miss him at the Health Science Center and in the community of heart surgeons.

We wish to express our deepest sympathy. We have many fond memories of Dr. Leo Cuello and his family through the Arabian horse world, especially of Francesca with Cass Ole. My mother, Mary E. Latimer, even had the privilege to show Cass Ole in the good old days. Dr. Cuello was an exemplary physician and I was honored to have him as a key mentor during my pre-medical studies in San Antonio. May your memories be a source of comfort and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

To Patricia and the family of Dr. Cuello: 
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of such a fine, compassionate friend and physician. We are so thankful for having had the pleasure of being a part of his care. May God Bless you and carry you through this difficult time.

We are continuously lifting you up in our prayers. We will be with you at Rosary this evening and Mass tomorrow. 
Love and prayers. 
God's Peace, 
Gerald & Frances 
"Pappy & Grams"

It was through Leo's efforts that our family came to Texas. He was a generous and compassionate man dedicated to his profession and his family. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

Dr Cuello was my late father Jose L. Torres doctor. He performed surgery on one of his legs where he had a blocked artery. My father lived until he was almost 94 years of age thanks to God first and then to Dr Cuello. May the Lord greet him and keep his soul forever.

Toda la Familia Hernandez recordamos a Leo con gran cariues fue un muy querido amigo. 
Trisha compartimos tu dolor y el de tus hijos. 
Los queremos mucho 
Humberto, Adriana,Beto,Adriana,To Mariana Hernandez

You will be missed Sir... A gentle and kind physician, Fly with the angels, and blessings to yours~~~

Dear Patricia and Family, our hearts are filled with sorrow. We are praying for peace and comfort rooted in the assurance of Leo?s resurrection. 
Now we have another special advocate closer to our Lord; certainly, ??he who does the will of God abides for ever? 1Jn 2:17. Love, Javier, Maru, Javier Jr. and Pili Ortiz

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. His name will long be remembered in the Arabian horse world. I will pray a rosary for all his family and friends. Yours in Christ, 
Carole Robertson 
Gamaan Egyptian Arabian Stud 
A fellow Arabian horse breeder.

To Frannie, Leo, Jancy & Eddie: I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so gratetful to have known your father and have such fond memories of our times together when we were young. I will never forget your family's loving and generous spirit. 
Much love - Luci

Many fond memories of the Cuello family and Cass Ole.

He was my mother's Etta Hafnerdoctor for just a few years, but we loved him as soon as we met him. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our prayers go out to his family. As the daughter of Mrs. Hafner, I took her to her initial appointment with Dr. Cuello, being a concerned daughter, like her mother, we did not know what to expect of this highly recommended doctor who was going to perform her badly needed surgery. Well when he came in to consult with us,the first thing he said was "you are here because I am the best" then went on to give us a quick synopsis of his experience and why he considered himself the "best" in his field;after listening and answering our many questions,there was no question that he was a compasionate and caring surgeon, not to mention charming. I remember asking his age and why he was still practicing, his reply was "There is no age limit as to when to stop practicing medicine, and that he would continue until the day he died";he did just that. I was infatuated with him and loved all his pictures of "Black Stallions" and mentioned it to him, he called his sweet assistant in and asked her to bring in a poster, not knowing what he was doing, I was shocked when he signed it and gave it to me. I am so fortunate for that; something I will cherish always. He proved to us that he was the "best" by saving my mother. We are lucky to have had the honor in knowing him. We love you Doctor and will miss you so much. Knowing you are with the Lord gives a little peace in our hearts. Etta Hafner 
Margaret Mann

We will treasure our warm and loving memories of a very special friend who always had a kind smile on his face and especially in his heart. Dr. Cuello's contributions to life and his love of life are an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our love and prayers to the Cuello Family. 
Gary and Jeannine Paletta Hutson & Family 
and Jean Paletta

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Praying for you. I work for Dr Robert James

Farewell. You were well known to your colleagues who sought your advice and opinion.

Our condolences from the Respiratory Care Staff at Southeast Baptist Hospital.

Dr. Cuello shared his passion for medicine with me in the early 1970's. I was interested in studying pre-med and he shared one of his "practice" surgeries with me. I greatly appreciated his time and talents that he so willingly shared with me and my parents, Ana Maria and Edmundo Escudero.

Over 30 yrs ago,Joey had a cardiac arrest while undergoing ORIF ankle surgery . He had a cardiac arrest, and had it not been for Dr Cuello who happened to be in the OR on that day,, I might not have met my husband..He had to do open heart massage/defibrillation on Joey, but that saved his life.. Joey and I just recently celebrated our 22nd anniversary. Though I never met Dr Cuello,, I do want to express my condolences to his family and friends...

Dr. Cuello, You and Dr. Chiscano saved my life when you performed five heart by-pass cirgury in December 30, 1995. 
May God Bless you and your family. 
My prayers will be for you, 
Frank Suarez

to frannie-i am so sorry for your loss, your dad was a great man. I have many good memories of your dad when we were growing up. He was a wonderful doctor and a great human being. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless all of you, beth mahan blue ridge stables

I knew Dr. Cuello as a young nurse many years ago at Baptist Medical Center. He was always considerate of nurses and was held in high esteem. He will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Central Catholic High School community, we express our sympathy and would like the Cuello family to know that our prayers are with you during this difficult time of sadness and loss.

Dear Frannie, Leo, Jancy, & Eddie, 
I was so sorry to read of the loss of your dear father.He was a wonderful man & will be missed by all who knew him. 
My prayers & thoughts are with you. 
Love, Carolyn Fenton

As both friend and employer he had no equal. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a such a caring person and in spite of his position always found time for everyone from all walks of life. Thank you Dr. Cuello.

Dr. Cuello, I want to thank you for saving my brother's life just 2 weeks ago when you operated on him. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to know & work with you. You are a true caballero . You did so much for so many people.You will be missed so desperately. Your family has so much to be proud of and I know they are hurting now. But you earned your rest. Watch over the rest of us who are still in health care and whisper in God's ear to please have mercy on us as we go from pt.to pt, trying to do our best to heal them and comfort them. I will miss you so much. I will pray for your loved ones and I ask you to pray for me.

Our condolences to your family. He was a great man and will be missed by all who worked with him.

I am very sorry for your loss. Dr Cuello death is a great loss. I was 
a patient of Dr. Cuello. About 35 years 
ago Dr. Cuello performed a rather complicated surgey on me, my primary 
doctor, said Dr. Cuello was the best there was in San Antonio. Well he was 
right, and I am walking proof of that. 
I had an opportuntity to talk to Dr. Cuello about a year ago, as he treated 
one of my family member. I was amazed 
that after 35 years of not seeing Dr. Cuello, he was the same man. His words 
of encouragement for my aunt, who was 
on the verge of death were very touching. As I heard him speak to her, I remember saying to myself "What an amazing man after all these years he is still bringing hope and words of encouragement to his patients" you 
knew his concern for his patients was genuine. May you find peace and comfort in his memories. God Bless your family.

To Frannie and the entire Cuello Family, May you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful man your father was. I wish you peace 
From an old friend at Blue Ridge Stables.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was an icon at the cardiovascular/SICUs of the San Antonio community.

Dr. Leo was the most wonderful and conpassionate surgeon I have ever known. On 11-19-1971 he performed an aortic valve replacement Starr-Edwards valve procedure on me I was 26 yrs old. I believe that I was the 2nd person that he performed the procedure on here in San Antonio. He was so concerned for my well being that he did not leave the hospital for 3 days until he knew that I and my family would be okay. I loved him dearly and always enjoyed hearing or reading anything about this wonderful person. You, his family, have my sincere deepest sympathy.

Dear Jancy, Eddie, Leo and Franny. My deepest sympathy to all of you in this time of need. May God be with you and comfort your hearts. Your father was such a wonderful man and will be missed by all that were ever blessed by his acquaintance. 
My Deepest Regards 
Jack Fenton

Our prayers go out to your family and loved ones. May our Lord comfort you during this time of loss. God's blessing be with you and your family.

I am going to miss my bon ami Leo. 
I am also going to miss the French lessons from my best French teacher. 
May he rest in peace.

I feel very privileged to have know Dr. Cuello for about 13 years... When I arrived at Baptist Medical Center, he was always offering advice and support to me. I consider him an incredible icon in our hospital and our community. We feel a sense of emptiness in our hallways, but we celebrate the incredible life he led and the countless impact he had on so many people... My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends... God Bless You... Keith

Dr. Cuello was a very, very nice man. Always smiling and helpful to nurses. He performed a thoracotomy on my mother in 1975 and treated her and our family with the utmost respect and caring. After that, he always spoke to me and knew my name and asked about her when I saw him at the Baptist. I was a nurse there for 27 years and always got a hug. He will be missed. Thank you for sharing him and his knowledge with us. 
Sincerely, 
Patsy Stiebing, RN, CMAS

We thank the Lord for the privilege of having known you. The sadness of your departure is somewhat compensated by knowing you are now with the Lord and His glory. Thank you for your sincere friendship.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. 
 Bitsy Wright

My daughter and I have known Dr. Cuello since he came to San Antonio.I worked with him at Baptist Medical Center for over 40 years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.He will be missed by many.

Special prayers for the Cuello family during your time of grief. Dr. Leo Cuello was a distinguished and compassionate physician. It was an honor to have know him, and to have his support at the Bexar County Medical Society. May God bring you home Leo.

Dearest Cuello Family, Know that we are with you during this time of sorrow, but great joy for we know that Dr. Cuello is enjoying eternal peace with Jesus. There are many Bosses in this world, but none of them, can compare how special Dr. Leo Cuello was to me. I can honestly say I will miss Dr. Cuello a great deal. He was a truly gifted Doctor and A great Boss for 8 years. and after I left he continue to guide me. I will treasure his friendship forever. Mary Helen Lozano

Dear Patricia and Children, 
My deepest and most sincere condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I send my love, very sorry to learn the news about Momo. A big hug and kisses. Mildred

As a surgeon, Dr. Cuello went out of his way to be an exceptional medical advocate for our friend Kellie. As a person, Leo's legacy lives on his beautiful family: Tricia, Lea, Mollie and Alec Your dad sure loved watching you play sports!, who are all such caring, compassionate people. He will be missed. Our hearts are heavy for you.

to his loving family and rest family with love. cardic nurse who enjoy working with Dr.Cuello and learn alots 
from him as a nurse. God be with the family and many blessing.

Dr. Cuello was the physicians physician. He was a kind man and gentleman. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

OBITUARY

Leovigildo Mainardi Leo Cuello M.D. M.S.

June 3, 1930 – May 12, 2008

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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