Virgilio Joe Vinuya

Virgilio Joe Vinuya, 55, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, after his long and courageous battle against lung cancer. Known to his family and friends as Virgil, he died peacefully in his sleep in his home in Austin, where he lived since 1982.

Virgil was born on January 28, 1957, in Fort Meade, Maryland, to his beloved parents Conrado B. Vinuya and Fusae Matsumoto Vinuya, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Irenia; their daughter Eliza Vinuya-Sanchez and her husband Roger of Austin; their son Alexander of Austin; his sister Nenita Berig and her husband George of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his nephew Wesley Berig and his wife Lacey of Sunnyside, New York; his aunt Gloria Vinuya of West Palm Beach, Florida; and his stepmother Serenidad Vinuya of Brea, California.

Being part of a military family, Virgil lived in Maryland, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, and Japan before settling in Texas. He is a 1979 graduate of the University of Miami, Florida, earning his BBA in Business Management and Organization. He also earned an AAS in Electronic Engineering Technology from ITT. Virgil worked for Motorola and Applied Materials in the electronics manufacturing industry during his years in Austin.

Virgil was very interested in all aspects of new technology and kept up with the constantly growing field. He loved riding his motorcycle and taking long car trips, enjoying Texas's spectacular scenery and natural beauty. Camping with his family in the Big Bend National Park in West Texas was a favorite activity of Virgil's. He was also a voracious reader of fantasy and science fiction, was an avid video game player, and was an admirer of John Lennon and his music. Virgil was always enthusiastic about history and politics, often engaging in lively discussions with his father.

Virgil's family expresses sincere thanks to the staffs of Texas Oncology Round Rock and Hospice Austin for their excellent care and professionalism. Very special thanks and appreciation go to the leadership and the staff at Seton Medical Center Austin, Sixth Floor for their generous, compassionate, and loving support during Virgil's illness. Irenia felt all the love sent her way by her co-workers at Seton during this difficult time.

Virgil's family warmly invites his friends and colleagues to a visitation with the family on Sunday, October 21, 2012, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations to the American Lung Association be considered.