German Oswaldo Samaniego Del Cioppo, a native of Ecuador and a resident of Daphne, AL, passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 97.

German was born in Quito, Ecuador, on June 14, 1928, and from an early age showed a remarkable talent for numbers, structure, and precision.  A civil engineer by vocation and a brilliant calculist by mastery, he became widely known as one of the finest structural minds in the Americas. His professional reputation crossed borders, earning him the rare honor of being asked to calculate one of the buildings in Washington, D.C. – a testament to the trust placed in his knowledge and integrity.  He was a proud member of the School of Engineers of Pichincha in Quito and contributed to major projects throughout Ecuador, as well as internationally, including buildings for Braniff International in Quito and Miami, Florida.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, he designed and built homes, bridges, and buildings in Quito and other cities across Ecuador, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s infrastructure.  His work was defined by rigor, intelligence, and responsibility, and he remained professionally active until the age of 80 – a reflection of both his passion for engineering and his strong work ethic.  To those who worked with him, he was not only an exceptional engineer, but a respected colleague and mentor.

Beyond his professional achievements, German lived a rich life in love, joy, and human connection.  He was married for 72 years to the love of his life, Pilar Chavez Terreglosa, with whom he built a beautiful family and an enduring partnership.  Together they raised three children, German Patricio, Monica de Pilar and Maria de Lourdes, who knew him as a devoted father, a wise guide, and a constant source of support. He was generous, happy, and deeply sociable, with a genuine love for life, family and friends.  In his final years, he and his wife moved to the United States during the pandemic, where they spent the last five yeas together, surrounded by family.  He will be remembered not only for his brilliance as an engineer, but for his kindness, his joy, and the love he gave so freely.  His legacy lives on in the structures he built, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched.

German is preceded in death by his parents, Julio Samaniego and Septimia del Cioppo.  He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Maria Pilar Chavez; his children, German P. Samaniego, Monica Samaniego and Lourdes Samaniego; his grandchildren, Felipe Samaniego, Iliana S., Juan Martin Campuzano, Gabriela Campuzno, Steven Preston and Brian Preston; his great-grandchildren, Juan Ignacio, Franco, Miranda Campuzano, Arai’ Coba and Emilia Coba.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.