Victor Pauca, the inspiration behind Verbal Victor app, passes away

Victor Pauca, son of computer science professor Paúl Pauca and his wife, Theresa Pauca, passed away on Dec. 13 from complications from pneumonia. He was 19.

Victor was well-known among Wake Forest faculty, staff and students. Many met and worked with him on projects related to disabilities and accessibility.  

Born on August 3, 2005, he was one of the first individuals in the world diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that makes it difficult to communicate. Professor Pauca and a team of WFU students developed an iPhone/iPad app called Verbal Victor as an affordable alternative to expensive communication devices. Read more about Verbal Victor in Wake Forest Magazine’s “A Voice for Victor” (2011) and on the University news website’s “Speaking up for People with Disabilities (2012).

The Pauca family co-founded the Pitt-Hopkins Research Foundation in 2012 with other families, who would become lifelong friends.

The family plans to hold an in-person and live-streamed celebration of Victor’s life in spring of 2025. Memories and photos may be posted on this memorial board created to celebrate Victor’s life. 

Wake Forest offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The Counseling Center may be reached at 336.758.5273, the Chaplain’s Office at 336.758.5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336.716.5493.