Dr. Catalina García Vizcaíno (January 11, 1949 – September 25, 2025), one of the most respected intellectuals in the field of tax and customs law in Argentina, passed away this Thursday, September 25, in Buenos Aires, at the age of 76. The news was confirmed by Dr. Pablo Revilla, a tax law specialist.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our beloved Catalina García Vizcaíno passed away today. She dedicated her life to her family and, entirely, to her other great love: Tax Law.“, Revilla expressed. “She traveled every path, achieving the honor of serving as a member of the National Tax Court, a full professor of Public Finance and Tax Law at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), and a professor of undergraduate and graduate studies at numerous universities. She left an invaluable legacy through her writings, textbooks, and treatises, as well as through the training of generations of students. Her prestige transcended borders, and she will be remembered as a great professional and a great person..
Before specializing in law, Catalina studied at the Normal School 4 in Caballito, where she graduated as a National Normal Teacher in 1965. She was a secondary school teacher at the National School of Commerce No. 29 from April 24, 1969, until she graduated as a lawyer, having previously worked as a substitute teacher at various educational institutions.
She joined the university teaching profession in the Translation program, teaching Public Law in the chair of Dr. Reinaldo Agustín Vanossi. She won competitive examinations for the positions of assistant professor of Procedural Law and Public Law at the UBA Law School, and also worked as a national researcher in the Federal Capital. Her career at the National Tax Court was equally distinguished: she joined as an employee and, thanks to her perseverance and merit, rose to the position of Member in 1985.
Malena, a former employee of her office, recalled with emotion: “He was an example to follow. His dedication and generosity in teaching made it easy to work alongside him. He had a solid command of Customs and Tax Law, a field of knowledge he applied with rigor and clarity to each of his rulings.
Dr. Belén Reynoso, another former collaborator, added: “Dr. García Vizcaíno was a brilliant member of this Tax Court, with an unparalleled capacity for work. I had the privilege of working with her in the 15th Chamber, of being her student, and of learning customs law from her. I have nothing but words of gratitude, admiration, and profound respect for her work, her dedication, and her generosity. A true example for us all..
Likewise, Dr. Héctor Juárez Allende, who took over as his successor in the XV Vocality of the National Tax Court, highlighted: “I found an exemplarily organized board: a reflection of a rigorous and effective work method, sustained by discipline and attention to detail. His firm and well-founded legal judgment set precedents that we continue to apply to this day. Personally, I am grateful for his repeated invitations to conferences and exhibitions, as well as the generous and ongoing academic support he provided me in my professional development. His example continues to inform my daily practice..
Harry Schurig, Coordinator of the Customs Law Commission at the University of Buenos Aires, described her as a role model, both professionally and personally.A tireless legal practitioner, she imparted her vast knowledge with generosity, joy, and a ready smile. Despite her firm and determined nature, her faith and dedication earned her respect and admiration. She was a maternal and affectionate guide for me, from whom I learned not only legal lessons, but also the value of perseverance and self-confidence.“,” Schurig recalled.
Beyond her work at the National Tax Court, Dr. García Vizcaíno left an indelible mark on academic training and the dissemination of customs law. As the presiding officer of the Customs Law Conference at the UBA Law School, organized by the Customs Law Commission within the Center for Financial and Tax Law Studies, she was a tireless driving force in the consolidation of these branches of law, inspiring colleagues, faculty, and students to deepen their knowledge and practice.
In a dialogue with Customs News On March 17, 2019, he shared a quote from John Calvin Coolidge that reflected his philosophy and life guide:
“Nothing in this world can replace persistence. Talent cannot; nothing is more common than talented failures. Genius cannot; unrecognized geniuses are commonplace. Education cannot; the world is full of losers who received the best education. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Married for more than 37 years to Engineer Alejandro Bruno Donzelli, Catalina was a mother and grandmother, building a full life with her children Angélica, Pedro and Amparo, and her grandchildren Matías, Atenea, María Sara and Vicente.
Closing
Her remains will lie in state today, September 25, at Casa O'Higgins (O'Higgins 2842, Garden Room) starting at 5:00 PM. On Friday, September 26, at 10:00 AM, a funeral mass will be held at Buen Pastor Parish (Aranguren 691, Buenos Aires City), and she will be buried at La Recoleta Cemetery at 11:30 AM.
With her passing, Argentine tax and customs law loses one of its most influential figures. Her legacy will live on in her writings, teachings, and in the memories of those who had the privilege of learning from her.
Dr. Catalina, thank you for everything. We will always miss you. The photo corresponds to the interview conducted at his desk in 2019.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
