Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius was one of two doctors in 1958 who performed the first open heart surgery, pioneering heart surgery in Fresno. Dr. Marius performed over 11,000 such surgeries during his 50-year practice before retiring at 91 years of age. Born in Panama and raised in Harlem, he first trained as a tailor and an artist before serving with the 725th Medical Sanitary Company during World War II. Dr. Marius was an accomplished musician, poet, author, painter, and golfer. He was also associated with the Hometown Heroes and Central Valley Honor Flight. As a dedicated teacher and mentor at the Fresno School of Mission, he remained active in the community through teaching, speaking, seminars, motivational talks, and working with young people.