Alfredo Martinez's Obituary
Alfredo Martinez Cabrera – November 2, 1968- Friday, December 24 th , 2021.
On Friday, December 24, 2021, Alfredo Martinez entered eternal life. His spirit is carried on by
his wife of 35 years, three surviving siblings, his beloved dog, cats, and an extended family of
relations and friends from every walk of life.
Alfredo was born in Hijas de Galicia Hospital in Habana, Cuba on November 2, 1968. He
immigrated to the US when he was 16 years old. Cuba was always his roots, but he made the
US his home. He met the love of his life, Luzy 35 years ago and were inseparable since day one.
There was no Alfredo without Luzy and no Luzy without Alfredo. He lived his life in service of
others, but particularly in the service of God. He never met a child, an animal, or a stranger that
he didn’t bond with or helped. He always imparted sayings that were at times insightful for the
instant or could bring a chuckle to a moment of extreme seriousness.
The people in his life were numerous. He loved his mom Milagros Cabrera (deceased), and he
worshipped his older sister Maria Perez, who he spoke with daily. He adored his mother-in-
law who would cook for him because Luzy wouldn’t. He taught them the meaning of living life
to the fullest, laugh all the time, and care for one another. Brotherhood was at the core of
who Alfredo was. He loved his brothers Lazaro and Juan Martinez. He took after his father,
“Papo”, who taught him everything he knew about a good joke and how to be a man. His
brother from another mother, Nick Cabrera was his sidekick and partner-in crime. He adored
all of his friends, including those form his church and work where he spent over 20 years.
Alfredo is finally meeting his child in heaven who are praying for Luzy.
Alfredo loved Cuban food and his beloved Gallo-Pinto made by his mother-in law, listening to all
genres of music, but particularly Cuban music and vallenato Colombiano, a good Colada, and
beautiful women like his wife. Not necessarily in that order. He hated oranges and communists.
Not necessarily in that order. He was a master with a computer but even a better dancer.
When it came to moving furniture for the family, Alfredo was one of the best in the business.
He was also one of the best drivers ed teacher for all the cousins and friends- And he loved
doing it. Alfredo loved to tell stories. And you could be sure 50% of every story was true. You
just never knew which 50%.
But above all other things, beyond being the funniest guy in the room, beyond his career, his
charity work, his myriad interests, Alfredo will be remembered by his loved ones as a sparkling
and burning light who illumined, inspired, and guided everyone to lead lives as joy-filled and
giving as his. His infectious ebullience, curiosity, enthusiasm, and love nourished and guided us
all. He showed us what we could be, how we could give, and what a well-lived life was.
His energy and spirit will live on in us, and we will forever be grateful for his presence in our
lives. Alfredo made the world a better place for him having been here. It is not lost on his
family that on Christmas eve the lord took him to heaven. His unwavering faith and believe in
God guided Alfredo throughout his life. But it was especially true that life changed when he
found God. God sent Alfredo angels who announced that God loved him as he was and that his
history was perfect. Alfredo heart was full of the love of God.
What did Alfredo teach us? That it's all meaningful, endlessly fascinating and achingly beautiful.
All we can do is forgive quickly and be kind, to others and ourselves; know that we are all doing
the best that we can. Cultivate gratitude; believe that enough is a feast. Be of service and
generous; Know that your death is real and coming at blinding speed, so stop struggling to hold
onto the intrinsically ephemeral and let go, relax, and remember to have fun.
We will forever adore and remember you – we will stand taller and stronger, knowing you are
now watching over us – always believing.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Van Orsdel Funeral Home 11220 N.
Kendall Dive from 4pm-10:00pm. A Memorial Mass officiated by Father James Arriola and
Father Alberto Chavez will be held in Alfredo Martinez’ honor on Friday, December 31, 2021 at
10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 11291 SW 142 nd Avenue, Miami, Florida
33186.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Florida Lions Foundation for the
Blind.
What’s your fondest memory of Alfredo?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alfredo?
Share a story where Alfredo's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alfredo you’ll never forget.
How did Alfredo make you smile?