Fernando Zacarias Gatell's Obituary
Fernando Z. Gatell, a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida passed away on January 5th, 2021. He had been ill for the past year and passed away peacefully while recovering from a hip fracture.
Fernando was born in Havana, Cuba on November 5th, 1937. He studied engineering and was a Professional Surveyor and Mapper. He married his wife Sara Gatell in 1960 and they had a wonderful marriage that lasted over 60 years.
Fernando had a very successful career and was well regarded in the South Florida Surveying and Mapping community for over 45 years. He worked on the design of many of South Florida’s highways and landmarks. He measured bridges, roads, housing projects, airport projects, performed topographic surveys, plans for laying fiber optic communications lines, and taught surveying classes at Miami-Dade Community College.
Fernando loved the outdoors and was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, shooting and spending time in the North Carolina mountains with his family. He was a religious man and a wonderful husband and father.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Ivette Gatell Estefani. He is survived by his wife Sara; daughter, Ivonne Gatell-Suarez; grandchildren Carlos Estefani Jr., Victoria Estefani, Veronica Estefani; son-in-laws Carlos Estefani and Jorge Suarez; and siblings Wilfredo Gatell and Genobeva Gatell.
A viewing will take place on January 11th at Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel (11220 N Kendall Drive) between 10:30am and 12:30pm, followed by a 1:00pm Requiem Mass at St. Brendan Catholic Church (8725 SW 32nd Street).
What’s your fondest memory of Fernando?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fernando?
Share a story where Fernando's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fernando you’ll never forget.
How did Fernando make you smile?