Francisco de la Fuente's Obituary
Francisco de la Fuente passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at the age of 96 in Coral Gables, Florida. He was born in Havana, Cuba on July 11, 1926 to Francisco de la Fuente y Rivera and Aurelia de la Fuente Rodriguez Cao. He graduated from Colegio de Belen in Havana in 1944, then received his law degree from the Universidad de la Habana in 1948. That same year he married the love of his life, Barbara Hall Lewis (Babi), with whom he would eventually celebrate 68 years of marriage. Paco, as he was called by family and friends, practiced law in Cuba until he emigrated to Coral Gables, Florida in 1960. He worked at Bache & Company as a stockbroker before dedicating his attention to family financial and real estate investments. He ultimately practiced law in Miami after becoming a member of The Florida Bar in 1977.
Paco worked with a number of charitable and community organizations throughout his life. He was actively involved with the Lions Club of Coral Gables, was a member and President of the Asociacion Interamericana de los Hombres de Empresa (AIHE), and volunteered with Crime Stoppers. He and Babi had a special affection for and supported the Centro Hispano Catolico Child Care Center.
Paco enjoyed many hobbies in his free time. He and Babi travelled the world together, at first always taking their children, then later as a couple, with the AIHE, or with their grandchildren. They loved to recount their honeymoon in South Africa and later returned to the continent to visit Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco. They travelled throughout Europe and South and Central America, and also visited China and Japan. Trips to sites all over the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and passing through the Panama Canal were of special interest. These trips were times they looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. Paco’s love of history was evident as one would often find him reading a book about historical events or prominent figures, and he was always interested in passing on his knowledge to anyone who would listen. He liked playing tennis, boating, and playing golf with his many good friends. While growing up in Cuba, he would often take a sailboat out alone in the morning and sail until sunset. He was an avid horseman and member of a group of equestrian vaulters, competed in crew, and enjoyed practicing judo. A dedicated family man, he cherished family gatherings of every kind, and particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Paco was pre-deceased by his wife, Babi (2017), and his daughter, Sandra (2001). He is survived by his children, Francisco Arturo de la Fuente (Lee), Alina de la Fuente St. Louis (Roland), and Ricardo Lewis de la Fuente. He is also survived by his grandchildren Alexander de la Fuente (Emily Gatch), Nicholas de la Fuente, Marisa de la Fuente (Tim Murray), Stephanie St. Louis, Roland St. Louis lll, and Daniel St. Louis. His great-grandchildren are Delphine de la Fuente, Ophelia de la Fuente, James Murray, and Jonathan Murray.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 14th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Van Orsdel Funeral Home, 4600 S.W. 8th St., Coral Gables, FL 33134, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:30 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 1400 Miller Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33146. Burial will be at Woodlawn Park North Cemetery, 3260 S.W. 8th St., Miami FL 33135.
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