Luis Adolfo Algarra's Obituary
Dr. Luis Adolfo Algarra, beloved Husband, Step-Father and Grandfather died Friday, November 5, 2021, age 87.
Born January 1, 1934, in Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Algarra enjoyed a life well lived with a deep devotion to his family and friends, his community and his profession.
Dr. Algarra graduated from Bogotá Medical Jesuit University Javeriana in 1959 cum laude. He obtained his medical license in 1960. He immigrated to the United States in 1962 and obtained prestigious surgical residency positions at NYU and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Hospitals in New York City. Dr. Algarra was drafted into the United States Army after obtaining his US citizenship. Dr. Algarra then served a tour in Vietnam with the 45th Surgical Hospital in Tay Ninh and the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Ci Chu. Dr. Algarra obtained the rank of Major with many military honorable decorations, awards and recognitions, including a Bronze Star; he was honorably discharged following his tour of duty and completed his advanced surgical residency program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York before moving to Miami, FL to establish his private practice as a surgical oncologist specializing in head and neck cancer in 1973. Dr. Algarra retired from the practice of medicine in 2000 after faithfully serving the Miami-Dade community for 27 years of medical and surgical excellence.
Dr. Algarra was a loving husband to his surviving spouse of 46 years, Emmita Algarra. In addition to his spouse, Dr. Algarra is survived by 6 children: Kim Algarra, Karin Algarra Dean (m. Tim Dean), Kelly Algarra Olson (m. Mike Olson), Maurice Algarra, Erick Alfonso and Dayanna Alfonso.
Dr. Algarra also is survived by his sister Beatriz Algarra Ford and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Algarra will be deeply missed by all his friends and family. His infectious smile and constant upbeat personality were enjoyed by all who knew him.
Dr. Algarra will be buried at South Florida National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.
The funeral Mass will be 10am November 30th at Church of the Little Flower.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please consider donating towards research for Parkinson’s Disease or Diabetes.
Suggested websites: Parkinson.org and Diabetes.org
What’s your fondest memory of Luis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Luis?
Share a story where Luis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Luis you’ll never forget.
How did Luis make you smile?