Roberto A. Godoy's Obituary
Roberto ‘Bob’ A. Godoy passed away suddenly on December 3, 2022, at the age of 88. He was
the son of Roberto A. Godoy Sr. and Alejandrina Filloy Godoy. He is survived by his loving
wife of 63 years, Leticia ‘Kiki’ Godoy, daughters Lia (Manuel) Godoy Sanchez and Maggie
(Pedro) Godoy Pollan, his sister Alejandrina Godoy Cruz, grandchildren Maggie and Andy
Sanchez, great granddaughter Jayda and numerous nieces and nephews whom he considered his
other sons/daughters.
Born in Havana, Cuba on February 6, 1934, he was an accomplished competitive swimmer
(backstroke), and a competitive domino player, who along with his playing partner Kiko, were
known for their “slights of hand”, “creative mathematics”, and near patented wink and wave
signal techniques. He attended Villanova Law School and worked as an attorney in the family
business, Godoy-Sayan. He married his sweetheart Kiki and honeymooned in Europe for three
months. But the climate in Cuba quickly changed and he would no longer continue in the family
business. He emigrated to Miami as young newlyweds with his infant daughter, Lia. Their early
years were spent in New Hampshire, and after moving to Tampa Florida, they were blessed with
the birth of their second daughter, Margarite (Maggie). His nephew, Junior, was at a boarding
school there and he would spend many weekends with him. In Cuba he had been an attorney, so
Roberto decided to attend Law school in Florida and practice law once again. After graduating
from Florida State University College of Law in 1974, he came to Miami and established a
successful law firm.
Always civically minded, he became the 1978 Republican legislative Candidate for district 117,
garnishing 39.4% of the vote. Leveraging that momentum, he became the first Hispanic
Chairman of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade Count during the years of the Reagan
presidency, remaining active in the committee until the late 80’s. Contributing to countless other
local and national campaigns, his was a respected voice for the presidencies of George H. W.
Bush (41), George W. Bush (43), and the campaign of Jeb Bush in 2015. He was a Miami-Dade
Fire and Rescue Service Board Commissioner from its inception on September 7, 1989, until it
was abolished on July 24, 2002. He represented District 4 and was the Chairman of the Board
during two periods. During his tenure as commissioner over 35 fire stations were completed.
With the death of his father in 1995, Roberto took over the development of Villas Godoy. Villas
Godoy Condominiums is a 5-story model housing project in the City of Miami, assisting low-
income families with buying a home for the first time.
A devoted Roman Catholic, he attended and supported Saint Brendan’s Catholic Church as an
usher. For the last 25 years he was a Eucharistic Minister for St. Louis Catholic Church. He
brought communion to those in need and lived his faith.
Family and friends will always remember his bright smile, devotion to family, being a life-long
Seminole fan, and staunch Republican. He was very proud to be born on the same day as Ronald
Regan! ‘Tito’ as he was known, was always the jokester and known to be long-winded. We
hope this long obit would make him proud.
Our families would be honored by your attendance on Jan 7, 2023, at St. Louis Catholic
Church, 7270 SW 120 Street, Pinecrest, FL. 33156.
11:30 am – Wake
12:30 pm - Mass
What’s your fondest memory of Roberto?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roberto?
Share a story where Roberto's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roberto you’ll never forget.
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