Luis Fajardo

Luis Fajardo was born on June 21, 1933, in Guane, Pinar del Rio, Cuba. He was affectionately known as "El Niño" as he was the youngest boy in a family of 8 brothers and sisters. In 1959, at the age of 26, he immigrated to Miami, Florida. On January 4, 1960, he married his longtime girlfriend, Nieves. That same year they welcomed their first child. On April 17, 1961, he returned to Cuba to fight against Communism during the Bay of Pigs Invasion or as it referred to, “Playa Giron”.

The invasion was meant to be a covert operation and as such, one day he left home to go to work not to return for almost 2 years. He left behind his 6-month-old daughter and his beloved wife. He sacrificed his liberty, his family, and his life to liberate his country from Communism. He was captured and put in a Cuban jail. While in prison, he was repeatedly told he would not be released and was going to face the firing squad. He shared a jail cell with many men that had been killed by the firing squad and he believed his demise would be eminent. Luckily, his life was spared. He was released and returned to the United States on one of the last freedom flights to leave Cuba in 1963.

He restarted his life in "el exilio". He loved his new country passionately and would often say, “El que se vaya de este pais esta loco”. In his new country, he was afforded the opportunity to live the “American Dream”. Despite his limited education and the language barrier, he worked extremely hard and started two different successful businesses, Fajardo Conde Catering Inc. and Fajardo Driving School, which employed many of his friends and family. His hard work, courage, and determination not only provided his family with economic stability, but more importantly freed them from oppression and afforded them the opportunity to live in a free Democratic country. “El Niño” was a man of conviction and unwavering loyalty, a true hero, and the ultimate patriot. "El Niño" exemplified that determination and hard work is the key to success. He is gone but will never be forgotten.

Luis is survived by his daughter Estrella Fajardo Gonzalez and her husband Tony Gonzalez; son Luis Fajardo; sister Carmelina Fajardo; grandchildren Jennifer Reyes, Jacquelyn Andreu, Alexander Gonzalez, and Carolina Gonzalez; and his great grandsons Logan Reyes and Colton Andreu.

A funeral mass for Luis will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10 a.m.

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church

4020 Curtiss Pkwy, Miami Springs, FL 33166

Following the funeral mass will be a committal service at Flagler Memorial Park.

5201 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33134.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Fajardo family may be shared at www.riverofuneralhomehialeah.com.