Luis Anaya Sr. born on March 29, 1943 to parents Ricardo Anaya and Concepcion Sala in Isla de Pinos, Havana Cuba, lived a life full of laughter, adventure, and the love of family. He passed away peacefully on February 1, 2022 and leaves behind a legacy of family and friends who will remember him for his fierce and loving heart, a smile that could light up any room, and a roaring laugh that you couldn’t help but join in when you were near him.
Luis came to this country in 1959 fleeing political persecution from the Communist Regime in Cuba. At just sixteen years of age he gained a student Visa which allowed him to garner a sponsorship by an American family to pursue his studies in Tennessee. As a young teenager who did not speak the language, he boldly began his new life with dreams of a brighter future. It was through his hard work and dedication that he began to make a life for himself in America. During his lifetime he pursued various professional passions including business ownership and a tenure in management at Walgreens. Later in life, he began a career in Real Estate which, as a vibrant people person, he found much success working with clients and making personal connections with those he worked with. His professional pursuits kept him grounded but his adventurous spirit led him to gain his single engine private pilot license in his thirties and his love for storytelling was always a part of his charm.
Luis had a deep appreciation for family and spent his years surrounded by those he loved. There was never a party invitation he turned down, a song he wouldn’t sing, or a joke he wouldn’t share. Family meant everything to him and he leaves behind many loved ones who will miss him dearly. He is survived by his two loving sons Luis (Stacey) Anaya Jr. and Richard (Laurie) Anaya, cherished niece Monique (Tony) Javarone, siblings Dinorah Anaya Brandon, Concepción Gonzalez, George (Iris) Anaya, and Jose Anaya. He had 10 beloved grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, six nieces and four nephews; all of whom adored him.
Viewing and services will take place on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 5pm-8pm at Quattlebaum Funeral and Event Center at 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, WPB FL 33417. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation in Luis Anaya’s name to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.
