Emilio Bozan Leyva

Seventy eight year old Cuban native, Emilio Bozan Leyva was born in Cuba. He brought his family of four—a wife and four little daughters—to America in 1980 during the Mariel Boatlift, a major exodus. Despite facing numerous challenges, he managed to fulfill his aim of providing a better life for his family.

He was a fantastic dancer, intelligent, humorous, courageous, and determined. A real show-stopper. Everyone he met would feel his infectious laughter and humor. A "jack of all trades", he taught himself what he needed to know.

His hobbies included fishing, fixing vintage cars, dancing, making jokes, and playing dominoes with family and friends while sipping Coronas. Emilio was modest, having come from low beginnings and not requiring much to stay alive.

His enormously sensitive heart, however, shone through despite his best attempts to conceal it. In the face of lengthy goodbyes, he would often retreat to conceal his emotions and tears. If you were in need, he would gladly give you his shirt off his back. He gave out of his own lack not out of his wealth. He was rich in love.]

Dominga Bozan, his childhood sweetheart and wife of 54 years, five daughters (Anilbis, Annies, Amirys, Anais & Anajane), two sons (Anil & Sunil), twelve grandchildren (Sandra, James, Krystal, Jessie, Nity, Aviel, Gavriela, Jetenzen, Isabella, Noah, Reyna & Levi), seven great-grandchildren (Benjamin, Riley, Anabella, Julius, Zayvian, Milani & Killian), two siblings, and a large extended family and circle of friends, will carry on his legacy.

The time we were fortunate enough to have him here with us is something we will always treasure and are grateful for.

Gracias, Papi. Por todo lo que hiciste por nosotros. Te amamos mucho y te veremos pronto. La vida no sera igual sin ti…Te vamos a extrañar mucho!

En nuestros corazones siempre seras, “El Hombre Divertido”.