Guillermo Sanabria

Guillermo Sanabria, aged 66, passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2025, in Venice, Florida. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Janet and Juan-Carlos, his partner Denise, and his many friends and colleagues.

Guillermo, known to many as “Bill,” was born in Cárdenas, Cuba, on February 15th, 1959. He had little time to enjoy his heritage on the island, as political turmoil soon overtook the country. His parents emigrated with him to Florida, arriving on a houseboat in Marathon Key before eventually settling in Hialeah.

Like many Cuban migrants of that era, Bill forged his place as a vital member of the American diaspora. His path took shape through medicine, where he became a renowned thoracic surgeon. His motivation was deeply personal: the loss of his father when Bill was just nine years old inspired a lifelong vow to help others avoid similar heartbreak.

Bill studied pre-med from age eighteen to twenty-two, then attended medical school in Mexico for two years, followed by seven years of training at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. By his early thirties, he had completed his education in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University of Miami. He went on to practice medicine for more than thirty years, spending the majority of his career at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge, Florida.

Outside of medicine, Bill cherished traveling with his family, dancing, and playing the bass guitar. Later in life, he worked for three years in the Sarasota and the Tampa Bay areas and taught anatomy at the college level before retiring due to illness. He faced his illness with courage for a year and a half.

The family extends sincere thanks to the professionals at Moffitt Cancer Center and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, as well as to Denise, for their devoted care and support in his hour of need.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, services will be held as a private gathering for close family and friends.