Alfredo Magluta

Alfredo Magluta was born in Bejucal, Havana, Cuba, on August 2, 1923, the third of 6 children of Lebanese immigrants, Salvador and Saada. His Lebanese name, Al-Farid, means “unique.” And that he was – the kindest and most loving of men.

When his father died at a young age, he and his siblings went to work to help support the family. For the rest of his life he never stopped working to provide for others. In his mid-twenties, while a clerk in a hardware store, Alfredo saw a beautiful young lady walk past the window and he fell deeply in love. A few years later he married his love and life companion, Maria. Their worlds could not have been more different, the Lebanese and the Criolla. But together they created a family filled with the love, compassion, and care that shined through 69 years of marriage and has bonded all of us into a 4-generation-strong family.

Perhaps the greatest joy in his life came when he became Tatá. Gianna, Naomi and Paulina brought the greatest joy and laughter into his life; they are the most loving great-granddaughters anyone could have. They showered him with love, hugs and kisses and saying good-bye was almost impossible. He longed for them to come over so he could hear their escapades.

Alfredo’s family and his love of God were his life’s work. But he was also an excellent baker and a master cake decorator who spent most days getting up in the small hours of the night so others could enjoy his handiwork. When Alfredo retired from baking at age 85, he found great joy in tending to his garden; his grass and his flowering bushes were his pride and joy. In his later years, more than ever, Papi spent his time caring for his family, caring for God’s people, and sharing the Gospel of salvation in Christ with everyone – even in a Home Depot parking lot. During the pandemic he longed every week to be back at the Chapel with the people he loved. He disinfected hymn books, and dusted pews, to be “ready” to open back up. For the past few months, as doctors, nurses, and aides came to see him, he asked each one about their relationship with the Lord and made sure they had a Bible before they left.

Alfredo’s life was not trouble-free, but it was certainly blessed. He was someone special to each of us in his own way. Our Viejo, Papi, Pipo, Tío, Abuelo and Tatá blessed everyone he touched. During his 97 years on earth, he was the human example of goodness and godliness – we are humbled by the purity of his life and by his strong love for God.

Our beloved husband and father is now home in heaven with the Lord he loved. His loving wife Maria Magluta (Alonso); daughters Mayra Beers and Sara Beers; sons-in-law Randy and Gary; grandchildren Jonathan, Joshua, Ahiza, Ahren, Adam and Alec; great-granddaughters, Gianna, Naomi, and Paulina, all miss him dearly. He has left us an incomparable legacy of love and virtue. May we always honor his memory and his love of God for the rest of our lives.

May he be an inspiration to all who knew him. God’s divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life, through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3