From a young age, Pedro became the apple of his grandfather's eye, spending much of his formative years by his side. This close bond led his parents to relocate closer to the family farm and ranch, Serafina, where his grandfather and many of the Herrera aunts, uncles, and cousins lived and worked. With 18 siblings on his mother’s side, his time at Serafina ignited a lifelong passion for farming, ranching, and land stewardship. It also rooted him deeply in the family which helped to raise him and teach him the lessons he would need to survive the incredible hardships that life would serve him. Pedro treasured the relationships he forged with his aunts and uncles, nurturing those ties throughout his life.
Pedro, the son of a musician and teacher, was a true original who understood the value of an education. He loved that higher learning was easier to attain in Cuba, and he took full advantage of that by mastering several fields of study while living in Havana, including, music, agriculture, education, and finally his true love, medicine. He felt like learning was a lifelong endeavor. At the age of 75 he completed his last certification at Texas State University in Long Term Care Administration, field he had worked in for years. His career in medicine spanned a lifetime from Cuba to America. From surgeon to administrator, he was a pillar of the medical community - always fighting for the best care for his patients. His passion was to provide care for those who could not care for themselves, always striving to bring dignity to their lives no matter their circumstances.
Pedro believed in freedom – not just for himself, but for his family and for those he loved. After fighting for years against the Communist regime that took over his beloved Cuba, he knew that the end of all that they knew was upon them. With incredible courage and determination, in the late 1960s he helped open the door for the family to start a new life in the United States, and he did not rest until each one had reached safety. He embraced this country with pride and gratitude, always reminding us of the sacrifices it took to get here and always proud to be an American Citizen.
His love for God and faith in the Catholic Church was evident throughout his life. Pedro served the communities where he lived in various roles, including Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Choir Director, and Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. He took pride in receiving his Fourth Degree from the Knights of Columbus and helped many others achieve the same honor. Beyond his service to the church, Pedro had a servant's heart and never turned away anyone in need. He learned through his darkest days that without God and faith in the good of those around you, you will not make it through.
Known as Papi to his children and grandchildren, he was endlessly creative and full of surprises, always joking, teasing, and sharing his contagious sense of humor. He loved recounting stories of Cuba and his family, reliving his adventures and hardships ensuring that family traditions and history were passed on to the next generation. A devoted son, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Papi ensured each family member felt his deep love and joy during visits or phone calls. Papi was also this family’s master of the pig, infamous for his pig roasts at family gatherings as well as his delicious pork roast and mojo. He would spend hours during holidays preparing these dishes to share with family and friends, eager to bring happiness with his good Cuban food. He was always up for company, Cuban coffee, a Cuban cigar on special occasions, music, dancing, hunting, fishing, gardening and cheering on the New York Yankees.
Papi is survived by his wife of 48 years, Naomi; children Alicia (Bruce) Bogart, Enidio (Mary) Magel, Maria (Wayne) Clendennen, John (Jennifer) DeJohn, Elizabeth (Jamie) Stuhrenberg; grandchildren, Nicolet (Barrett) Morgan, Alex (Lina) Clendennen, Brian Bogart, Lauren (Zach) Wortham, Reagan DeJohn and Clara Stuhrenberg; great grandchildren Peyton, Emmett, Brixton, and Ian; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Carmen and Rafael De La Cruz, and granddaughter Missy Magel.
To us, Papi was not just a father, grandfather or great grandfather – his legacy is woven into every part of who we are. He taught us the meaning of strength, the value of hard work, the importance of laughter, and the power of faith. We carry him with us in every cafecito, every song and every memory. Rest In Peace.
