Jose Luis Fernandez de Lara

When someone is identified as a dedicated family man and a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of unconditional love and dedication for his family and a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jose Luis Fernandez de Lara who was indeed a born leader. He will be remembered for his dedication and love for his wife, children and grandchildren, and also as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jose was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jose knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Jose was born on August 23, 1945 at Hospital Quinta Covadonga at 2 pm. In Cerro, Habana, Cuba. His parents were Jose L Fernandez de Lara Gavilan and Delia Maria Alfonso Perez. Jose was raised in Arrojo Naranjo, Habana. Even as a youngster, Jose learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      Jose's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jose enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jose took part in baseball and chess. In his spare time he liked to read and to play baseball. Jose's memorable achievements included several awards, honors and medals for academic achievements through out his school years.

      Jose’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jose’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. He earned his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineer. He also pursued graduate school, earning his graduate degree in Agricultural Engineer. His favorite course was calculus,.

      Jose was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jose was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jose came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Sofia, Christina and Belen.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Jose reveled in the security of his family. On October 15, 1966 Jose exchanged wedding vows with Araceli del Consuelo Nieto Rodriguez at a family private home in Guantanamo, Cuba. Jose was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jose would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jose was blessed with two children; a son, Jose Luis Fernandez de Lara Nieto and one daughter, Claudia Fernandez de Lara Nieto. He was also blessed with two grandchildren, Isabel and Paula.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jose was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jose was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jose upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as an engineer. He was employed for over 30 years as an agricultural engineer by the Department of Agriculture in Cuba. Jose was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Jose approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his family. His favorite pursuits were fixing old cars,. Jose was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jose to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Jose played baseball. In his college years, Jose continued to stay active by playing baseball. Recreational sports included playing baseball. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball, boxing and wrestling.

      Faith was important to Jose. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep Christian beliefs that he was willing to share. During that time, he participated in several church activities.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jose used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jose had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Yaterita Beach, Tortuquilla Beach in Guantanamo, Cuba, visiting Canada and the Florida Keys.

      Jose was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Jose’s favorites was Musa, a cat. They were best friends for 9 years. His family was rounded out many dogs, birds, fishes and cats through out his live.

      When Jose’s retirement finally arrived in 2007, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Miami, Florida, USA. In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with his children and grandchildren. In many ways, Jose loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Jose passed away on July 14, 2021 at West Kendal Baptist Hospital, Miami, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Araceli Nieto Rodriquez; his children Jose Luis and Claudia and two granddaughters Isabel and Paula. Services were held at Caballero Rivero Funeral Homes, Little Havana in Miami, Florida, USA.

      All who knew him would agree that Jose was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jose Luis Fernandez de Lara did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

His family and friends will forever miss him, and love him for an eternity

John 11: 25-26: Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

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Jose Luis Fernandez de Lara, 75, de Miami, Florida fallecio el 14 de julio de 2021.

Jose nació el 23 de agosto de 1945 en Havana, Cuba.

Un servicio de memoria para Jose se llevará a cabo el domingo, 25 julio 25, 2021 desde las 3:00 p.m. hasta las 5:30 p. m. en Caballero Rivero Little Havana, 3344 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.

Podrá compartir sus gratos recuerdos y expresar sus condolencias en www.riverofuneralhomemiami.com para la familia Fernandez de Lara.