Juan Jose Buttari

Juan was an indefatigable fighter for the freedom of his beloved country, Cuba.

Since his adolescent years, he suffered incarceration on several occasions; first, fighting against a dictatorship and then fighting against the existing communist regime in Cuba. Juan arrived in the United States on December 17, 1960. A few months later, he participated in the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion. He remained in prison for almost two years.

Upon returning to the United States, Juan decided to continue his studies without neglecting his endeavors for Cuba’s freedom. He obtained his Doctorate in Economics at Georgetown University. He fell in love with the area and made Virginia his home state.

Juan worked as an economist for the United States Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D) for thirty years, frequently traveling abroad to several countries in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. After retirement, he worked as a consultant for many years and continued traveling to different countries. At the same time, he was proudly involved with a group of retired economists, serving as chairperson.

Juan’s favorite leisure activities were reading and playing tennis. He was an excellent tennis player, which he played up until two weeks before his brain surgery.

Juan has always been a man of strong and firm moral convictions. He always looked after his family and his friends; always ready to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it.

Juan is survived by his wife Heidy, son John, daughter Heidy McCarthy (Brian) and grandchildren Liam, Amelia, and Jack. He is also survived by his sister Lilia, niece Lili, and nephew Luis (Vanessa). He will always be loved and remembered by his family and friends. He will stay in our hearts forever.

There will be a time of visitation on Wednesday, May 9th between 6pm - 11pm at Caballero Rivero Little Havana Chapel. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Juan’s life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.