Ramon Ramirez Fernandez

Our beloved Ramon Ramirez Fernandez passed away peacefully, at the age of 99, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. His story is one of survival, sacrifice, and steadfast love—a man who gave everything so that his family could have more.

Ramon is survived by his wife Lucimeire Affonso de Azevedo Fernandez, his daughters Karen Azevedo Fernandez, Kathy Azevedo Fernandez, Ofelia Fernandez, Esther Fernandez Shapiro, his son Ramon Ignacio Fernandez as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family and friends who will forever be inspired by his example. He was preceded in death by his son Alfredo Fernandez, and brother Luis Ramirez Fernandez. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of purpose, generosity, and devotion.

Born in Manzanillo, Cuba, he lived a long and extraordinary life defined by courage, compassion, and perseverance. A man whose story bridged oceans and generations, Ramon lived a life shaped by bravery, purpose, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. A man whose life spanned eras of change and wonder, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and quiet resilience.

Forced into exile following political unrest at the beginning of the Castro regime, Ramon endured great hardship as he sought safety

and freedom for his family. His determination carried him from Cuba to Spain, and eventually to the United States, where he created a new life for his family in New Jersey before settling permanently in Miami, Florida.

A registered nurse, Ramon began his career in the Cuban military and continued his profession in New York and later at the Miami VA Medical Center. His work reflected his lifelong dedication to service and care for others. Through his career, he found both purpose and pride, cherishing the ability to support his family and uplift those around him.

Providing well for those he loved was his greatest source of pride. He often said that family was his finest legacy, and he lived that truth each day. Over his 99 years — celebrating milestones like his “100th Christmas” — Ramon raised two families: four children with his first wife and two more with his second. He created a blended family united by love, respect, and shared memories. He was a devoted father and a proud one, never missing an opportunity to share his children’s accomplishments and stories with anyone who would listen. His joy came from seeing them thrive and knowing that their lives could be made slightly better than his.

After retirement, he found joy in travel, exploring Europe, Canada, and Brazil. His journeys reflected his passion for learning, adventure, and human connection. His adventures reminded him of how far he’d come—from great loss as a young adult in Cuba to a man who had seen the world.

In his later years, Ramon faced the challenges of Dementia with grace and courage. For the last seven years, his greatest source of comfort was the constant, unconditional love of his family. Together, they built a circle of care filled with patience, laughter, and small victories — moments that taught everyone around them about the true meaning of devotion and dignity. His wife and children often say that while they became his caretakers, he remained their teacher — reminding them daily that love is expressed through presence, gentleness, and forgiveness.

To honor Ramon’s memory, the family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his life at Caballero Rivero Southern (15011 West Dixie Highway, North Miami, FL 33181).

Visitation will be held at Caballero Rivero Southern on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5-9 p.m.

The funeral service will take place at the same location on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (special presentation at 1 p.m.).

The committal service will follow at Caballero Rivero Southern Memorial Park, 15000 West Dixie Highway, North Miami, FL 33181, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 2 - 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Catholic Health Services providing palliative and hospice care or Second Wind Dreams, an organization providing elders with dementia an opportunity to live out their lifelong dreams; so that others may benefit from the same compassion that guided his final years.