Giraldo Montes

Giraldo Montes Gorrín, 98, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on September 14, 2025, at 5:31 p.m. in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on December 5, 1926, in Havana, Cuba, he lived a life filled with faith, hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to his family.

In 1967, amidst the turbulent era of the Freedom Flights, Giraldo made the courageous decision to bring his young family to the United States. Alongside his beloved wife, Emilia Montes (who preceded him in death in 2010), their two children, and his elderly in-laws, Giraldo endured the hardships of leaving Cuba under a communist regime. They settled in Miami, Florida, where he committed himself to building a better life for his children.

Giraldo’s work ethic was evident from the beginning. He started as a butcher in Miami, eventually joining the Winn-Dixie family, where he faithfully worked for 25 years, rising to management before retiring at the age of 62. In 1996, he and his family moved to Jacksonville, where he spent his later years surrounded by loved ones.

Growing up on his father’s farm in Cuba, Giraldo developed a deep love for agriculture, animals, and the land. From a young age, he worked the farm and learned the butcher trade. Throughout his life, he faced and overcame many challenges, including accidents while caring for bulls and horses. His resilience was rooted in his faith and his love for the farm life. That passion never waned, and he passed down his knowledge and values of farming, planting, and nurturing the earth to his children and grandchildren.

Giraldo is survived by his daughter Lourdes, his son-in-law Osvaldo (whom he loved as his own son), his grandchildren Christian and David, their wives Lauren and Jessica, and his great-grandchildren Liam, Jason, Owen, and Miles.

Known for his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, Giraldo was a man who not only worked hard to provide for his family but also embodied joy, warmth, and tradition. His love for family was apparent in everything he did, from his devotion to daily Bible readings and prayer (which he continued even in his frailest days) to his legendary skills at playing Dominoes—especially with his great-grandchildren. His batidos (milkshakes) and roasted lechón were a fixture at every family holiday and celebration.

Even in his later years, Giraldo remained vibrant, enjoying watching movies, particularly reruns of The Price is Right, a favorite shared with his best friend, John Duffy. He loved music, dancing, and gardening, always bringing laughter and light wherever he went. He was a true presence in the lives of his family, celebrating milestones and creating cherished memories up until the end.

Giraldo’s legacy of faith, perseverance, and love for his family will endure through the generations he touched. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, the love and lessons he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Hardage-Giddens St. Johns, located at 1285 St. Johns Parkway, St. John’s, Florida 32259.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Giraldo’s memory by seeking God first in your life, celebrating each moment with your loved ones, sharing God’s love with others, dancing, enjoying music, and cherishing the simple joys of life, just as he did.

“Dad, we love you dearly and will miss you more than words can express. The love and memories you’ve left behind will keep you always in our hearts.”

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18