Misael Andrade's Obituary
Misael Andrade, age 93, passed away on Friday, August 7 in Miami, Florida. He was born in Ibague, Tolima, known as the musical capital of Colombia, on July 17, 1927. He was the second youngest of his 5 siblings. Always looking for a new opportunity, Misael decided to leave his hometown and move to the capital, Bogota, when he turned 18. While playing guitar at a picnic in Piedras de Tunja, he met the beautiful Noemi Martinez, who became the love of his life. They married 3 months later on March 26, 1949, started a family, and he later became the proud father of Fabio, Misael, Marina, Carlos, Maria Noemi, and Ricardo. Misael worked in various industries until he landed a great job opportunity at the Banco De La Republica, in Bogota, where he retired in 1976 after 25 years of service.
Looking to improve the quality of his family’s life, Misael decided as had many before him to move his family to the United States. His children Fabio, Misael, and Marina went to Boston before him, and Misael soon reunited his whole family in America. Misael, always wanting his children to thrive, sent his oldest sons to the United States to get an education and plant roots in America. He had high standards for his family and the move to the US would provide access to better opportunities for all of them.
For the next few years, Misael and Noemi lived in both Colombia and the United States before finally settling in the tropical weather of Miami, Florida. In Miami, Misael and Noemi soon became full time abuelos to Manny and Angela, while also hosting visits from his children and grandchildren from the Northeast. In Miami, they frequented the area community senior centers to meet new friends, play games, go on day trips, dance, and of course, Misael would sing and play the guitar. This was a very happy time in their lives.
Sadly, in April 2006, Noemi passed away after battling cancer for several years. Misael continued to live independently, with close support of his children Maria and Carlos, who also lived in Florida. In March 2019, he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was moved to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. While in the facility his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and family including nephew, Julio Bocanegra, would visit to keep his spirits up. Like so many others, Misael tragically contracted COVID-19, and passed away on August 7, 2020 at North Shore Hospital in Miami.
Misael will always be remembered for his stories, his advice, witty sense of humor, and his jokes that teetered on the verge of being naughty. Close to the end of his life, he was able to travel with his family to Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Spain and other family trips. Abuelito, as his grandchildren called him, was always ready to dance with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, sing with his guitar in a playful tone, give his grandchildren money when their parents weren’t looking, and cemented his legacy as the beloved patriarch of the Andrade family.
Misael is survived by his 6 children: Fabio and wife Teresa of Stoughton, MA; Misael and wife Yvette of West Palm Beach, FL; Marina and husband Carlos Rondon of Randolph, Massachusetts, Carlos and wife Ruth of Miami, FL; Maria Noemi Mayor of Miami, FL; and Jose Ricardo and wife Vilma of Holbrook, MA. He is also survived by his brother Gilberto Andrade of Miami, FL; and grandchildren: Kenneth, Alex, Kevin, Karen, Diana, Jessica, Anthony, Fabio, Manuel, Claudia, Angela, Ricky; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, you can send a donation to St. Jude Children’s hospital charity.
What’s your fondest memory of Misael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Misael?
Share a story where Misael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Misael you’ll never forget.
How did Misael make you smile?