Ricardo Nuñez-Portuondo's Obituary
NÚÑEZ-PORTUONDO, Dr. RICARDO, A devoted husband, loving father, successful entrepreneur, wonderful grandfather and distinguished Cuban-American has passed away. After graduating from the University of Havana School of Law, Ricardo Núñez Portuondo came to the United States in 1960 following the Cuban government’s overthrow. Committed to democracy and freedom, he joined Brigade 2506 to liberate his homeland. His commitment to his homeland was not surprising as his father, Emilio Núñez Portuondo, served his country as Ambassador and Prime Minister of Cuba, and his grandfather, General Emilio Núñez, served as Vice President of the Republic and Governor of Havana. Soon after coming to the United States, he met Dolores Maldonado, who remained the love of his life for 51 years, until his passing. In the United States he created opportunities, having built several successful businesses, with real estate investing and development being his passion. Dr. Núñez Portuondo was driven to provide the best possible life for his family. One of his great joys was knowing that he and Dolores gave life to three sons, Ricardo, Emilio and Eduardo, each of whom became successful in his own right and was always a source of great pride for him. Dr. Núñez Portuondo was committed to public service. In 1975 he became the first Cuban American to receive a Presidential Appointment when President Ford named him National Director of the Cuban Refugee Program, an organization dedicated to the successful assimilation in the United States of Cuban exiles. In 1984, the Republican Party urged him to run against his friend, Congressman Claude Pepper, to keep Congressman Pepper from campaigning for then-Presidential candidate Walter Mondale. Among others, President Ronald Reagan entreated Dr. Núñez Portuondo to run. It was a tough challenge, as Congressman Pepper was probably the most popular politician at the time, but not only did Dr. Núñez Portuondo succeed in keeping Congressman Pepper in town and occupied with his own reelection, Dr. Núñez Portuondo also garnered more than double the votes he had been projected to receive. Dr. Núñez Portuondo remained a significant political figure credited with opening the door for many current political leaders. Dr. Núñez Portuondo was a man of principle and balance. Despite being a life-long Republican, he had strong friendships across political lines. Governor Bob Graham, a leading Democrat, appointed Dr. Núñez Portuondo to serve on the Florida Election Commission not once, but twice. Dr. Núñez Portuondo believed in the importance of giving back and taught that to his children. He had an extensive record of public service, including serving as a Trustee of Florida International University, and Director of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the Red Cross of Miami, Catholic Charities, and Mercy Hospital. He would receive numerous awards and recognitions throughout his life, but he always made clear that his greatest accomplishment was his family, both the blessed marriage that he enjoyed with Dolores and his three sons, daughters-in-law, Carmen, Glenda and Linda, and seven grandchildren Ricky, Alessandra, Carolina, Patricia, Daniel, Sofia and Lucas, whom he loved deeply. He was predeceased by his brother Emilio Nunez Blanco whose spouse Mirta Diaz-Balart survives him, and survived by siblings and their spouses Brunilda Nunez Fabrega and Jose Manuel Baeza, Fernando Nunez Fabrega, and Flory Maldonado de Gonzalez and Nivaldo Gonzales, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Núñez Portuondo will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. May he rest in peace.
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