Rolando Valdes' Obituary
Rolando "Pipo" Valdes was born in Mariel, Cuba on December 23, 1931 to Porfirio, a businessman, and Evangelina, a homemaker. He spent his time in Mariel before marrying his motorcycle-riding girlfriend, Amelia Valdes in August of 1955 and fathering three children.
Following the political turmoil in Cuba, and in order to provide a better life for his family, Rolando immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1969 with nothing but his family, the clothes on his back and a strong work ethic. A welder and mechanic by trade, he taught himself a new language in a new country at the age of thirty-seven, and did everything he could to ensure his children would have the tools necessary to thrive.
Rolando was blessed with a large and loving family that continued to grow after coming to the United States. For the last 67 years he and Amelia have been together, Rolando watched as all three of his children became successful and loving parents. He helped raise his three children with love and discipline, instilling in them that same strong work ethic and earning "Pipo" as his nickname. A true patriarch, he even became a great grandfather in his lifetime.
However, he was always a child at heart, and loved taking his children on vacation and long road trips every time he could. His love of making children happy will be sorely missed.
Rolando is survived by his wife, his daughter Maria, and his sons Rolando and Daniel, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren
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