Jose H Pujol

Jose H. “Pepin” Pujol, a loving husband, father, grandfather/great grandfather, brother, uncle and close friend, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024 at the age of 94.

Pepin was born in Santiago de Cuba, Oriente, Cuba on October 21st, 1929 to Jose Pujol Fonolla and Maria Soler Roig.

From an early age, Pepin’s life was dedicated to adventure. He was a Sea Scout and a Boy Scout, a merchant marine, and a world traveler. At 19 he rode a Harley-Davidson from Ontario to Key West, then shipped his bike to Cuba, and started the first Harley-Davidson dealership in Cuba.

But more than anything else, Pepin’s life was characterized by his lifelong fight for freedom. He was recruited into the Central Intelligence Agency during the Cuban Revolution, and spent the rest of his life fighting for the freedom of his homeland.

In 1952 Pepin married Aurora “Chia.” They were later forced to leave their home in Cuba, and moved to Miami, Florida, where Pepin founded Flamingo Seafood and they raised their family. He was a proud alumni of Young Harris College in Georgia, loved bowling and racquetball, and driving his Austin Healey. He was an avid boat captain, harbor pilot, and diver his entire life, and served as the Port Superintendent of Moa.

Pepin was preceded in death by his son, Jose “Pepincito” Pujol. Pepin is survived by his wife of 72 years, Aurora “Chia” Venero de Pujol, and his younger sister Mery Garrido. Children: Jorge Pujol and Jaime Pujol. Grandchildren: Eileen (Justin) Gillen, Anika (David) Venable, Natalie (Mark) Llórente, Ricky (Raika) Pujol, Lizzette (Rene) Rubio, Joey (Cristie) Pujol, Kristina Pujol and Yvette (Adrian) Santos-Alborna. Along with 14 great-grandchildren.