Ernesto Paul Cespedes

Ernesto Raul Cespedes, Sr. (Papa) was born on 5/4/1919 in Manzanillo, Oriente Province, Cuba. A lawyer by profession; a loving husband for 68 years to Maria Josefina Ferro; a beloved father to Floris Maria Cespedes St. Amant, Ernesto R. Cespedes, Jr., Carlos Andres Cespedes and Jorge Lorenzo Cespedes ( deceased); he died on October 1, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. A man who endured 6 years in a political prison in Communist Cuba plus 3 years of hard labor as punishment for his fight for freedom, he survived their cruelty, and ten years later joined his wife and children in Louisiana. Upon arrival in this country he turned his legal education and other life experiences to lead international companies in Spain and Ecuador. He beat the Devil at his own game and is now with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his wife, his children and their spouses, Alex St. Amant II, Laura Yowell, Maria May, and Julie Glaser, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous friends and associates here and abroad. Papa always said that "Life is an adventure" and so we bid you now godspeed as you embark on a new one. Love you Papa. We use this medium to thank those who helped us care for him, particularly our housekeeper, Hospice of Baton Rouge and the Baton Rouge General's Butterfly Wing Their loving care helped us cope with the inevitable outcome. A memorial will be held in New Orleans.