surrounded by his family. He was born to Juan and Valentina Rey on
November 4th, 1928 in San Juan de Los Yeras, Cuba. He grew up in the
countryside being loved and doted on by his 13 older brothers and sisters.
In 1956, he helped to form The Second Front of Escambray, an
independent guerilla group to overthrow the Batista regime. After being
persecuted for his pursuit of freedom, he was forced to leave his homeland.
On July 4th, 1962 he arrived in Miami, Florida thanks to the Cuban
Refugee Act, leaving his family and love behind. He returned years later to
Cuba via sailboat to bring his future bride, Carmen Rodriguez and marry
her in the United States of America. The Cuban government refused all
exit visas and he made his way back to Miami without her. In 1966, they
were married and soon after made their home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Angel worked at the University of Michigan Hospital until he had the great
fortune to secure employment with Ford Motor Company. He worked in
Quality Control for over 30 years. His greatest achievement was raising
and providing for his family. He was a father and grandfather first and
foremost. His success in this country allowed him to care for his brothers
and sisters in Cuba which brought him great joy. After his love for his
family and friends, his 2nd greatest love was his Cuba. He suffered
knowing the land he fought for was under a dictatorship and had hoped for
a free Cuba every day of his life. Angel maintained lifelong friendships and
cherished each and every one. While he was certainly the strong, silent
type, he expressed himself in poetry even having books published in his
younger days. Angel loved baseball, reading, writing, listening to classical
music and anything that had to do with history or politics. He is survived by
his wife, Carmen, daughters Carmen Milagro, Alicia Isabel(Lance),
grandchildren Natalia and Alex, sisters-in-law Norma and Angelina,
brother-in-law, Arnaldo and countless nieces and nephews. A funeral
mass will be held and livestreamed on Wednesday December 23rd at St.
Mary’s Parish at 11:00 A.M.
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