Sergio Pera

Dr. Sergio Guillermo Pera passed away peacefully at the age of 89 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Santiago de Cuba, Oriente to parents, Dr. Gonzalo and Angelina Pera, who precede him in death. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife: Elba Pera, his four siblings: Dr. Gonzalo Pera, Franscisca Pera-Aviño, Dr. Antonio Pera, Dr. Rodolfo Pera, and his two daughters: Joanna Gittleman and Ada Martinez.

He leaves behind his five daughters: Dr. Angelina (Jorge) Larrañaga, Elba (Tom) Lipe, Frances Pera, Jenny (Mike) Manning, and Judy (Darren) Winfrey. He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren who had the privilege of calling him ‘Abo’.

As a young man, he attended the University of Havana in Cuba with hopes of becoming a medical doctor. He unfortunately was unable to finish medical school in Cuba due to being expelled for having anti-communism political affiliations. He actively fought against Castro’s communist regime and spent many years in hiding to avoid persecution, he was known as Silvio to many. He married his wife, Elba Pera, in a small secret ceremony while in hiding. Elba fled communist Cuba while 7 months pregnant with their first born daughter, Angelina. Sergio would not meet his first born daughter until she was 5 years old when he was finally able to flee communist Cuba and be reunited with his wife in Spain. In 1969, after much hard work and dedication, he would attain his medical doctor degree from the University of Madrid in Spain.

After obtaining his medical doctor license in the United States, Dr. Pera went on to complete his medical training and residency at Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He eventually relocated his family to Arcadia, Florida where he and Elba raised their 7 daughters. Dr. Pera spent many years working as a physician at DeSoto Correctional Institution, G Pierce Wood Mental Hospital, and Port Charlotte Medical Center. Dr. Pera also worked as a physician at AMI Kendall Regional Hospital and retired from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Throughout his career, Dr. Pera left a lasting impact on his colleagues, peers, and patients.

He loved listening to music and spending time with his family. He dreamed of being alive to see a free Cuba. He continued to demonstrate his devotion and patriotism to the country of Cuba by volunteering his time and skills as Director of Medical Services at Medical International Center within Tamiami Park to provide medical care and assistance to the largest exodus of Cuban immigrants during the Mariel boatlift from April to October 1980.

Dr. Pera was an exemplary loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend who serves as an example of the resilience and perseverance that represents Cuban exiles of the finest caliber. While the Pera family is grieving his passing, they are filled with utmost pride to have had the privilege to call Sergio G. Pera the patriarch of their tight knit family.

Viewing is Friday, July 5th from 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn/Dignity Memorial @ 11655 SW 117th Avenue Miami, FL 33186. Burial Service @ 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 6th.