Julio Francisco Prieto

Julio was born in 1935 to Julio and Julia Prieto in Havana, Cuba. Following a longstanding family tradition, he attended high school at The Marist School in Havana, Cuba. Upon graduation, he came to the United States to attend college at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina.

After college, he returned home to Havana to work in the family business with his father and brothers. In 1961, he joined a group of Cuban exiles in an effort to depose the Communist dictator, Fidel Castro, in the battle of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. He was wounded during combat operations and was taken prisoner by the communist. After escaping captivity, he was able to make his way to The United States, where he was granted asylum later that year. He was extremely proud to become a naturalized citizen of The United States in 1974.

In 1966, he met his wife of 56 years, Nancy Carol McCullough of Rome, Georgia. After living in several states throughout the South, they settled in Adairsville, then later moved to Rome. Julio was a devout Christian Catholic who was a member of St. Mary’s Church for over 45 years. He was a devoted family man who lived for his family by stressing the importance of faith and education to his children. All of his children earned bachelor degrees and three of the four earned doctorate degrees.

Julio is survived by his beloved wife Nancy and their children, Angela Prieto Veach, Mike Prieto and his wife Kathy, Dan Prieto and his wife Dunneah, and Julie Goode and her husband Jeff; grandchildren: Tori Veach Wilson, Micaela Veach, Brittany Goode, Chandler Goode, Drew Prieto, Ryan Prieto, Lauren Prieto, Luke Prieto as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass to celebrate Julio's life will be conducted at ten-thirty in the morning on Wednesday, the 30th of November, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Innichement will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

Please visit www.danielsfuneralhome.com to post tributes and sign the on-line register book.

Daniel's Funeral Home is honored to serve Mr. Prieto's family during this difficult time.