Abelardo Alfredo D'Lima

Abelardo Alfredo D’Lima joined the Lord on January 22, 2021, at the tender age of 87.  Alfredo was born to Dionisio Lima y Lima and Eloiza Perez y Chaple on November 11, 1933, in Matanzas, Cuba. He was the youngest of seven children.

Alfredo spent his childhood between his home in Matanzas and the family farm in Camaguey. He recounted stories of the success of his parent’s agricultural businesses, his mother’s passion for her horses, and his father’s humility.   As an adult, he changed his birth name from Dionisio Abelardo Lima to Abelardo Alfredo D’Lima. Many knew him as Alfredo.

Armed with an intensity for politics, Alfredo served in numerous roles early on in the executive office of President Ramon Grau as well as President Carlos Prio Socarras, Frente Obrero Democratico Unido, and in Partido Revolucionario Cubano. Witnessing the turmoil and devastation not only with his family but of his country, Alfredo battled for Cuba’s liberty.  His combat was felt with his poetic rhetoric, in the shadows which shielded his covert operations, and stealthy tactics. It was a valiant war and in reflection, Alfredo remarked: “Es una Cuba diferente. No es la Cuba que dejé. Amo a mi patria y lucharé por ella pero Cuba no es la misma.”

Alfredo settled in Miami, Florida for a while before he moved to New York City, New York. He established his life in the Washington Heights area and became a proud naturalized citizen of the United States on January 5, 1959. Alfredo raised his son in New York for many years until he moved to Puerto Rico. He also briefly raised his daughter in New York until she moved to Texas.  In 2015, Alfredo moved to Omaha, Nebraska, later to Clarksville, Tennessee, and a final move to Saint Augustine, Florida.

Alfredo will be remembered for his charm; intellect; strength; and his piercing colored eyes. A resilient testament of faith, cancer survivor, and doting father.  Commanding conversations about history; politics; art; music; and family are etched in our hearts.  We love and miss you!

Alfredo is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Delia De Michelle; Daniel Armando Lima; David Angel Lima; Dalia Alicia Lima; Dora America Lima; and Digna Antonia Lima.

Alfredo is survived by his son, Richard D’Lima; daughter, Eloiza Rosa D’Lima; son-in-law, Jose Antonio Flores, Jr; granddaughter, Paloma D’Lima Flores; and grandson, Christian Joaquin Flores.

“Si no luchas, al menos ten la decencia de respetar a quienes si lo hacen.” - Jose Marti

The family will hold a private ceremony. A memorial service will be held at a later date.