Reynaldo (Naldo) Alonso

Reynaldo (Naldo) Alonso, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November

19, 2024, at the age of 87.

Born on August 16, 1937, in Alacranes, Matanzas, Cuba, to Romualdo Alonso and Dulce Maria Pozo,

Naldo grew up in the province of Matanzas, spending much of his youth in Colon and Matanzas proper.

His life journey was marked by resilience and dedication.

On January 20, 1963, Naldo married the love of his life, Miriam P. Fernández Miquilarena, in Matanzas,

Cuba. As a young man, Naldo served in Fulgencio Batista's army prior to the Cuban Revolution. After

Fidel Castro’s rise to power, Naldo was imprisoned by the Communist regime for a short time. In order to

obtain a visa to leave Cuba, he was forced to work for two years at a UMAP Military Labor Camp,

enduring harsh conditions in pursuit of eventual freedom for himself and his family. On May 5, 1970,

Naldo and Miriam, along with their two young sons, Reynaldo and Luis, arrived in Miami, FL, as

refugees on a Freedom Flight.

Shortly after arriving in the United States, the family settled in Washington Heights, Manhattan, NY.

There, Naldo worked at La Esperanza Bakery, a Cuban bread company that served the local community,

and later also took on the role of superintendent for their residential building on W. 172nd Street. When

his sons Rey and Luis were in school, Naldo would regularly take them and other neighborhood kids to

the local park to play baseball.

Every year, the family would take road trips from Manhattan to Miami to visit their close friends, the

Medinas, strengthening bonds that spanned decades. They also embarked on road trips to Chicago to visit

Naldo’s sister, Amnerys, her husband, Ignacio, and their son, Naldo’s nephew Ignacio.

In 1993, Naldo moved with Miriam and their son Luis to Englewood, NJ, where he continued to build a

life grounded in love and tradition. An avid baseball fan, he was often found watching multiple games on

different screens, sharing spirited conversations with his best friend, Reynaldo Diaz. Naldo was also a

masterful cook, preparing cherished Cuban dishes like black beans, rice, and pernil, and hosting annual

Thanksgiving celebrations for his family.

While living in Englewood, Naldo deeply cherished the time spent sharing a home with his son Luis,

daughter-in-law Diane, and their beloved dog, Patricia (Patty). Naldo formed a special bond with Patty,

taking care of her, feeding her, and spending quiet moments together. From June 2019 to March 2020,

Naldo cherished the time spent with his nephew Ignacio, who would stay with him while in town for

work. The two enjoyed spirited conversations about politics and shared many laughs.

In his later years, Naldo joined his son Rey and his partner, Nicholas, in Los Angeles, where he continued

to bring joy to those around him with his love of Benny Moré's music and his sharp wit.

Naldo is survived by his siblings, Amnerys, Luis, Julio, and Raquel; his sons, Reynaldo and Luis; his

three grandchildren; and a large circle of beloved family and friends. Naldo Alonso’s life was a testament

to perseverance, love, and the celebration of culture and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly

remembered by all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Naldo.