Alfredo Pedro Haramboure

Alfredo Pedro Haramboure passed away on January 24, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born August 9, 1936, in Mata, Cuba, attended primary school at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Matanza, High School at the Institute, and College at the University of Havana. He is survived by his wife Diana who he has known since he was 12 years old. They were married for 62 years. The family moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1966. He is survived by his wife Diana, his three children, Diana Haramboure (Anne Simpson), Fred Haramboure (Lisa Haramboure), Michele Sutcliffe (Geoff Sutcliffe) and four grandchildren Rebecca Harp (Fredrick Harp), Alfredo (Freddy) Haramboure, Patrick Sutcliffe and Angie Haramboure. He is predeceased by his parents Hilda Morales Pedraza and Alfredo Haramboure and his half-sister Lydia Rosa.

Alfredo had many colorful and interesting stories of his time in Cuba. He was active in the movement to remove Fidel Castro from power and was charged with blowing up a bridge during the Bay of Pigs invasion. He was arrested, imprisoned and narrowly escaped Cuba temporarily leaving his wife and infant child behind. He found his way to Jamaica and then to the US where he was relentless with his pleas to the US State Department to issue visas so that he could be reunited with his family.

After immigrating to the United States, Alfredo was an Instrumentation Engineer where much of his work was in the phosphate industry where he designed and “started up” many phosphate refineries as a Professional Engineer (PE). His career included positions at Wellman Lord, Davy McKee, Jacobs Engineering and KEMWorks. His expertise was well known, and his assistance was requested at job sites throughout the US as well as China, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. After retiring, he assisted Eduardo Tapia, his brother-in-law and best friend, at Tapia Construction.

He was a devout Catholic attending Mass and praying the rosary daily, a trait influenced by his having left his rural home and parents to live at a parochial school away in order to obtain a better education. Alfredo was active in the church and community, including being a Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharistic, Minister of the Sick, member of the Knights of Columbus, and visiting with inmates at the Polk County Jail. He was a volunteer for Club Hispano de Lakeland. He graciously helped his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and family whenever needed. He was generous with his time, giving countless hours within the community in a quiet and humble way.

Alfredo loved traveling, which gave him and Diana the opportunity to visit over 30 countries. Also, it brought him great pleasure to spend time at the beach where he often gathered with family and friends. Family was very important to him; therefore, the time he spent with his grandchildren was precious.

Alfredo was a very affectionate person. His lifelong devotion to his wife was unwavering. The two were inseparable. He had a presence that could not be ignored and had views that could not be kept silent. He has many memorable sayings, such as “Don’t give me a fish but teach me how to fish.” His large personality will be a void in our hearts.

The family welcomes visitors in the sanctuary at Resurrection Catholic Church from 10 until 11 am on Thursday, February 2nd. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11 am, then an interment at Oak Hill Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at The Club of Eaglebrooke. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities in his memory.

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