RIP Ele Labrada (Lee’s Father)
From Lee
“All—It’s with a heavy heart that I bring you news of my father’s passing away this past Sunday at the age of 75. Ele Labrada battled cancer for almost four years, all the while keeping a positive attitude. I remember my father best as a man of character and integrity, who always cared about fairness and the well-being of others. Born in Havana, Cuba, he grew up poor, living in a one-bedroom flat with his mother and three sisters. Through hard work and study, Ele became the first college-educated man in our family and valedictorian of his graduating class. He emigrated with our family to the United States in 1962 after the Cuban revolution of Fidel Castro. Having been stripped of all possessions by the Castro regime, he set out to rebuild a new life for our family. Ele worked successfully as a civil engineer on many projects ranging from high-rise buildings and bridges, to nuclear power plants. His greatest achievement however, and his pride and joy, was his family. Ele always put his family first. He was married to my mother, Maria, for over 50 years. They had four children, Lee, Conchita, Lourdes and Gene, along with 8 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.”
Viewing was held on October 1st, 2009, services with burial immediately afterwards on Friday, October 2nd, 2009.
Lee is known throughout the industry as a man of character, I’m certain that Ele was a tremendous influence on who Lee became.
