Fernando Dominicis
Born on March 30, 1937 in Havana, CubaPassed on August 12, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and proud Cuban exile, Fernando was born on March 30, 1937 in Havana, Cuba, to Dr. Fernando Dominicis and Enriqueta Tamargo. From an early age, he was adored by his sister, Alicia, whose protective bond remained strong throughout their lives.
At just 13, while vacationing in the town of Gibara, Fernando met the love of his life, Maria del Pilar Camafreita, affectionately known by family and friends as Vicky. What began as a summer friendship blossomed into a lifelong romance. The two were married in 1957 and remained inseparable for 68 years, creating a life together marked by deep love, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment.
Fernando was a proud graduate of the Belén Jesuit Preparatory School in Havana, a member of the distinguished centennial class of 1954. He began his professional career at the National Bank of Cuba, where he developed lifelong friendships and displayed his trademark dedication and integrity.
In 1961, Fernando courageously fled communist Cuba with only $10, a bottle of rum, and a box of cigars to barter. His journey took him through Honduras and Mexico before he arrived in Miami, Florida, where he began rebuilding his life from scratch. From sanding furniture to working nights as a busboy while attending Rollins College, he eventually earned a position in finance at Boeing Aerospace. His 35-year career with the company took him and his family to Spain, Oklahoma, and back to Florida before retiring in 2001.
No matter where life took him, Fernando’s identity as a Cuban never wavered. He chose never to return to Cuba under the Castro regime, opting instead to preserve the memory of the country he loved: one filled with beauty, hope, and possibility.
Upon retirement, Fernando devoted himself fully to his faith and his community. He was an active parishioner at Ascension Catholic Church, attending daily Mass, volunteering in the food pantry, participating in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and finding deep fellowship with the Hispanic community and volunteering every Monday counting the Sunday offerings of his parish. He especially took joy in checking the parish bulletin to see if any couple had outlasted his and Vicky’s 68 years of marriage.
Fernando was known for his acts of quiet service—always the first to arrive and the one people called in a crisis. He supported newly arrived Cuban refugees, helped friends in need, and opened his home to countless guests over the years. He loved preparing arroz con pollo, and hosting dinners for family and friends.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Vicky; his seven children Maria (Thomas), Fernando Jr (Janet), Alicia (Michael), Ana (Pedro), Pablo (Sheryl), Peter (Ruth), and Isabel (John); 20 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends who were touched by his generosity, humor, loyalty, and strength of character.
Fernando was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Fernando Dominicis and Enriqueta Tamargo and his infant daughter, Maria Elena Dominicis.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, faith, and fierce pride in his Cuban heritage.
A Funeral Mass has been planned for Saturday, August 23 at 1 pm at Ascension Catholic Church, 2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32935.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Master’s Workshop, 2525 Lipscomb Street, Melbourne, FL 32901. This is a nonprofit in Melbourne where Fernando volunteered for over 24 years.
