Cristino Sebastian

Cabezas

Cristino Sebastián Cabezas, 89, resident of Miami Lakes, FL passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 8, 2026 with his family by his side.

Cristino was born on December 15, 1936 in Consolación del Sur, Pinar del Río, Cuba, to Gregorio and Marianna. He was raised on his family’s tobacco plantation and farm alongside his five brothers and one sister. Cristino often reflected on his childhood as a time filled with happiness, simplicity, and cherished memories. He deeply revered his parents, whom he remembered as structured, disciplined, calm, loving, and tender. The values they instilled in him would remain the foundation of his character throughout his life.

Cristino and his wife Julia made the courageous and life-changing decision to flee communist Cuba with their young family in pursuit of freedom and a better future. Under the provisions of the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA), a federal law enacted in 1966 and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Cristino and his family began the long journey toward resettlement in the United States. They waited almost five years from the time they applied until they were finally eligible to leave Cuba.

Those years were filled with hardship and uncertainty. While awaiting permission to emigrate, Cristino, like countless others hoping to escape the communist regime of Fidel Castro, was forced into labor camps, where he endured demanding work building dams, harvesting sugar cane, and performing other forms of forced labor.

When the long-awaited day of departure finally arrived, the Castro regime stripped Cristino and his family of virtually everything they owned, including their property, furniture, and personal belongings. They left Cuba with nothing but the clothes on their backs, boarding a flight from Varadero to Miami.

Yet, despite everything they had endured and everything they had lost, Cristino would forever remember that day as the happiest of his life. His family had finally reached freedom. Upon arriving in Miami, they were processed at the historic Freedom Tower, a place that welcomed generations of Cuban exiles. Within days, they continued their journey to Detroit, Michigan, settling in Lansing, where Cristino would build the life and future he had dreamed of for his family.

In Lansing, Cristino raised his children, worked diligently, and proudly retired from General Motors after years of dedicated service. It was there that he established his home, built lasting friendships, and watched his family grow. In his later years, following retirement, he relocated to Florida where he reconnected with many dear friends and enjoyed the golden years of his life.

Cristino never forgot those who helped make his family’s freedom possible. He remained deeply grateful to the individuals who sponsored them under the Cuban Adjustment Act, to everyone who welcomed and supported them along the way, and, above all, to the United States of America. He treasured the opportunity to live in a free country, work hard, provide for his family, and build a better future. His life was a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the American Dream.

Although Cristino lived a humble life, his generosity and devotion to others knew no bounds. He was a devoted father and family man who believed deeply in the importance of caring for those he loved. For more than 50 years, while providing for his own family in the United States, he also remained steadfastly committed to supporting his parents and siblings who remained in Cuba in as  much as possible. Through financial assistance, medicine, food, clothing, and, most importantly, an immeasurable amount of love, he never stopped caring for those he had left behind. Distance and circumstance could never diminish his devotion to family.

Beyond his family, Cristino treasured the many lifelong friendships he cultivated throughout the years. He found his greatest happiness in life's simple pleasures: sharing a meal and conversation with family and friends, listening to music, enjoying a day at the beach, or making memories on a cruise. These were the moments he cherished most.

Cristino's life was defined not by material possessions, but by the love he gave, the sacrifices he made, the people he cared for, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his humility, generosity, strength, unwavering devotion to family, and profound appreciation for the freedom and opportunities he found in the United States of America.

His journey from Cuba to America was one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. His legacy is one of love, resilience, gratitude, and unwavering devotion to family. He remained deeply grateful to the many friends and compassionate caregivers who stood by his side, offered their support, and brought comfort and kindness throughout his life. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Cristino is survived by his daughter, Odalys; son-in-law, Andrew; brother, Felix; and sister, Francisca. He is reunited in eternal rest with his beloved son, Pedro.

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 13th from 4-9pm at Vista Funeral Home, Miami Lakes, Florida and burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan. Fittingly, he will be laid to rest beside his beloved son, Pedro.