Ignacio “Nachi” Arocena, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 8th, 1938 in Puerto Padre, Cuba, he was the son of Ignacio S. Arocena and Gloria Graupera. Nachi began his life’s journey in Cuba, moving to Havana to attend the University of Havana. It was there that he met the love of his life, Myriam Salles Arocena, through a chance introduction arranged by his sister, Gloria. The two were married on May 18, 1963, and together built a life rooted in love, resilience, and family. In 1967, seeking a better future, Nachi left Cuba and made his way through Spain and New York before ultimately settling in South Florida in 1969. He established his home in Hialeah, Florida, where he built both a career and a legacy. Nachi worked in accounting, primarily in freight forwarding with UPS, until his retirement. A proud and dedicated family man, Nachi is survived by his beloved wife, Myriam; his daughters, Susana A. Fernandes and Patricia A. Suero; his sons-in-law, Jose A. Fernandes and George Suero; and his sisters, Gloria Arocena and Lilia Lazaro, along with their families. He was the cherished grandfather (Tito) of Lauren A. Fernandes, Victoria A. Fernandes, Justin A. Suero, and Emily C. Suero, each of whom brought him great joy and pride. After retirement, Nachi embraced life fully, traveling often with his wife, friends, and family. He was an avid sports fan, faithfully cheering for the Miami Heat, following Formula 1, and rooting for the Miami Marlins. He also had a well-known sweet tooth, delighting in strawberry and praline ice cream, as well as key lime and apple pie. Nachi’s love for family extended to every gathering, where he was known for always bringing the croquetas. He enjoyed sharing his favorite games and patiently taught his loved ones how to play Dominos and Mahjong, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Whether spending a day at the beach or out on the boat in the Keys, he was famous for his signature piña coladas, always made with care and shared with joy. Quiet yet witty, Nachi had a sharp sense of humor and a knack for delivering a perfectly timed one-liner that would catch others off guard. His presence was steady, his love unwavering, and his impact lasting. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his generosity of spirit, and the warmth he brought into every room. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him most.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the following organizations.

American Heart Association | www.heart.org

National Kidney Foundation | www.kidney.org

American Red Cross | www.redcross.org