Miami, Florida
Cuban banker and longtime community leader, Luis J. Botifoll, dies at age 95
by Fabiola Santiago
Retired banker Luis J. Botifoll, hailed as the dean of the Cuban exile community for his decades of civic leadership and willingness to help thousands of Cuban refugees obtain loans to launch new businesses, died in Miami of heart failure Wednesday night, shortly after returning home from a meeting with the Spanish prime minister.
He was 95 and still active in the Cuban American National Foundation, which he helped found in 1981. Botifoll, who turned Republic National Bank into the nation's largest Hispanic-owned bank while helping fellow Cubans start over in Miami, was representing the foundation at a gathering Wednesday night with José María Aznar, who was visiting Miami.
He gave a short speech. He spoke to the press afterward.
"It was his last mission," said CANF spokesman Joe Garcia, who frequently lunched with Botifoll and sought his advice. "He was a fascinating man who got around with a driver, wore hearing aids, but all the meetings ended with a commentary from him. He was a man young of mind. He had this clarity of mind, he knew how to lead."
Botifoll, who lost his beloved wife of 70 years on Aug. 2, had been to the cemetery to visit her grave Wednesday, as he did every day, said his grand-daughter Sofia Powell-Cosio.
"No matter how prominent he was in the community, he was always a very humble person," Powell-Cosio said. "He was always available to anybody and he was willing to help anybody. Professionally, the most remarkable thing was that he was friends with the most diverse people in the world. He believed that everybody, as long they had honest intentions and were doing something positive for Cuba, had a place and had a reason to be. He was criticized sometimes for that, because he had diverse vision."
A viewing will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at Caballero-Rivero-Woodlawn Funeral Home, 8200 Bird Rd. A Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Epiphany, 8235 SW 57th Ave., followed by burial at Woodlawn North Cemetery, 3260 SW Eighth St.
He is survived by his three daughters, Aurora D. Powell, Lourdes Riera and Luisa Murai; son-in-laws, Jorge L. Powell, Arturo Riera and Rene V. Murai; eight grandchildren, Aurora Carrido, Carolina Macias, Diana Powell, George L. Powell, Sofia Powell-Cosio, Elisa Murai, and Arturo and Juan Luis Riera, and 14 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Botifoll wanted donations to be made to Editorial Cubana at Belen Jesuit School, Oficina Biblioteca Guiteras, attention Jose Ignacio Rasco, 500 SW 127th Ave. Miami, Fl. 33184.
Dear Luisa, Renee and family,
My love and prayers are with you during this time. Your father was a great man, Luisa, and has given his spark to you as well. I remember fondly your wonderful, ever-ready smile, and that was perhaps his greatest gift to you!
Much love, Susie (Gelabert) Sakolsky
Susanna Sakolsky
October 03, 2003 | Miami, FL
Quisiera dar especiales condolencias a su nieta "Sofia" para quien su abuelo desde su infancia represento todo un modelo de inspiración que la ha llevado a lo que es hoy. Se el dolor que debe estar padeciendo en estos momentos y sirvan estas palabras para expresar mi solidaridad mas sincera
juan carlos Munoz Sevriuk
September 30, 2003 | Palma De Mallorca - España
descansa en paz, tu fuistes unos de
los buenos que vinistes de nuestra linda isla.
Leonel Abay y familia.
Leonel Abay
September 27, 2003 | Miami, FL
Luis Botifoll will be missed, his kindness, intellect, and rare insight are the makings of a great benefactor. He was always there for you, as an equal, finding the good in people. In speaking with him, one felt as if talking to a loving grandfather who wanted to bestow his wisdom upon you with sage advise. He was idealistic, respectful, commited to helping others, while firmly and courageously maintaining the hope for a Democratic Cuba. His legacy will continue....Gracias Luis
MARC ANDRIES SMIT
September 27, 2003 | CORAL GABLES, FL
Sentida condolencia a la familia Botifoll. Don Luis se distinguio por su sabiduria,experiencia,preocupacion por el projimo,integridad y dedicado patriotismo. Su ausencia constituira una perdida irreparable para toda la comunidad.
Jorge L. Viera
September 26, 2003 | Miami, FL
The most valuable of qualities are courage, intelligence and humility.Uncle Luis possessed them all in great measure. His gentle generosity and unassuming manner belied his passionate committment to justice. He fought the good fight until the end. He was ,above all things,loving of his family and loyal to his friends. My love to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,and sons inlaw. It is good that he is with Aunt Aurora again.
Maureen Fox-Willman
September 26, 2003 | Glenwood Springs, CO
"La Cuba Libre" has lost another symbol. Altough we never met, I felt profound admiration for all he represented: intellect, competency, leadership, integrity, decency.. and above all, his "cubania". May Mr. Botifoll rest in peace.
Carlos Eguaras
September 26, 2003 | Miami FL, FL
I had the extreme pleasure and honor of knowing and working for Dr. Luis Botifoll, since a very young age of 19 and for a span of ten years. There was never a better role model or mentor for a young person, and when I think back, I realize in awe how much I learned from this elegant, gracious, humble and refined gentleman. His life in all aspects was a success, and he died precisely in the manner I would have expected; ALWAYS active, aware, involved, and eloquent to the very end. I thank GOD...
Lupe Llizo
September 26, 2003 | Miami, FL
What a pity that another great Cuban has passed away so near, yet so far from his beloved birthplace. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the many virtues of Mr. Botifoll. He was instrumental in enabling many Cuban exiles to start a new life in this country by giving them a helping hand upon their arrival. We should all feel saddened today by his departure from earth, but happy that he is reunited with his wife Aurora. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
...
Carmita Moya
September 26, 2003 | Miami, FL
