Fanny Dascal

1932 - 2023

Fanny Dascal

January 16, 1932 - October 31, 2023

Miami, Florida - Fanny Dascal, a beloved pillar of the community, passed away on October 31, 2023, at the age of 91. She was born in Cruces Las Villas, Cuba, on January 16, 1932, and is survived by her children and grandchildren.

Along with her husband of six decades, Charles Dascal, of blessed memory, and their daughter Jacqueline, Fanny immigrated to Miami in 1961 to escape Fidel Castro's communist regime. Charles quickly became a prominent figure in the Miami business world, achieving notable distinctions such as becoming the first Cuban-American to open a bank in the city and the very first in the nation to be awarded a Ford franchise - both of which he expanded upon considerably. Fanny, a remarkable woman in her own right, stood by his side, radiating grace, impeccable style, and an infectious spirit. She was renowned for her ability to host unforgettable gatherings and effortlessly engage with Miami's socialites, politicians, and business leaders.

Fanny is remembered by friends and family as a warm, generous, no-nonsense woman with a fun-loving sensibility. She took great pleasure in supporting Miami's cultural arts institutions, including the Miami Art Museum, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and the Miami Film Festival. An active and energetic philanthropist, she dedicated herself to causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. After residing in Miami for over sixty years, her love for the city was evident. Yet, her greatest love was for its people-ranging from the barista who prepared her cortadito on Calle Ocho to the most influential members of Miami society. Her affection was more than reciprocated, and she was simply adored by all who knew her. She lit up the room everywhere she went, and our lives have been made brighter by her presence in this world.

Fanny is mourned by those who held her closest to their hearts: her family. She is survived by her children Jacqueline and Jonathan Chariff, Karla and Dylan Dascal, Elizabeth Dascal-Spector and Vladimir Spector, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Gabriella, Alessandra, Charles, and Sky.

Funeral services in memory of Fanny were conducted on Thursday, November 2, 2023 and the family will be observing Shiva privately. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in her honor.