HUGO MAY

MAY, HUGO January 5, 1923 - May 31, 2011 Hugo May of Miami, FL passed away on Tuesday, May 31 at the age of 88. Born in Havana, Cuba to a German father, Hugo May, Sr. and a Cuban mother, Leonor Gomez May, he was the second of four children. He spoke English, Spanish and German. He went to Business College in Kentucky at age 15 and followed in his father's footsteps as a successful manufacturer's representative and retailer. He also represented Catalina Swimwear and was a judge in the Miss Cuba/Miss Universe pageant. At 32, he married Maria Isabel Varas and subsequently had three daughters. To escape Castro's revolution, he moved his family to Miami in 1960. Representing U.S. manufacturers in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean led him to expand his business to the Dominican Republic, a place he loved and called home. He was a free spirit and fervent Yankee fan, who enjoyed traveling and people, insisting on knowing everyone by first name. Mostly, Hugo loved and treasured every moment he had with "his girls", always asking, "is everybody happy?" He worked past his 85th birthday, when he became ill, yet rarely complained. He is a shining example of resilience and courage and a true inspiration. Hugo is survived by Maribel May, daughters, Dr. Susana May, Lillian May, Marlene May (Peter Housman) and granddaughter, Lili Zulueta. His sisters, Olga May Caballero and Hilda May Rodriguez, as well as 9 nieces and nephews, also survive him. Hugo was preceded in death by his brother, Otto May, and infant grandson, Eric Peter Housman. The family sincerely thanks everyone for their prayers. A private family memorial mass is scheduled for Saturday, June 11th, at Holy Rosary - St. Richard's Church, 7500 SW 152 St., Palmetto Bay. We miss you already Dad, but your wonderful spirit and love lives on in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to D.R. charities: www.lifomissions.org or www.surfuturo.org/english/ projects/index.htm. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.