Steve "Esteban" Grafton

Steve "Esteban" Grafton, 83, of Miami, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Oriente , Cuba on April 29, 1932 and immigrated to the US in the early 50's, where he proudly joined the US Army and served in Korea. He moved from NY to Miami in 1962 where he set up an upholstery shop with his wife Carmen. Their hard work and dedication enabled them to settle in Westchester/Coral Park, where he was well known and raised his family. He built and donated numerous concession trailers from 1962 to 1979 to support youth football and soccer which he loved doing for the kids. Through the years he mentored his employees and helped so many become citizens. He was lovingly known as "the maestro", teaching his skills of the custom upholstery trade to his pupils. He is survived by his long time soulmate and best friend Nury Peralta, sons Ernesto/Xiomara and Steve Jr/Mary, grandchildren Jonathan, Daniel, Steven, Ryan, Melissa and Matthew, brothers Benjamin and Luis, sisters Ines Cabrera, Lelly Codina and Pilar Grafton and numerous greatly loved employees. His dream to return to Cuba with his grandchildren will sadly not be realized, however, he will be remembered as the definition of the American Dream.