Joseph Olozaga

Joe Olozaga, 97, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, in Coconut Grove, Florida, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on December 6, 1927, in Havana, Cuba, he lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his work.

After earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Havana, Joe began his professional journey with Revlon. His talent and leadership quickly propelled him to head the cosmetic company's Latin-American division. Amid political unrest in Cuba and determined to secure a better future for his loved ones, he requested a relocation. In 1961, he successfully moved his family to New York City-a decision that would shape the course of their lives.

In the mid-1960s, Joe accepted a position with Oil of Olay, to manage the company's expansion to North America. His career in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industry continued to flourish through the years. In the '70s he settled in Puerto Rico and became the president of Procter & Gamble's manufacturing plant there. Over the next two decades, he led with vision and integrity until retiring in 1991 and moving to Miami. Retirement proved too quiet, however. He soon found himself back at work-first taking a management position with a glass lens manufacturer and later earning his Real Estate license. Staying productive was not just a habit; it was an essential part of who he was. Had his eyesight not diminished, there is little doubt he would have continued working well into his nineties.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Silvia (Armisen). They had an impassioned partnership strengthened by the love they shared for their three children: daughter Sylvia Cherry and sons Joe Olozaga and Frank Olozaga. Together, along with his and Silvia's devoted caregiver Angela Perez, they cared for him through the past two difficult months following a heart attack.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Lolo"-Jennifer Wulff, Nicole Olozaga, Joey Olozaga, and Alexis Olozaga-and great-grandchildren Angelo Kozanski, Logan Kozanski, Bailey Presto, and Wolf Presto. He was immensely proud of them and took great interest in their pursuits and their wellbeing. He was also loved and admired by the extended members of his family, whom he welcomed with open arms: daughter-in-law Chris Monge, son-in-law Gary Hecht and his granddaughter Jennifer's husband, Joe Presto.

Those who knew Joe remember him as a wise man of deep faith, who listened deeply and spoke with purpose. He had strong opinions, sharp observations, a dry sense of humor and he relished spirited debates. As a voracious reader, he had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him and he was always eager to share his insights from the countless audio books that got him through his later years. He gave advice-whether solicited or not-that was sometimes acerbic but always from the heart. You might walk away somewhat irked, but grateful in knowing how much he cared. (And you often had to begrudgingly admit he was right.)

Joe leaves behind a rich legacy of perseverance, intellect, humor, and love. May the memories of him bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire generations to come. For those who wish to give a gift in his honor, he was a longtime supporter of Saint Jude Children's Hospital.