Dora Reina Esplugas

1942 - 2025

Esplugas, Dora Reina

Sep 16, 1942 - Nov 26, 2025

Of Orchard Park, NY. On November 26th, 2025, Dora Reina Esplugas passed peacefully with her loved ones by her side. Dora lived a vibrant 83 years spanning from her birthplace in Havana, Cuba; immigrating to the United States in 1966. Daughter of Basilisa Rodriguez and Fernando Reina, she is survived by her son Pablo Esplugas, grandkids Gabrielle LaPress, Joshua Esplugas, and Isaiah Ponce, her sister Carmen Rodriguez, and many family and friends whom she loved deeply from Buffalo to Miami. Dora's incredible capacity for love and ability to outpour her heart to all touched and created an incredible bond of family and community. Dora was shimmying all the way until the end, as her passion and love for the arts could not be contained. Dora worked as an artist in Miami, Florida for 8 years. After moving to Buffalo, Dora was accepted to Erie Community College at the age of 45. Dora made the ECC Dean's List and the National Dean's List, and graduated with honors. Dora received a B.S. degree in Social Work from Buffalo State College. She was also a dedicated Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, a role she cared for deeply and through which she helped many. Dora helped develop the first Central Referral Service Program for the Hispanic community. In conjunction with the University at Buffalo, she was a major contributor to the Lower West Side Health Needs Survey Report. This type of survey had never been conducted prior to Dora's efforts to document this information. Her legacy stays with Western New York Hispanic Women's League, Western New York Hispanics and Friends Civic Association, Erie County Alternatives to Incarceration Committee, Erie County Mental Health Subcommittee, and Latinas United for Political Action (LUPA), Lower West Side Community Center Board, Daemen College Social Work Advisory Board, and Erie County Mental Health. Dora's deep commitment to her community and her devotion to family will live on through all those she influenced. Family and Friends received on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 3–7 PM at BARRON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 3025 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY. Funeral service will take place at Barron-Miller Funeral Home on Friday at 9:30 AM. Share condolences barronmillerfh.com