Obituary
Joaquín Prieto passed away peacefully with his children by his side on November 4, 2023. He was born June 11, 1926 on a farm in the Cuban countryside. As the second of nine children, he had much fun getting in trouble and playing with his siblings, especially his older brother Neno. His brothers were some of his best friends until the very end. While his formal education never progressed beyond 8th grade, his hard work, determination, and problem solving skills allowed him to navigate life’s challenges. His many jobs included making shoes, belts, and other leather goods, manufacturing his acclaimed hand-rolled cigars, factory work, and custodial responsibilities. Together with his wife of more than 60 years, Zenaida (Chena) Prieto, he supported their two children, Gerardo Prieto and Norma Edmiston née Prieto.
He was also able to plan the family’s exit from Cuba, including false starts, temporary geographic separation, reunification, and cross-country moves. He was able to start over in a new country and establish a life he could be comfortable living, even in the cold unfamiliar climate of NJ. Eventually he moved to Miami where he indulged his love of fruiting plants, danced a boisterous merengue each day, hosted many pig roasts especially for family Christmases, and could always find a partner to play dominoes. He loved to eat Chena’s cooking, but had some specialties of his own including empanadas, dulce de maní, batidos, and mantecaditos. Joaquín was a man who knew himself and lived his life contentedly in line with his morals, means, and preferences.
He is predeceased by his wife, Zenaida Prieto; and his siblings Selso, Ana Maria, Rigoberto, Jorge, and Juan Antonio. He is missed and survived by his siblings Reinaldo, Carmen, and Iluminada; children Gerardo Prieto and Norma Edmiston; grandchildren Felipe Prieto, Christine Batty, and Robert Edmiston; and great grandchildren Layla Prieto, Riley Prieto, Joseph Batty, Amelia Batty, Grace Batty, and Robert Batty.