Justo “Dan” Fajardo Obituary

Justo Daniel Fajardo passed away on 16 September 2024 at the age of 86 years,

after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. He was preceded in death by his wife

of 60 years, Maria. He is survived by his son Mario, his daughter Laura, and his

especially beloved grandson Marcelino.

Justo was born in Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba. An excellent student, he was

proud of always achieving the highest possible marks. At the time, high-school-age

Cuban students would follow one of two separate courses of study; in either “Sciences”

or “Letters.” Unwilling to choose so early between a career as a scientist or as a lawyer,

Justo completed both courses simultaneously. Justo’s and Maria’s faith in education as a

means of advancement would shape the lives of the Fajardo children, with both earning

postgraduate degrees in their respective fields (Chemistry and Law).

Justo and Maria met in an English language class at the University of Havana.

Following the Communist Revolution, they emigrated to the United States as political

refugees in 1960. Leaving Cuba at that time meant leaving behind all belongings, except

for the contents of a small suitcase (to be searched by the Cuban authorities). Justo often

told the story of hiding a $5 US bill in the binding of his Bible, so as not to arrive in

America absolutely “penniless.” Justo and Maria would both go on to become proud

Naturalized US Citizens.

Along with Maria’s parents and three younger brothers, the extended family

moved from south Florida to Lansing, MI in the mid-1960’s. While working in the Parts

department of Diamond Rio Trucks, Justo also attended Michigan State University (often

at night) eventually earning a Master’s degree from the College of Social Science. With

the demise of Diamond Rio in the mid-1970’s, the family moved to Tulsa, OK where

Justo rose to a Vice-President position in the Export Parts department of the Crane

Carrier Company. Justo and Maria eventually returned to south Florida in the 1980’s,

where Justo finished his career as an investment advisor and insurance salesman.

In the final years of his life spent here in the Florida panhandle, Justo enjoyed

doting on his grandson. Justo took great pride and satisfaction in Marcelino’s continuing

educational accomplishments, which to date include completing an Associate’s degree in

Early Childhood Education and working towards his Bachelor’s.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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