Luis Mesa

Luis Mesa, 89, of St Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born and raised in San Felipe, Provincia de La Habana, Cuba, Luis attended and graduated from Habana Friends School. After graduation, he worked as an interpreter on film sets, including the 1958 adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, and even appeared in a background role in the film Tropicana before beginning a successful career in sales in Havana. In the early 1960s, he immigrated to the United States and made his way to New York City, where members of his family had established roots. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary, and the two married in 1967, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly six decades. Luis served as Director of Dining Services for New York University School of Law and the College of Dentistry, overseeing operations, budgeting, and food service management. He dedicated much of his life to serving others through his work and generous spirit. Among his many accomplishments, he established a separate kosher kitchen and menu at the law school, believing that every student deserved to feel welcomed and included. In 1976, Luis moved his family to Boca Raton, FL where he became a successful business owner. After several years, he returned to university life and spent more than a decade working at Florida Atlantic University, where he was respected for his hard work, reliability, and dedication. After retirement, Luis and Mary relocated to New Jersey to be closer to their grandchildren, Catherine and Julia, whom they cherished. Years later, they returned to Florida, where they treasured their time with their grandchildren, Alex and Lola. Luis had many passions that brought him joy throughout his life. He had a remarkable green thumb, and loved gardening and caring for plants. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in world history and enjoyed watching classic movies. He also enjoyed time spent at the clubhouse playing dominoes and pool with friends. Above all else, Luis loved spending time with his family, who remained the center of his life and greatest source of happiness. Luis will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, humor, sharp wit, and sense of humor that could light up any room. He was known for his hardworking nature as well as his ability to make others laugh, often bringing levity and perspective even in difficult moments. His legacy of compassion, generosity, and humor will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughters, Rose Marie Mesa (Pete Parker) and Irene Mesa Vincent (Doug) and his grandchildren, Catherine, Julia, Alex and Lola. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary.

Luis Mesa

August 30, 1936 - May 20, 2026