The last farewell to Silva, the Hero of Labor.
The thermo-energetic engineer left with the pride of having honored his work, because as he always said, what is really important is to do well what you do, to be as professional as possible, not to be sloppy…
The Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba José Luis Silva Menéndez has passed away. His life was extinguished in the early morning of April 8th, after days of a relentless struggle to beat death again, as he did so many times.
Osmar Ramírez and Yanlys Yanet Durán, general secretary of the provincial Energy Workers Union, headed the honor guard. Photo: Noryis
The thermo-energy engineer left with the pride of having honored his work, because as he always said, what is really important is to do well what he does, to be as professional as possible, not to be sloppy?
Like his eternal love, his wife Sol Ángel, Silva lived in love with this world of transformers, substations and energy, where he lived for more than 62 years.
In 2014 he overcame two heart attacks and, thinking he could no longer cope, he retired from the working world in 2015. Three months later he returned with a «mended» heart and the certainty that he had already experienced everything.
An unexpected trip to Venezuelan lands prevented him from attending the national event where he would be decorated in the context of the festivities for May Day, on April 29th, 2019.
The man of more than 20 international missions was leaving for Venezuela to help in the reestablishment of the electric service, victim of an attack. At the time, José Luis Silva Menéndez did not imagine the surprise that life had in store for him.
The man of more than 20 internationalist missions was leaving to Venezuela to help in the reestablishment of the electric service, victim of an attack. At the time, José Luis Silva Menéndez could not have imagined the surprise that life had in store for him.
The thermo-energetic engineer of the Electric Company of the western province of Matanzas had the greatest of joys. Surrounded by his family, his co-workers and onlookers passing by, he was decorated in the middle of the Parque de la Libertad.
On his chest the Golden Star and the Honorary Title of Hero of Labor of the Republic of Cuba.
On the day of the award, the man, who will be 80 years old next July, said he felt completely honored. Photo: Noryis.
His excitement did not end. It was August 13th. Then, he declared: «It is great to receive my medal on such a glorious day as this, the date of Fidel’s birth… There is no greater joy than to serve the Revolution. I will work until my health allows me to do so. In the meantime, I will continue to be a first rank soldier».
He promised and he kept it. Silva worked until his strength allowed him to do so.
Silva has died and no one will feel his departure more than his daughters Anabel and Betriz, his granddaughters and grandson.
«Without the support of the family it is almost impossible to achieve dreams, to fulfill oneself,» maintained the veteran Anirista, the affiliate of the Energy and Mines Union, a man destined, as he told me one day, to «make» the light.
After the guard of honor, Osmar Ramirez, general secretary of the Provincial Committee of Cuba Trade Workers Union, expressed the pain that leaves for the people of Matanzas a man of Silva’s lineage, whose body was cremated and his ashes will be deposited in the San Carlos Borromeo cemetery.
Written by Eva Luna Acosta Armiñán.
