Luis Manuel Nunez

Luis Manuel Núñez

December 15, 1935 - July 26, 2026

Luis Manuel Núñez, 90, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away peacefully before the sun rose on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Luis was born on December 15, 1935, in Pinar del Río, Cuba. He and his wife, Esther María Núñez (née Durán), came to the United States on January 31, 1962, with their two-year-old son, Luis, as Esther was expecting their second child. Together, they began a new life in America with little more than their faith, determination, a commitment to their growing family and one Cuban nickel. In time, Luis and Esther became proud United States citizens.

After arriving in America, Luis learned the welding trade and built a career through hard work and perseverance. He worked as a welder, machinist, and fabricator, spending much of his career with GlenRo Corporation in Paterson, New Jersey, where he remained until retiring at age 65.

Faith was an important part of Luis's life and of the family he and Esther raised. Over the years, he served his church in a number of ways, including as a Cadet counselor, Deacon, and Elder. He and Esther made many sacrifices to provide their sons with a Christian education and to build a home grounded in faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

Following retirement, Luis and Esther moved from New Jersey to Kennesaw, Georgia, to be closer to their grandchildren, who were among the greatest joys of their lives.

Luis never met a stranger. Whether at church, a restaurant, a grocery store, or simply standing in line somewhere, he had a genuine curiosity about people. He wanted to know where they were from, learn something about their lives, and, if possible, discover some connection they shared. Those conversations were frequently accompanied by laughter, and anyone with a Cuban connection was especially likely to become an instant friend.

Luis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther María Núñez, with whom he shared a lifetime of marriage, family, faith, and devotion; and by their son, Edward Núñez, who died in 1993.

He is survived by his sons, Luis Núñez and his husband of 40 years, Anthony Minieri, and John Núñez and his wife, Lesley; his grandchildren, Joshua and his wife, Rachel, Carly, and Mackenzie and her fiancé, Josh Burns; as well as family and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand whenever one was needed.

Luis's life was marked not by ease, but by steady perseverance. He worked hard, loved his family, served others, remained faithful, and built a life far beyond what his humble beginnings might have predicted. The home and family he built became the legacy of a man who understood that providing for those you love is about far more than what you can give them. It is about being there.

A service celebrating Luis's life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Salem Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia.