Aroldy Leyva passed away peacefully on May 13, 2022 at Montefiore Medical Center at the age of 77. He was born on May 1, 1945 in Baracoa, Cuba to Antonio Leyva and Irene "Emisia" Sanchez Leyva.
Aroldy was the sixth of eleven brothers and sisters: Antonio, Augusto, Alcibiades, Jose Enrique, Elsa, Arnol, Elaine, Marta, Argelio, Eraida. In 1962, at the age of 17, he and three of his brothers attempted to flee Communist Cuba via a homemade rowboat. They were unfortunately captured and imprisoned in Cuba for 3 years. In 1969, he and eight others (3 brothers and 5 friends) again attempted to flee Cuba. After five days at sea, they were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. They were taken to the U.S Military Base at Guantanamo Bay and granted political asylum. Their dreams for political freedom and a better life finally became a reality.
One of Aroldy’s first jobs was at West Point Military Academy, where he worked in the kitchen. Thereafter, he went on to have various jobs. In his 30’s he worked as a butcher, living the American dream of owning his own business. His butcher shop was on 167th street off of the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, NY. Eventually he went on to work as a doorman in New York City where he retired after 25 years. At work, he was affectionately known as “Harold” by his coworkers. The nickname stuck and even his family in Cuba came to call him "Jarol" in Spanish (pronounced “Harol”).
He was a loyal father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He took great joy in helping his family and friends. Always making jokes, he had a witty sense of humor.
He enjoyed gardening, cooking, baseball, playing dominoes and spending time with his friends and family. He was an excellent cook. His most applauded dishes were stewed oxtails, beef ribs, and steak with onions. He was a Yankee fan and in his 30’s played in a recreational baseball league. He enjoyed traveling to his beloved Cuba whenever he could go. He was a great dancer — lover of danzon, merengue and salsa.
Aroldy is survived by his wife, Leonor Gonzalez; his daughters, Irene Leyva Burns and Melissa Leyva; his grandsons, Daniel Vega (16), Gabriel Orr (12), and David Vega (10); and his former wife, Delia Leyva. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers — Antonio, Augusto, Alicibiades; and his son, David Leyva.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday May 21st, 2022 at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY from 11am to 1 pm.