Funeral services took place July 27 for Dr. Jose Ramon Roque Abreu, 94, father of Mayor Felix Roque. He passed away July 23.
On Jan. 3, 1953, he obtained his license from the National Medical College of Cuba. He was a man of strong conviction, a tireless fighter of economic hardship and did not stop until he achieved his goals. In 1968, he obtained a license to practice medicine in the country. He considered the United States his second home, New Jersey was the state, the city was West New York. Union City also welcomed him and like a good father, he protected the large Latino family of these two cities regardless of what awards were at stake. He served these communities as he did in his native Cuba, without interest. His main principle was to help others, which led him to be recognized by citizens and leaders. He was a pioneer in the struggle for the most vulnerable citizens in this country, and established forms of support for the Latino community, who just became visible in the eyes of the US market.
He is survived by his sister, Aida, Berta and Magaly, his children Dr. Jose Ramon Roque, Dr. Hilda Roque, Dr. Felix Roque, Dr. Luis Roque, and his youngest daughter Aida V Roque. Dr. Jose Ramon Roque Abreu was an eminence in the field of the medicine and served until the last day of his death to the Hispanic community.
One of the best known statements of Dr. Roque Abreu was. 22We live in a country that has given us new hope, where we are all equal and live in a democracy where the base of our unity is within the family22