Esteban J. Nunez, was born on August 2, 1947 in Santiago, Dominican Republic to parents, Dolores and Pedro Nunez. It wasn’t easy growing up in the neighborhood of Papayo under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, and being the youngest of 23 siblings. But this led to the development of Esteban’s strong and resilient character. The fears that were instilled in the people of Dominican Republic during Trujillo’s reign of power, didn’t stop this young boy from dreaming.
Esteban escaped the realities of dictatorship and poverty by falling in love with baseball. He dreamed of one day becoming a professional baseball player. He spent his early adolescence playing and creating wonderful memories with his relatives and friends. At the age of 18, Esteban had to place his baseball dream on hold to pursue a life of stability and comfort for his family. He migrated to Bronx, New York City and was welcomed by his loving sister Matilde also known as “Cia”. He dedicated 44 years of his life working as a New York taxi driver, maintenance technician, handyman, and machine operator in Lawrence, Massachusetts before his retirement at the age of 62 years old.
Outside of work, he found his passion in family, church fellowship, New York Mets, music, and movies/shows like War Room, Die Hard, and Walker, Texas Ranger. Esteban’s retired life also consisted of his weekly Saturday routine of Home Depot visits and Italian sausages. As Esteban used to say, “Italian Sausage, mild, and fully loaded”. At the age of 65 years old, he dedicated the last 10 years of his life serving the church and living for Christ with Christian-based Faith. He captivated many with his warm spirit, contagious laughter, sense of humor, humility, and selflessness. He treated everyone equally, and to him we were all “pariguayos and pariguayas”.
Esteban was a devoted and loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. On February 17, 2023 He was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away peacefully at the age of 75, in the Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Herminia Nunez, and children: Esteban “Steven” Nunez, Estela “Rechy” Nunez, Alida Polanco, Jasmin Nunez, Rafael “Alex” Liriano, Antonio Benjamin Liriano, Osvaldo “Jeury” Liriano, Cristian “Richi” Liriano, and Luzmaria “Luchi” Liriano. He is also survived by his 23 grandchildren and several nieces, and nephews. Our family would like to thank everyone who was a part of Esteban’s life and received him with open arms.
A celebration of life for Esteban Nunez will be held on February 24, 2023 at 10 AM in Funeraria Porta Coeli located at: 2801 E Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34743.