Reinaldo Tirador (Ray), age 77, lost his long battle with Parkinson’s on March 15, 2023, due to complications. Ray, the youngest of 12 children, was born in Cuba in 1946 to parents Ramon Tirador Hernandez and Lucrecia Rodriquez Valdez. Ray bravely escaped Cuba one eventful night, August 22, 1963, at the age of 17. After arriving in America, a dream come true, he worked hard to support himself and become an American citizen, his most proud personal achievement. He shared his American dream by helping other family members come to America to also become successful citizens. He worked his way up through the restaurant industry, from dishwasher, bus boy, maître de, talented chef, restaurateur, and owner. Ray was recruited in the 1960’s to the International Trade Club in Mobile which introduced him to this area. He went on to manage and own a variety of successful restaurants. He managed Perdido Pass for fourteen years. He also managed Hazels Nook for ten years before his retirement in 2015. Ray was passionate about helping others. It didn’t matter what your background or prior life experiences were as he was willing to give you a fresh start. He devoted many hours educating, training, and empowering others to achieve success. He touched so many lives.
While maître de of the Grand Hotel for seven years he met his beautiful wife, Cathy. They shared a loving and devoted life together for 38 years. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments, Stephen an electrical engineer and Elaina an ICU Registered Nurse. Despite the progression of his Parkinson’s, he was able to participate in the recent wedding of his daughter Elaina to Fitz-Henry Boze. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ray, you lit up any room you walked into with the twinkle of your eyes and wonderful smile. We will all miss your wit and dry sense of humor. You were a very kind, generous man.
A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, March 21 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama at 10am. The family will receive guests at 9am in the parish hall.
His family would like to extend a special thank you to his neighbors, friends, colleagues, as well as his classmates of Rock Steady Boxing for all your support and love for Ray. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Ray’s name to the Parkinson Association of Alabama which will be directed for use in our local area.
