Oscar L. Calleja passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1948 to Oscar Lopez-Calleja and Anita Lloret, Oscar attended Colegio de La Salle until his family immigrated to Miami in 1960. He later attended St. Peter & Paul School, Shenandoah Junior High, and graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1966. In 1972, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami and went on to build a distinguished 50-year career in the HVAC industry. As the owner of LCI Air Conditioning, he earned the respect of colleagues throughout South Florida, serving as President of the South Florida Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and later contributing his expertise as a member of the Florida Building Commission.
In 1968, Oscar met the love of his life, Iraida Diaz-Salinero. They married in 1972 and shared a marriage defined by love, devotion, and partnership. Together they built a beautiful family and raised two daughters, whom he adored beyond measure. Oscar’s greatest accomplishment was not his career or achievements, but the love and stability he provided as a husband and father. His family always knew they could count on his wisdom, strength, and unwavering support. Through every joy and challenge, his devotion to Iraida and his daughters remained the foundation of his life.
Oscar was a lifelong learner and a voracious reader. Reading was his favorite pastime, and his interests spanned history, politics, religion, and current events. He could just as easily be found immersed in a Tom Clancy novel as he could be studying a historical biography or debating the issues of the day. His knowledge, curiosity, and thoughtful perspective enriched every conversation.
Sports were Oscar’s other great passion. A lifelong University of Miami Hurricanes fan, he was a dedicated season ticket holder for decades, creating treasured memories by taking his family to games at the Orange Bowl and, in later years, at Hard Rock Stadium. Fall Saturdays were often spent cheering on the Canes, a tradition he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren. His love for Miami sports extended beyond college football. He was also a devoted fan of the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins, following his hometown teams with unwavering loyalty through both victories and disappointments.
While often quiet and reserved, those who truly knew Oscar were lucky enough to experience his wonderful sense of humor. He possessed a quick wit, loved a good joke, and had an uncanny ability to make people laugh. No one told an Álvarez Guedes joke better than Oscar, and his storytelling and humor became a cherished part of family gatherings and celebrations.
Above all, Oscar was devoted to his family. Despite the illnesses and hardships, he and Iraida faced over the past 25 years, his determination, strength, and unwavering devotion to his wife remained his greatest priority.
Oscar is survived by his beloved wife, Iraida (“Iraidita”); his daughters, Alexis (Rob) and Ana-Mari (Alex); his cherished grandchildren, Adrian, Ava, Olivia, and Ali; his sister, Annie; numerous nephews, a niece, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Dean.
Dad, you grounded us with your values, your wisdom, your laughter, and your love. We find comfort knowing that God has welcomed you into His heavenly kingdom. Your legacy lives on in the family you cherished and the lives you touched. You will be loved, missed, and remembered forever.
