In the US, Núñez forged a career in international television distribution that spanned over five decades
Armando Núñez, Sr., a pioneer of the international television distribution business, died peacefully in Miami, Florida the morning of July 10th. He was close to 97 years old.
Born in 1927 to Josefa and Santiago Núñez in Havana, Cuba. Armando was the last surviving member of his 7 siblings.
He fled Cuba and the Castro dictatorship in October 1960 immigrating to the United States with five dollars in his pocket and his beloved wife Clara Jo (Josie) who was eight months pregnant with their first son Armando, Jr.
In the US, he forged a career in international television distribution that spanned over five decades and allowed him to see and explore the world. He worked for 20th Century Fox both in Havana and New York before moving to ITC Entertainment in 1964. He remained with ITC through various ownerships and incarnations including Polygram and Universal for the remainder of his career.
The consummate world traveler, Armando could recount stories from every country and continent. His zest and love of life were unparalleled. While he thrived on business deals and mingling with clients … many of whom became lifelong friends, he also found extraordinary joy marveling at a flower or watching an iguana. Armando had a way with children and could get any baby in a crowd to laugh with him. He relished quiet moments of contentment sipping on Malbec and puffing on a Cuban cigar. Anything from Cuba had significance for him and although he was an extremely proud American, his heart never left his homeland.
Armando is survived by his sons, Armando Núñez, Jr. and David Núñez, both of whom followed his footsteps into the media business as well as his grandsons Daniel Armando and David Armando.
Memorial services will be held in Miami next Tuesday, July 16, from 5pm to 10pm—Funeraria Memorial Plan Westchester: 9800 SW 24th Street, Miami, Fl 33165.
