Manuel De Jesus Bestard-Rodriguez

April 11, 1949 - April 27, 2022

Manuel De Jesus Bestard-Rodriguez, 73 of Louisville passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at University of Louisville Hospital. Manuel was a native of Santiago De Cuba – Cuba. He was Catholic by faith. Manuel embraced a relaxed country lifestyle, he loved road trips and riding the train cross country. Manuel found beauty in nature and peace in the music of flowing rivers, waterfalls, and crashing waves. He cherished family trips to the beach, spending all day swimming and walking along the coast. Manuel was an avid baseball fan; he loved to play and cheer on his favorite team- Santiago De Cuba. He was musically talented, playing both the piano and guitar. He was a skilled chess player, always able to anticipate his opponent’s next move. Manuel was the patriarch of his family, he was a provider, always loving and supportive, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel Bestard Suarez and Dolores Rodriguez Vegas; along with his sister Mercedes Bestard. Manuel is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Blasa Suarez Gonzalez; his children Manuel I. Bestard and Alma Bestard (Wilfredo) both of Louisville; siblings Maria, Aurora, Isabel, Marina, Luis, and Jorge Bestard; grandchildren Rashel Bestard, Cesar Bestard, Yankiel Bestard, Genesis Caro, Sofia Bestard, and Ivan Bestard; along with additional family members and friends Funeral Service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022 with cremation to follow. Visitation will be Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at Maraman Billings Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at maramanbillings.com