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Edilberto Dager, lovingly know by everyone that loved him, as "Tillo", age 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully on November 23rd, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas. Edilberto was born on January 3rd, 1936, in Bayate Cuba, a place that was very dear to his heart with many childhood memories, that he would also joke about, because it no longer exists and is now a lake. He was born to Cabalen and Rosalina Dager, who had migrated from Lebanon to Cuba, and have preceded him in death. He is also survived by, Jose Antonio and Betty, two of seven siblings, who still reside in Cuba. Edilberto is survived by his beloved wife, Carmen Julia, whom he recently celebrated 60 years of marriage with. They met and married in Cuba and went on to have three daughters. As communism was becoming more evident, they made the decision to leave their beloved country, along with their three daughters. He loved telling anyone who would sit and listen, stories about Cuba. He lived all his life, longing to return. Edilberto is also survived by his three daughters Yamile, Yasmin Leyton (Roger), and Yelina. Grandchildren Kristoffer, Joshua (Ashley), Yessikah Cutbirth (Duron II), and Nathanael. Great grandchildren Adaleine, Addison, Everleigh, and Duron III. Edilberto was a very self-disciplined, methodical person, but this served to make him a very stable man whom you could always count on. His even temperament, quietness, slight smile, and overall calm demeanor brought peace. And though we know that he is now residing in his Heavenly home and enjoying his Eternal residence, waiting for us, he will be missed immensely and will live forever in our hearts and memories of those of us who knew and loved him. Words from his eldest grandson Kristoffer: Edilberto, Abidi, Tillo, and Papi. Many names, many roles, one man. The things that you have taught everyone in this room will go far beyond what you would have imagined. You were just being yourself, but in that you have taught three current generations and the future ones that we will build from here many things. You have taught us about sacrifice and what it takes to create a beautiful life for the ones you love. You have taught us about generosity and the ways to show others how much we appreciate them. You have taught us about kindness and how to treat the world around us with respect. You taught us about love and how to dream. Dreaming was a big role in Edilberto’s life. It is what drove him to learn more about the world around him, it is what drove him to sacrifice everything he had so that we could all be sitting in this room right now safe from the oppression in the world that he once knew. We were all very fortunate to have had our lives impacted by one man. He loved each and every one of us whole heartedly and without condition. As he transitions to eternity he will not be forgotten. He will be remembered for all that he was. He had a great sense of humor and would always say funny things to make us laugh. He would give advice on the way the world worked and how to elevate yourself to a better place. He was the true definition of a man. He was responsible, prudent, kind, handsome, forgiving, loving, generous, and honorable. I remember a time that he mentioned that when he was in Cuba and he was having a really tough time in the concentration camps that he heard a song by the late, Nat King Cole called “Smile” and that this song helped him get through those tough times. Anytime he was sad in his life or found himself in a difficult situation, he would play this song and that it would just lift his spirits. [That being said, I feel like we should take this time and listen to the song in the remembrance of Edilberto and hear it as if he was singing the words directly to us. After all, that’s what Tillo would have done in this situation.] Thank you for all that you taught me. Thank you for cooking with me. For showing me about my culture and how to be a proud Cuban. Thank you for showing me about being prudent and timely. Thank you for showing me that airplanes at the air show when I was a kid. Thank you for buying me the whopper meal when we went to your work. Thank you for telling me not to shave my head when I start balding because then none of it would grow back. Thank you for telling me and instilling the fact that “Fidel Castro es un come…” Thank you for showing me about the weather, because of that I lose myself in looking at the weather all around the world. I know how to spot a storm and the way the weather affects everything around us. Thank you for showing me not to depend on others and how to take care of yourself and your family. Thank you for showing me love in your own way and that was special. Thank you for being a part of my life and the impact that you made in my life. The Service will begin at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Fred J. Tips Mausoleum Chapel located at the rear of Mission Burial Park North, 20900 IH 10 West. Interment will follow at the Cemetery.

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Edilberto Dager

January 3, 1936 - November 23, 2022