Enrique Vera

Enrique Luis Viera, born May 6 , 1952 ,passed away Sunday October 16, 2016 . His mother was Irma Pereda Viera and his father was Juan Benito Viera.

Enrique, born in Cuba , came to Florida when he was eight years old . He grew up in Miami , Florida and there developed a passion for boats .

Over time , he became an accomplished boat handler, mechanic and restorer. He worked as a boat wrangler on the Miami Vice television series and worked for Windjammer Cruises converting ships to sail and maintaining them.

After he moved to Manatee County he brought his vast nautical experience to help with the boatbuilding program here, expecially Smiley, on which he was the driving force.

He was currently working for Bell Seafood , where he was Fleet Manager,responsible for keeping the boats at work.

He is survived by a brother Eduardo Viera from Madrid, Spain , a sister Rosario Guevara living in Camaguey , Cuba, and cousins, Luis and Josephina Viera from Miami.

A celebration, date to be announced, will be held in Cortez for Enrique and all of his friends who know and loved him.

Condolences may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.