Ismael Estrella's Obituary
Ismael Estrella passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. He was born in Matanzas, Cuba, on January 8, 1947.
In 1962, he and his siblings came to the United States through the Operation Pedro Pan airlift, a journey that shaped the rest of his life. When his parents were finally reunited with them, the family moved to San Francisco, where he met his beloved Mirella. They married, bought a home of their own, and settled in Daly City. That charming house became a gathering place for family and friends, forever filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of love that made everyone feel welcome.
They had two children, to whom he devoted his life. He worked for United Airlines for 36 years, retired, and then went on to be his son’s right-hand man in starting a business from the ground up. He and Mirella were married for 47 years prior to her passing. In his final years, his deepest joy was found in the time spent with his grandchildren.
A quiet man of integrity and character, he helped so many in various ways but never spoke about it. His children learned of his generosity only through the story's others shared.
He is predeceased by his parents, Silvio Ismael Estrella and Ondina Estrella; his wife, Mirella Estrella; and his sister, Lourdes Dominguez.
He leaves behind his two children, Monica and Judah Estrella; his grandchildren, Odalis and Kevin Castellanos; his brother, Silvio Estrella; and numerous nieces and nephews: Yamilet Albano (Rino), Eric Vigil (Amber), Shawn Bailey, Erin Duarte, Jiselle and Lucas Vigil, Raquel, Silvio, and Desiree Estrella, Dr. Jennifer Dominguez, Heather Rahilly, and Stefanie Parascand. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lourdes Duarte; his brothers-in-law, Michael Dominguez and Walter Duarte; and his mother-in-law, Argentina Gomez.
A private funeral service will be held, in keeping with the family’s wishes.
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