Herminio Cuervo

**Dr. Herminio Cuervo** died peacefully on February 6, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 26, 1946, in La Habana, Cuba, a son of the late Teobaldo and Amalia Cuervo. Herminio moved to the United States of America through Operation Pedro Pan in 1961. He and his family were reunited in early 1962 and relocated to Newport News, VA. He completed his undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary in 1968 and soon thereafter became a naturalized United States citizen. After completing medical school and a doctoral degree at the University of Salamanca, Herminio returned to the United States and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. After commissioning, he completed his Neurology residency at Boston Children’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospital. Of his many career highlights, one of his proudest was his critical role in the repatriation of hostages after the Iranian hostage crisis. Herminio proudly served his country as a physician in the USAF for 19 years and deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Herminio moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1993 and opened a private neurology practice where he was known for his dedication, candor and extensive bow-tie collection. He volunteered with the medical team at Sun ‘n Fun and served as the board president of the Lakeland Police Athletic League offering free sports physicals to local youths. For 50 years, Herminio served his community as a physician and he was incredibly passionate about caring for his patients. When he was not seeing patients, Herminio loved teaching and telling stories. He always enjoyed a good cortado and listening to various genres of music. He was a dedicated patriot and proud to serve his country. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Teobaldo Cuervo. He is survived by his wife Joy, his children Jose (Clara), Rosa, Teresa (Bill), Maria (Wade), Pedro (Allison) and Milagros (Justin), and his grandchildren, Adrian, Mercedes, Jedediah, Jeremiah, Winter, Lucy, Cora, Silvia and Phoebe. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lakeland, Florida, on February 17, 2026 at 9:45a. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Herminio Cuervo

March 26, 1946 - February 6, 2026