Juan A. Colina

Juan A. Colina, age 89, a resident of Lake Bluff, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2024 at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest, IL surrounded by family. He was born on June 17, 1934 in Santa Clara, Cuba to Juan and Bernardina Colina.

Juan worked in the medical laboratory field for 45 years, during which he authored a clinical laboratory textbook used as a reference source for technical and professional laboratory teaching in Cuba and spent 3 years in Ethiopia teaching a course at Jimma University. An avid reader and learner, he could tell a vivid story of a far-off place without ever having visited, or could recite a recipe without ever having cooked the dish. A family man, he enjoyed sharing his love of baseball and playing dominoes with his children and indulging his grandchildren with family stories. Listening to classical music, taking long walks, traveling, and blue sunny skies were some of his favorite things. He is sorely missed and will be remembered for his love of life and his dedication to his family.

Juan is survived by his loving children, Juan (Claudia Davila) of Gurnee, IL, Ariel (Thais Picó) of Pembroke Pines, FL, and Eneida (Rafael Cruz) of Havana, Cuba; his grandchildren, Claudia, Ariel (Rosalis Cruz), Sandra (Eric Osgood), Gabriela, and Daniela (Jorge Lee); his great-grandchild Bruno; and his brothers, Jose Luis and Ulises. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eneida; his parents; and his brother, Ramon.

A private family viewing will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.