Reprinted from the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Facundo Del Valle Bravo is truly a pivotal figure in the history of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce because he was a driving force in the growth and development of the now thriving Latino business community in Southeast Michigan.
Facundo’s leadership enabled the establishment of MHCC and the traditions MHCC continues to uphold. He served as Chairman of the Board in the early days of the Chamber and under his leadership, the first Hispanic Fiesta was launched bringing together Latino suppliers and their automotive manufacturing customers.
Facundo and his company, Uni Boring, was one the partner enterprises that joined with Carmen Munoz, Munoz Machine Products; Frank Venegas, Jr., Ideal Steel and Ric Gonzalez of Gonzalez Design & Engineering, to set the stage for the groundbreaking development of the Hispanic Manufacturing Center on the site of the former Cadillac plant on Clark Street in Southwest Detroit.
His many business and leadership accomplishments are significant when one considers that Facundo came to the United States as an immigrant from Argentina and didn’t know the language or the customs. Like many other immigrants before him, he too, found employment at Ford Motor Company as a tool and die maker. This skill served to launch Uni Boring, one of the largest Hispanic owned manufacturing suppliers that grew to three facilities and employed over 1,000 workers.
I had the privilege of working with Facundo during my tenure as Executive Director of MHCC. He could always be counted on for his generosity and giving of his time, resources, and knowledge. He leaves us as members of MHCC and the larger Latino business community, with a legacy worthy of upholding.
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From the obituary published by Palm Royale Funeral Home & Cemetery on Dec. 6, 2023.
Facundo Del Valle Bravo was born in Cruz del Eje, Cordoba, Argentina on June 4, 1941. After a short battle with brain cancer, he passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at his home in Naples, Florida on November 29, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Raul and Elvira Bravo, and his first wife Yolanda Ofelia Michel de Bravo. He is survived by his wife Nelida Ruiz Bravo, his daughters Sandra Christoson (Gary), Marisa Anderson (Tom) and Sabina Bravo Persons (Andrew), his stepdaughter Maria Norris, his stepson James Osuch (Georgia), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, two older brothers and many other loving family members.
A memorial service was held on December 17, 2023 at Thrive Church in Highland, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Matthew’s House, Naples, FL.
