Mr Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez

Who was Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez?

Mr. Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez was a 36 (thirty-six) year-old Spanish merchant who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a first-class passenger, he embarked on the ill-fated voyage from Cherbourg, France, carrying with him the hopes and dreams of a successful businessman from Havana, Cuba.

Early Life and Background

A Spanish Merchant in Cuba

Born on February 21, 1876, in Aviles, Northern Spain, Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez was the son of Ramon Ovies and Maria del Carmen Rodriguez. His family’s business acumen led him to become an integral part of Rodriguez & Co., a prominent import firm based in Havana, Cuba.

Family Life

At the time of his Titanic journey, Oviés y Rodríguez was:

Married to Eva Lopez del Vallardo
Father to a son named Ramon Servando
Residing in Havana, Cuba

The Titanic Journey

Why was Oviés y Rodríguez on the Titanic?

While the exact reason for his travel is not specified, as a merchant involved in international trade, it’s likely that Oviés y Rodríguez was on a business trip to Europe. His return journey on the Titanic was meant to bring him back to his family and business in Havana.

Titanic Boarding Details

Class: First Class
Ticket Number: PC 17562
Cabin: D-43
Port of Embarkation: Cherbourg
Fare: £27 14s 5d (27 pounds, 14 shillings, and 5 pence)

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, designated as body number 189. The recovery report provided the following details:

NO. 189. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 28. - HAIR, DARK. CLOTHING- Black coat and vest; blue serge pants; grey shirt, marked “J. R.” NO MARKS. PROBABLY A SAILOR.

It’s worth noting that the estimated age in the report (28) differs from Oviés y Rodríguez’s actual age of 36, highlighting the challenges in identifying victims in the aftermath of the disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Journey of His Remains

The story of Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez didn’t end with the sinking of the Titanic. His remains underwent a poignant journey:

Initially buried at Fairview Cemetery in Halifax on May 3, 1912
Exhumed and reburied in the Catholic Mount Olivet Cemetery on May 15, 1912

This relocation likely occurred at the request of his family or business associates, ensuring he was laid to rest in accordance with his Catholic faith.

Financial Impact on His Family

The loss of Oviés y Rodríguez had significant financial implications for his family:

Claim Type	Amount
Loss of Life	$75,000
Loss of Property	$2,800

These claims, filed by his wife Eva Lopez del Vallardo, underscore the substantial personal and financial loss suffered by the family due to this tragic event.

Remembering a Life Cut Short

Servando José Florentino Oviés y Rodríguez’s story is a poignant reminder of the many lives unexpectedly and tragically cut short by the Titanic disaster. At just 36 years old, this Spanish merchant, husband, and father became one of the many victims of the Titanic, leaving behind a grieving family and a promising career in international trade. His journey from Spain to Cuba, and then onto the decks of the Titanic, represents the global nature of the tragedy and the far-reaching impact it had on families and businesses across continents.