Daniel Osvaldo Cuenya was a man who lived his life with passion and purpose, touching the lives of many through his work as a civil engineer, builder, and leader in the Naples, Florida, community. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 2, 1948, Daniel obtained his degree in Civil Engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 1971. He started his career working with his father at Cuenya Construction in Argentina, but he eventually moved to the United States to pursue the American dream.
In 1998, Daniel became the President, CEO, Treasurer, and 50% owner of Imperial Homes of Southwest Florida, Inc., and he quickly became the preferred builder in many high-end developments, such as Collier’s Reserve, Isla Del Sol, Fiddler’s Creek, Tuscany Isle at The Colony Golf and Beach Club in Estero, and Quail West. He built custom homes ranging from 3,500 to 12,000 square feet and provided professional office and retail store construction services, remodeling, and additions.
In August 2003, Daniel founded Cuenya Construction Company, where he served as the President, CEO, and 100% owner on a full-time basis. The company provided commercial and residential building services, including high-end custom homes, remodeling, and additions. His passion for construction was reflected in his unique way of building relationships with clients, who often became his friends.
Daniel had an unwavering commitment to excellence, and he believed in always staying current with the latest industry trends and technologies. In 1999, he received his Master of Civil Engineering degree from a U.S.-certified program, and he went on to take numerous corporate, academic, and Florida State courses in construction and engineering. He was also a Florida Certified General Contractor, which allowed him to work on a variety of construction projects throughout the state.
Daniel’s love for building and his dedication to his craft led him to start Smart Buy Kitchen of SWFL in January 2006. As the President and 100% owner, he provided 100% wood cabinets with granite countertop fabrication, offering three lines of wood cabinets and built-ins with exceptional value. Smart Buy Kitchen of SWFL was a testament to Daniel’s entrepreneurial spirit, and it quickly became a popular destination for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens.
Daniel was deeply committed to his faith and his community. He was a professed Carmelite and a Eucharist minister at St. William Church, where he met his wife, Lizabeth Cuenya, in a prayer group. Daniel’s fatherly image was blessed with the legacy of seven children. Daniel was a devoted family man, and he cherished spending time with his loved ones, especially sailing and enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Daniel was an active member of the Naples community for 30 years, and he served in various leadership roles throughout his life. He was the Vice President and Membership Director of the Legatus Chapter in Naples, a Catholic business association that encourages its members to integrate their faith into their daily lives. He was also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization that provides charitable services to communities worldwide.
Daniel’s legacy is one of building dreams and relationships. He built homes, offices, and stores that reflected his clients’ visions, and he built lifelong relationships with them in the process. He also built bridges between different communities, bringing people together through his faith and his service to others.
Throughout his career, Cuenya was known for his commitment to quality and excellence. His attention to detail and his dedication to customer satisfaction earned him a reputation as one of the most respected builders in Southwest Florida. His love for the craft and the people he worked with shone through in every project he completed.
In addition to his professional achievements, Cuenya was deeply committed to his faith and his community. He was a professed Carmelite and a Eucharistic minister at St. William Church. He was also an active member of the Legatus Chapter in Naples and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight.
Cuenya’s legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched throughout his career. He will always be remembered for his unwavering commitment to excellence, his infectious enthusiasm for life, and his ability to build not just structures but also lasting relationships.
In his final years, Cuenya battled illness with the same strength and courage that he brought to every aspect of his life. On August 8, 2019, he passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his loved ones.
His loss was felt deeply by the Southwest Florida community, and his passing was marked by a beautiful funeral service at St. William Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans in Wisconsin.
In the end, Daniel Cuenya’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and love. He was a builder of dreams and relationships, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him for generations to come.