In Memoriam | January 2025
Alberto A. Macia | BSBA ’80, JD ’83 | 1958-2024 | Macia, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Alberto moved with his family to Key Biscayne, Florida, in 1960. He loved growing up on Key Biscayne, where he enjoyed spending time on the water and spearfishing with his best friends and brother. Alberto cherished his close-knit family, including his parents, siblings, and cousins, who brought him immense joy. A proud graduate of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Alberto went on to earn his bachelors degree in finance in 1980 and his Juris Doctor in 1983 from the University of Florida. He was a proud Florida Gator and shared his love for the University of Florida with his children.
He was a brilliant attorney with an incredibly sharp mind. Alberto married the love of his life, Pamela Forsberg Macia, on March 18, 1995. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love, and family. What mattered most to Alberto was his Catholic faith and his family. He was the ultimate gentleman, a devoted husband, and a proud father who instilled his wisdom and values in his children. He found happiness in celebrating the achievements of his three children: Anne Marie, Amanda, and Alberto.
Donald R. Avery | MBA/MHS ’86 | 1956-2025 | Avery, of Dublin, Georgia, passed in 2025.
Growing up in Peoria, Illinois, Don’s leadership skills were evident early on as he earned his Eagle Scout then went on to graduate from the Air Force Academy in 1978. He served six years as a pilot, instructor pilot and operations officer and served two years in the Florida National Guard. Don married the love of his life, Fara Haney, in 1984 and then went on to earn two graduate degrees in business and health science at the University of Florida. He worked in hospital executive leadership positions in Jacksonville, Florida, Valdosta, Georgia and Columbus, Georgia before becoming the President/CEO of Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia in 2008. Immediately focusing on creating a culture of excellence, Don fostered a sense of teamwork that he referred to as his “Fairview Family”.
As a cancer survivor with Hodgkins Lymphoma in his early twenties, Don had a unique perspective into patient care and treatment. He never forgot what it felt like to place his own life in the hands of others. This lead to a fierce commitment to excellence in the healthcare field. Under Don’s leadership the hospital has earned numerous accolades in recognition of excellence in quality care such as Top 100 Rural Hospital, CMS 5 star rated facility and most recently as the number one medium-sized hospital by Georgia Trend.
Always very active in his community, Don has served on and chaired many civic and college boards, and in his church, Covenant Presbyterian, served as an elder and teacher. He has also been involved with various healthcare professional organizations, serving as the Chair of the Georgia Hospital Association and Chair of the Alliant Health Board of Directors. He was a frequent guest lecturer at several universities and served on the faculty of Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Don loved being a pilot and flew his airplane every chance he could. He enjoyed golf, cross-fit, tennis, pickle ball, University of Florida and Georgia Tech football, and traveling with his family. Any day he could perform on a stage was a great day. He enjoyed reading on the rare occasions that he slowed down. Don’s missions work in Africa was one of his greatest blessings. His ultimate joy was always Fara, his daughters, Amelia and Meredith, his son-in-law, Travis, and his grandchildren. Above all earthly accomplishments was Don’s abiding love for Jesus and his passion for sharing that love with others.
