Luis Alberto Molina

Luis Alberto Molina, born on October 12, 1966, in Washington, DC, has left this world, passing away on November 25, 2024, in the same beloved city he called home. A vibrant spirit, Luis was a master of merriment and a connoisseur of companionship. He reveled in bringing people together, crafting joy through exuberant stories and laughter, whether at a bustling bar or within the comforting walls of his home.

Luis's career spanned the dynamic landscape of restaurants and bars throughout the DMV, where he enchanted countless patrons with his infectious personality and deft mixology. He was not just a bartender; he was a storyteller, weaving tales that danced with the fervor of his spirit. In his adventurous pursuit of entrepreneurship, he launched two notable ventures: in the 1990s, he began a furniture assembly business, and from 2015 until 2023, he proudly operated Luis Dog Camp, a daycare for dogs that thrived through challenges, including the trials of a pandemic and other setbacks that would have daunted lesser souls. His pride in his accomplishments was palpable, especially in witnessing his dog business flourish amid uncertainty.

Education was an integral part of Luis's life; he walked the halls of Richard Montgomery High School and furthered his learning at Montgomery College and the University of Maryland. It was in these formative years that the corners of his tenacity and creativity were first shaped, laying a foundation for the man who would later cook up hearty stews and savory sauces for family and friends alike. Cooking was more than a hobby for Luis; it was a passion, one that he expressed through his delicious offerings of pasta, dirty rice, beans, and the most comforting chicken soup. His kitchen was more than just a place of nourishment; it was a gathering spot, alive with voices and laughter, where memories were seasoned just right.

Luis was not merely loud; he was a symphony of life—a boisterous force that could effortlessly ignite smiles in strangers and friends alike. Always surrounded by a menagerie of dogs, cats, turtles, and a bird, he drew people near with his big-hearted spirit and his desire to uplift and mentor others. No one was ever just a neighbor; to Luis, everyone was a circle of companions that he cherished fiercely.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Sharon Dreyfuss, his cherished son, Liam Gavigan, and his adoring mother, Astreberta Escobar, and father, Miguel Escobar. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind brothers Eddy Molina and Felix Steve Jovell, along with many aunts, uncles (Tias and Tios), nieces, nephews, and cousins who celebrate the warmth he brought into their lives.

Luis’s departure comes after a long illness, but he faced it surrounded by the love of those he held dear. His enduring spirit will echo in the stories shared in his honor, the gatherings inspired by his love for life, and the hearts he touched so deeply. Indeed, Luis Alberto Molina was a remarkable man whose legacy of laughter, love, and culinary delights will continue to infuse the lives of all who had the blessing to know him.