Havana.– Juan Almeida Bosque, a comrade-in-arms of Fidel Castro since the start of his guerrilla struggle more than a half-century ago, has died of a heart attack around 11:30 p.m. Friday night in Havana, revealed a statement published in government media.

The 82-year-old was one of several Cuban vice presidents and had been among only three surviving rebel leaders who still bore the honorary title "Commander of the Revolution."

According to the statement, Almeida will "live on forever in the hearts and minds of his compatriots." Cuba declared a national day of mourning for Sunday and ordered all flags flown at half-staff.

A bricklayer who began working at age 11, Almeida was the only black commander among the rebel leaders. He was one of the most important and decisive voices in the battle to overthrow Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, as well as in the early years following the Jan. 1, 1959, triumph of the Cuban revolution.

After Batista fled Havana (to the Dominican Reublic) on New Year's Day 1959, Almeida served in various military posts, ranging from head of motorized units to chief of the Rebel Army's Air Force. He later was named a vice minister and chief of staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Almeida was a member of the Communist Party of Cuba's Central Committee since its creation in October 1965. His duties included welcoming new foreign ambassadors to Cuba and greeting other visiting dignitaries. However, Almeida cut back on public activities in December 2003, announcing he was suffering from heart problems.

Almeida also composed traditional Cuban music and wrote about his years behind bars and in the mountains.