December 5, 2017
From: The Padron Family
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, Padron Family patriarch and founder of Padron CIgars, Jose Orlando Padron.
Jose Orlando had a favorite quote by Cuban poet Jose Marti, "Men are divided into two groups: those who love and create and those who hate and destroy."
Jose Orlando Padron was a man who loved and created. He built a loving family. He built an extended family of employees, in Nicaragua and the United States, whom he loved and respected. After immigrating from Cuba, he founded a small family business in Miami in 1964. He built it into an international company, creating one of the most respected cigar brands in the world. He built a legacy.
He never forgot his simple roots in the countryside of Cuba and as a poor refugee in a new country. He was grateful to those who helped him in times of need and through his toughest challenges. It is why he remained humble and committed to giving back. He turned his gratitude into the Padron Family Foundation, so he could help others the same way he was helped.
To quote one of Marti's famous aphorisms, "There are three things that each person should do during his lifetime: plant a tree, have a child, and write a book." Having lived an accomplished and loving life, Jose Orlando achieved all three.
He loved his family. He loved his native Cuba and his adopted countries of Nicaragua and the United States. He loved God. He loved life. He loved a good cigar and sharing it with friends.
He leaves behind his wife Florinda, his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren as well as his extended family of trusted employees and friends whom he loved like family. He spent years preparing us for this moment and we will carry on the traditions and lessons he passed on. We will strive every day to live like he did, carry on his name and make him proud.
Rest In Peach, Papi.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Please join us in celebration of Jose O. Padron's life at the Biltmore Hotel on Friday, December 8th, 6 - 10 pm, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9th, 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church located at 3716 Garden Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140.
The burial will immediately follow at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Park North Cemetery located at 3260 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in support of the Padron Family Foundation, funding education and healthcare programs benefitting our communities. We are in the process of setting up a web page so donations can be made online.
To donate, please visit www.padronfamilyfoundation.org after Friday, December 8th.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
~The Padron Family