Jose PEPE DIaz

1941 - 2023

Jose Manuel Diaz "PEPE"

Known to everyone as "Pepe", passed away on December 19, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson's. He's preceded in death by his parents, Sister Sofia Rady, Nephew Javier Mesa, and Son Jose Augusto Diaz-Navarro. He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years Tania "Cachi" Diaz, sister Martha Sueiras, son Jose (Sonny) Diaz-Napoles, daughter Thania (Ashley) Diaz Clevenger, grand daughters Lauren Nicole Diaz & Althea Clevenger; Grandsons Jose Gustavo Diaz and Dean Sergio Clevenger, Neice/Goddaughter Osmadi (Jason) Cervantes. Other surviving relatives: Tania Regueria, Madeleine Alvarez, Luis Regueira Jr., Olga Mesa, Lilly (Rick) Curry, Hortensia Suieras, George Zorio, Sergio (Damaris) Zorio, and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.



Born on January 24,1941 to Sergio and Hortensia Diaz, in Yaguajay, Cuba, where in 1970 he was forced to leave

for speaking out against the communist government. Via Spain, he worked in various restaurants until 1973 where he would finally set foot in the United States. Upon making it to the states he was determined to live the American Dream; opening his own restaurant. After meeting his wife; her a server; him a cook, they began their family and in 1979 moved to their new home and life in Key West.

He began working in the kitchen of the famous Old Cuban Club when he arrived. Soon after he purchased a small local grocery store, his first Family business, Tony's Grocery at 1211 Duval St. He soon expanded the store and had a full service Deli and a Sandwich Shop. He soon out grew the store and in 1986 purchased a small cafeteria/counter service restaurant next door to 1215 Duval St. where the original El Meson De Pepe was born. What started as a

small cafeteria would eventually become a 2 story 80 seat restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. In 1997, El Meson de Pepe found its way to its current location on world famous Mallory Square. The 80 seat restaurant he started with had now become a 200+ seat restaurant and bar. Pepe had finally realized his American Dream. El Meson De Pepe has

become and iconic staple in Key West, and it is still run by the Diaz Family today.

A Legacy Celebration will be held on Wednesday, January 24th between 6pm and 9pm at El Meson De Pepe on Mallory Square. Please join us in celebrating this amazing Key West treasure. Food and Drink will be provided as Pepe would have it no

other way. Guayaberas are encouraged but not necessary.