Juan Bustamante

Juan Israel Bustamante, 96, died Tuesday September 13th, 2022 surrounded by those he loved. He was known affectionately as 'Papi' to his children, his children's friends, as well as his customers. He was native of Havana, Cuba where he personally fought against the communist regime until he sent his family ahead of him in 1969 to find the American Dream and to save my brother from joining the Cuban Army who started drafting children at age 10. The family settled in New Orleans in 1969. 'Papi' had deep gratitude for the city of New Orleans for granting his family safety and financial freedom. He co-owned Fashion Tailor of Metairie with his loving wife, Maria Sierra Bustamante. He was proud of his family beyond measure and made sure his children learned a strong work ethic through their tailor business, Fashion Tailors of Metairie, started nearly 43 years ago, now run by his wife and daughter. Customers were often greeted by the nostalgic Cuban music at his tailor shop where he engaged lovingly in conversations in 'Spanglish' with his loving customers. His love of music will be reflected at his services. He considered the education of his children his greatest accomplishment. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lucila Hernandez Bustamante, and his sister, Lucila Bustamante. He is survived by his wife, Maria Bustamante of Asturias, Spain, his children, Adrian Bustamante of New Orleans and his wife, Melissa Bustamante of Scranton, PA, his daughter, Caridad Margarita (Margaret) Bustamante of New Orleans, and Lucy Bustamante Rasco of New Orleans and her husband Richard Rasco of Miami and their children, Reese, Alejandro, Carolina and Nicolas. He was loved by his brother-in-law Deacon Jose Sierra, his niece, Mercedes Sierra and Kevin Lacy, and Jose Sierra Jr. and Luisita Bustamante Rodriguez, and fellow grandparent, Ana Iturralde, who were all at his bedside during his time of passing. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews of the Bustamante and Sanchez family in Miami, and Orlando, Florida as well as the family remaining in Havana, Cuba and Asturias, Spain who he spoke to weekly. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119, at 1:30 PM on Friday, September 16, 2022. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM. Interment in St. Patrick No. 1 Cemetery will follow the mass. To view the service via livestream and to sign the virtual register book, please visit www.schoenfh.com.