Search by Name

Search by Name

Jose CUARTA Obituary

CUARTA, Jose R., 93, of Tampa, passed away Sunday, August 9, 2015. He was born in Havana, Cuba, on Valentine's Day 1922. Professionally known as "Chef Rene", he was a renowned local chef and businessman in the Tampa area for many decades. He started his culinary career in New York City working in upscale eateries such as Sardi's. In search of a warmer climate and busi-ness opportunities, he moved with his wife and four children to Tampa, where they took up resi-dence in Ybor City and Tampa Heights, finally settling in West Tampa in the family home for the last 55 years. He honed his culi-nary skills in top Tampa restaurants such as the Columbia, Las Novedades, and Tio Pepe. As a business-man he opened his own catering business, "Cantina International", which he operated successfully for many years and which con-tinues in business today. He worked for the one of the best restaurants in Tampa, "Caf‚ Seville", which was at the time owned by the former mayor of Tampa and Governor of Florida, the honorable Bob Martinez. In his decade as executive chef for this Tampa land-mark, his talent as a chef was legendary, and as such he became part of famed chef Bert Wolfe's, "Chefs Tour" sponsored by Burdines Department Stores (now Macy's). In retirement he continued to provide executive chef services to local restau-rants and provided catering services for weddings and church events. Most of all he cherished cooking for his family, where Sunday dinners were a culinary feast beyond compare. Affectionately known as "Papi" to his entire family, he was a kind, gentle and generous man who lived the American Dream and instilled in his children that hard work and integrity are the keys to success. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ysaura Cuarta; his sons, Jose R. Cuarta, II (Marcella), Adrian Cuarta (Joyce), and Carlos M. Cuarta (Maria); his daugh-ter, Lucy Sergio (Arthur); his grandchildren, Jose R. Cuarta, III, Matthew Cuarta, Jacob Cuarta, Nicholas Cuarta, Javier Cuarta, Joseph Gallardo, Phillip Sergio; and his great-grandson, Rene Cuarta. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make donations in Jose's memory, please give generously to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Aug. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jose CUARTA

Sponsored by Deena Vallina.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Mitch and Leslie Fields

August 20, 2015

We're thinking of you at this time and wishing you comfort and peace extending our sincere sympathy and friendship.Our prayers are with you and your family.

August 18, 2015

So sorry to hear of his passing. Many sympathies to the Cuarta family. David and Beatriz Luzbet

Merci Beiro

August 18, 2015

My deepest condolences to the Cuarta family.

judith cohen

August 18, 2015

We offer deepest condolences to you and your family

Ron Cohen

August 18, 2015

Condolences to the Cuarta family for your loss.

Joyce Nader

August 17, 2015

Papi Cuarta was a dear and kind man...he will be dearly missed.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Jose CUARTA's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Jose CUARTA

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jose's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jose CUARTA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more