Jose CUARTA

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.