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Cigar industry legend José O. Padrón dies at 91

EMNofSeattle

No Russian ever called me deplorable
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Truly a sad day for us cigar enthusiasts. Padrón brought so much happiness and fellowship to those of us who enjoy his artistry, and he was generously charitable, he expanded his business from a borrowed hammer to a multinational company employing hundreds of people in the US and Nicaragua.

Padrón's family released the following statement, and it's a eulogy worth of a man of his stature.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, Padrón Family patriarch and founder of Padrón Cigars, José Orlando Padrón (1926-2017).

José Orlando had a favorite quote by Cuban poet José Marti, “Men are divided into two groups: those who love and create and those who hate and destroy.”

José Orlando Padrón 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 Padrón Family Foundation, so he could help others the same way he was helped.

To quote one of Martí’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, José 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.


https://thecigarauthority.com/padron-family-issues-statement-passing-jose-o-padron/

I have always enjoyed Padrón cigars, and I send my prayers and condolences to his family.
 
In 1979 Padron went to Cuba to speak with the Castro government to discuss political prisoners. With the help of Padron & others 3,600 political prisoners were eventually released from Cuban prisons. I have enjoyed a few Padron cigars over the years; they are quite well regarded by many. Padron has a rich history to show for his work in this world & he has quite the legacy, not only in the tobacco business but also his family. I am sure the man will be missed by many. RIP Mr. Padron & well done sir .........
 
I'm not a cigar or tobacco user anymore, as I quit smoking cigs in 2012 after FAR too long. But I actually discovered a radio talk show that specifically deals with cigars just a few days ago for the 1st time, and this^ topic was what they were discussing. They had the proprietor's son on the show, and they described the whole history of the company. That included the tribulations of trade embargoes of 2 major cigar and tobacco producing countries, that affected the company. It was interesting.
 
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