The Padron family has released the following statement on the passing of cigar legend Jose Orlando Padron:
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.
