"Los Curritos" was their artistic name as they sang and dance. Narciso Pedro Pablo Curras, or simply “Pete”, was born on August 23, 1935 in La Habana, Cuba. At 11 years old his dad sent him, his sister Emily and his mother Soledad to New York to study and learn English.
He moved to Miami as a teenager, where he met my mother Noemy Suarez and got married at 20 years old. He joined the National Guard and worked for the newspaper The Miami Herald. In 1965 he was transferred to Puerto Rico as the Circulation Director for the newspaper “El Mundo” where he worked for almost 2 decades and held the position of Vice-President before he resigned. In May 1983 he established his company and publication “La Estrella de Puerto Rico”, a weekly newspaper that gave a platform to the western cities of the Island becoming the most recognized regional newspaper.
He moved to Miami as a teenager, where he met my mother Noemy Suarez and got married at 20 years old. He joined the National Guard and worked for the newspaper The Miami Herald. In 1965 he was transferred to Puerto Rico as the Circulation Director for the newspaper “El Mundo” where he worked for almost 2 decades and held the position of Vice-President before he resigned. In May 1983 he established his company and publication “La Estrella de Puerto Rico”, a weekly newspaper that gave a platform to the western cities of the Island becoming the most recognized regional newspaper.
His gift of leadership was evident as he held important and noteworthy positions during his life. These opportunities opened many doors and placed him in roles where he made significant impact in many people’s lives. His leadership contributions ranged from representing Puerto Rico as a delegate in the Olympic games in Mexico in 1968 for the Boxing Federation to becoming the President of Puerto Rico’s Chamber of Commerce in 1979-1980.
 President of Puerto Rico's Chamber of Commerce 1979-1980. |  |
His enthusiasm and headship tapped in PTA’s, in the 1970’s Charismatic Renewal, Parochial Board and lead the Family Rosary Devotion Movement for his church. He was a Lions Club member, Fund Raiser Organizer for Three Kings gift distributions for the less fortunate and promoter of youth groups such “Viva la Gente” in the Island. He was a brilliant leader, energetic organizer, a competent mediator and a clever negotiator and was recognized by many in innumerable ways.
Of all his accomplishments what he cherished the most were the people he met. I witnessed people of all walk of life greet him with authentic smiles. He had a way to make others feel special. He always had time to share a story, a song and a good laugh. He shared his success with family and friends.
At the end, he left all the trophies, titles and recognitions behind. He packed a small luggage, his dog “Cha Cha” and his briefcase and left. It had all been accomplished, he lived a full life and as he would say… he did it his way.
At the end, he left all the trophies, titles and recognitions behind. He packed a small luggage, his dog “Cha Cha” and his briefcase and left. It had all been accomplished, he lived a full life and as he would say… he did it his way.
Dad
We miss you very much!
You are woven into so many areas of each of our lives.
You were so simple, so driven and determined.
You lived as you believed, found strength in people and shared
everything you had.
You were a romantic, liked to build memories, created magic
moments and made dreams come true.
You taught us to give ourselves permission to sing,
to dance and to laugh.
You encouraged us to speak up, to fight through, to have courage
and never give up.
You showed us that it’s better to move forward without fear
than to regret not moving at all.
You affirmed us to climb higher and to go deeper and to
stay true to ourselves along the way.
You believed in not judging but to find the best in each other,
to forgive and to forget.
You are our own “Profe”, our own “Don Quijote” whose quest
was to dream the impossible dream.
Know that the world is better because you “strove with your last
ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star”.
We thank you for the sacrifices. We will see each other again.
Many have proven that the answer to happiness is not in having money, ideal bodies, or exclusive perks. If all we own, or how we look, or what we make or where we’ve been doesn’t matter at the end, why do we cling to all this?
Every human being’s experience from the moment he is born to his death is unique. There is no formula or cookie cutter solution to a “perfect” life. It is in the encounter with others that a spark of light can happen and insight can be shared. It is through personal experience that we can have the opportunity to awaken to the true meaning and purpose of our lives. And if we have been created to do good works, as we experience these moments let us share a story, a song and a smile with each other.
(Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:7-8)
We miss you very much!
You are woven into so many areas of each of our lives.
You were so simple, so driven and determined.
You lived as you believed, found strength in people and shared
everything you had.
You were a romantic, liked to build memories, created magic
moments and made dreams come true.
You taught us to give ourselves permission to sing,
to dance and to laugh.
You encouraged us to speak up, to fight through, to have courage
and never give up.
You showed us that it’s better to move forward without fear
than to regret not moving at all.
You affirmed us to climb higher and to go deeper and to
stay true to ourselves along the way.
You believed in not judging but to find the best in each other,
to forgive and to forget.
You are our own “Profe”, our own “Don Quijote” whose quest
was to dream the impossible dream.
Know that the world is better because you “strove with your last
ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star”.
We thank you for the sacrifices. We will see each other again.
Many have proven that the answer to happiness is not in having money, ideal bodies, or exclusive perks. If all we own, or how we look, or what we make or where we’ve been doesn’t matter at the end, why do we cling to all this?
Every human being’s experience from the moment he is born to his death is unique. There is no formula or cookie cutter solution to a “perfect” life. It is in the encounter with others that a spark of light can happen and insight can be shared. It is through personal experience that we can have the opportunity to awaken to the true meaning and purpose of our lives. And if we have been created to do good works, as we experience these moments let us share a story, a song and a smile with each other.
(Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:7-8)
JUST A FEW SONGS WHICH REMIND US OF DAD.
Click on the album and enjoy the music.
Click on the album and enjoy the music.
LETTER by David given to dad 3 months before his accident, on February 2011.
To a great man:
The following intentions flow from heart and lead to the soul.
As a young man searches for a better understanding of life and the details that it holds within, it is easy to distract yourself on material possessions that at the end we do not partake with into a life of eternity. Cars, houses, clothes, we leave behind. Spirit, memories, lessons, and blood stay forever.
From an early age we are conditioned to love physical possessions and forget about the godly things we are given free of worldly cost. We are simply born with the best things in life, FOR FREE. Love does not cost a mother to give her child, spiritual adoration cost nothing to possess. But why does humanity constantly searching for a dream of wealth and worldly possessions when the most important possessions are given to us since birth?
From dust we come, and as dust we will go, but our love and lessons stay from generation to generation. The memories of a grandfather working through sleepless nights to give a better future for a family will never be forgotten. The father that through trials and tribulations stays true to a love of a wife regardless of the distractions put beside him, does not go unnoticed. A mother walking through sand on a scorching hot day, with a child in each hand, broken stroller while carrying groceries is a thought that will burn memories into the toughest of minds.
What good is life if we do not share the truth behind it? The truth is that love will heal broken souls and lessons will lay the foundation to a family.
Life is a long lesson in humility. - Sir James M. Barrie
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.- Robert Frost
To a great man:
The following intentions flow from heart and lead to the soul.
As a young man searches for a better understanding of life and the details that it holds within, it is easy to distract yourself on material possessions that at the end we do not partake with into a life of eternity. Cars, houses, clothes, we leave behind. Spirit, memories, lessons, and blood stay forever.
From an early age we are conditioned to love physical possessions and forget about the godly things we are given free of worldly cost. We are simply born with the best things in life, FOR FREE. Love does not cost a mother to give her child, spiritual adoration cost nothing to possess. But why does humanity constantly searching for a dream of wealth and worldly possessions when the most important possessions are given to us since birth?
From dust we come, and as dust we will go, but our love and lessons stay from generation to generation. The memories of a grandfather working through sleepless nights to give a better future for a family will never be forgotten. The father that through trials and tribulations stays true to a love of a wife regardless of the distractions put beside him, does not go unnoticed. A mother walking through sand on a scorching hot day, with a child in each hand, broken stroller while carrying groceries is a thought that will burn memories into the toughest of minds.
What good is life if we do not share the truth behind it? The truth is that love will heal broken souls and lessons will lay the foundation to a family.
Life is a long lesson in humility. - Sir James M. Barrie
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.- Robert Frost
WORDS at wake service by Gaby
So this is a bit funny because, although I can write, it’s tough for me to get down to emotions.
I had started to write and someone reminded
me that this is not a bio or about his
accomplishments (which are abound)– it’s about the feelings! It’s about what will actually be embedded in our hearts, is the kind of person he embodied and how he made us feel.
Fond memories from Huevos Rancheros in the mornings, to spending time just sitting with you and shooting the breeze. The amazing provider that he was, the sometimes ridiculous yet precious moments we shared with him. His unconditional love and all the joy he brought. And how he would drop everything for anyone of us and offer his support.
His work ethic was infectious and I know it always pushed us to do a little better and better each day. How he reiterated that as long as you know the risks and consequences (and after of course about the 10K chances he gave you sometimes) you could do ANYTHING.
A little unconventional, where the suit was often substituted by his “Guayabera” and his outfit of choice at times was the striped-shirt, plaid shorts, black dress socks and sandals (oh yes..) and although embarrassing at the time – I understand that it was my unconventional Dad that made everything else seem TOO conventional. A determined, hard working and courageous man. His sacrifices for family and those he loved where out of this world. He saved my life when cancer came knocking at my door…Mom & Dad where there at the drop of a hat but same urgency would have happened I propose if it was anyone one of us.
The best of it all was when he decided to go back to “basics” and chose to move to Orlando just recently. All he had were his clothes, his dog, briefcase and cigarettes (and of course a Hawaiian themed shirt). Also how his last days with us, were not only wonderful for him (away from hospitals, and surrounded by those he loved) but for us as well!
All he kept repeating over was “yo te amo mucho” along with a few “cono!!!s, of course)…when things were not going his way. He was Dad, Suegro, Abuelo, “The Godfather”, Tio Pitin, Big Brother to many, mentor and friend.
To Dad – cono – we’ll miss you Cuco, but we know you’re in a better place so cheers to you and to one amazing adventure you had. Thanks for sharing it with us. God Bless.
So this is a bit funny because, although I can write, it’s tough for me to get down to emotions.
I had started to write and someone reminded
me that this is not a bio or about his
accomplishments (which are abound)– it’s about the feelings! It’s about what will actually be embedded in our hearts, is the kind of person he embodied and how he made us feel.
Fond memories from Huevos Rancheros in the mornings, to spending time just sitting with you and shooting the breeze. The amazing provider that he was, the sometimes ridiculous yet precious moments we shared with him. His unconditional love and all the joy he brought. And how he would drop everything for anyone of us and offer his support.
His work ethic was infectious and I know it always pushed us to do a little better and better each day. How he reiterated that as long as you know the risks and consequences (and after of course about the 10K chances he gave you sometimes) you could do ANYTHING.
A little unconventional, where the suit was often substituted by his “Guayabera” and his outfit of choice at times was the striped-shirt, plaid shorts, black dress socks and sandals (oh yes..) and although embarrassing at the time – I understand that it was my unconventional Dad that made everything else seem TOO conventional. A determined, hard working and courageous man. His sacrifices for family and those he loved where out of this world. He saved my life when cancer came knocking at my door…Mom & Dad where there at the drop of a hat but same urgency would have happened I propose if it was anyone one of us.
The best of it all was when he decided to go back to “basics” and chose to move to Orlando just recently. All he had were his clothes, his dog, briefcase and cigarettes (and of course a Hawaiian themed shirt). Also how his last days with us, were not only wonderful for him (away from hospitals, and surrounded by those he loved) but for us as well!
All he kept repeating over was “yo te amo mucho” along with a few “cono!!!s, of course)…when things were not going his way. He was Dad, Suegro, Abuelo, “The Godfather”, Tio Pitin, Big Brother to many, mentor and friend.
To Dad – cono – we’ll miss you Cuco, but we know you’re in a better place so cheers to you and to one amazing adventure you had. Thanks for sharing it with us. God Bless.
Click on the video below for more pictures.