Humberto J Delgado-Jenkins

Surrounded by family and close friends in his final days, he wanted to make us all laugh and be happy. Our family was blessed by his courage, wisdom, and unique sense of humor. He loved our country, fishing, teaching, and the Yankees. Escaping communism from Cuba in 1963, with his wife 8 months pregnant, he gave our family great opportunities and a free life. He was a pillar of strength with a deep profound sense of faith and belief in the United States and the American dream.

Humberto loved reading history and biographies of military leaders. Unknown to many, he was also a champion Roller Canary breeder and competitor, with his birds highly sought after worldwide. He enjoyed lots of trips and made countless friends through his love of birds.

Upon arrival in the US from Cuba, he began fishing off his own boat to make a living. From there, Humberto worked many jobs to pay for his master's degree from Trinity College, including as a factory worker at Pratt & Whitney, milk man, gas station owner & mechanic, author, and finally as a college professor in Florida and Georgia. But his favorite job was teaching at Jesuit High School in Tampa (1974 – 1989). Known as Señor Jenkins, he loved the students, faculty, and clergy at Jesuit. He was known for ingraining life lessons and discipline in his students; discipline that was combined with a caring sense of humor, making a mark on many that benefitted them throughout their lives. On some occasions, this wisdom came in the form of “Ok, you want PH, you got PH. “

As a father, Humberto encouraged his children to follow their dreams and passions and to give back to the community or serve through public service. A beacon of optimism, humor, and great storytelling, Humberto left a mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. We bid farewell to a great man who made us laugh and at the same time care, respect, and defend the most basic principles and values we all care about.

Humberto was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Myriam Delgado-Jenkins. He is survived by son Jesus Delgado-Jenkins (Monica Ochoa) and daughter Maribel Delgado (Rolando Morffy); four grandchildren Nicholas Morffy (Catherine Morffy Smith), Christopher Morffy (Kara Desaulniers), Maya Delgado and Marco Delgado; sister-in law Lillian Zayas (Alfredo Zayas), niece Lillian Carver (Carl Carver), and many loving cousins.

Visitation for Humberto will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m., at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610 (www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com). Funeral Service will occur Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:00a.m., at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. A Committal Service will occur Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 12:00p.m., at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 5048 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610.