Jose Alberto Bacardi

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jose Alberto Bacardi on June 4, 2016 at home in Toronto. When faced with a battle that he could not win, he met it with strength, dignity, and faith. He passed away surrounded by Maria Hortensia Bacardi, his wife of 51 years, and their 8 children: Victoria (Robert Macdonald), Cristina (Stuart Kirscht), Juan, Pablo, Graziella (Daniel Christoffel), Pedro, Mariana, and Alejandro (Lyndsey Cattan). He leaves behind 18 grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud.

Alberto was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1938 to Joaquin and Caridad Bacardi. He was predeceased by his brother Joaquin and leaves behind his brother Jorge (Leslie), his sister Carmen, and sister-in-law Joyce.

Alberto’s family was exiled in 1960 by the Castro regime. He would never see his native country again. His family was forced to leave everything behind including the family business of Bacardi Rum. The early years of exile were spent in efforts to rebuild the family business in different parts of the world.

Alberto moved to Toronto in 1969 in order to build the FBM Distillery in Brampton and would later become its president. This distillery would eventually become Bacardi Canada. He later became a director of Bacardi International and would passionately serve on this board until his retirement.

Our father was a man of dignity, pride, and faith. He was a Knight in the Sovereign Order of Malta and was a steadfast supporter of their works both nationally and internationally. He used his time, energy, and means to support a number of different educational, health, and Catholic institutions.

Alberto was an avid hunter, fisherman, and boater and he enjoyed sharing his many pursuits with all his family. He was the most generous of fathers and was extremely proud of all of our achievements. He will be sorely missed by our large extended family all over the world.

The family is grateful to Fr. Charles Nahm of the Prelature of Opus Dei for his many hours of spiritual and sacramental care. We also thank Fr. Ed Murphy and Fr. Joseph Moncada of Blessed Trinity Parish for their spiritual support.

Our heartfelt thanks to all his caregivers from various sites including Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, St. Elizabeth Health Care (CCAC), Bayshore Home Health, and The Freeman Centre for Palliative Care Outreach Team (NYGH). Alberto was blessed to have passed comfortably at home with the care provided from the extraordinary nurses and doctors who administered to him at the end of his life.

We also want to acknowledge, in particular, our very dear friend Dr. Joseph McKenna for dedicating so much of his time to our family, and for the special gift that his presence brought to all of us.

There will be a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 8th, 2016, 10:30am at Blessed Trinity Church, 3220 Bayview Ave., followed by internment at Mount Hope Cemetery, 305 Erskine Ave.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be greatly appreciated by the Freeman Centre for Palliative Care, Attn: OUTREACH TEAM (North York General Hospital), 416-616-1804, or the Wellspring Cultural Foundation ([email protected]).