Orestes David Cartaya

Orestes was born on January 25, 1945 to Orestes and Caridad Cartaya in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Orestes and his family, including his two younger sisters Zenaida and Carmen, escaped Communism in Cuba and immigrated to Tampa in 1959. After graduating from Jefferson High School, he went on to study Pharmacy at the University of Florida.

In 1969, he married the love of his life, Carmen Machín, going on to have three sons, David Orestes, Carlos Manuel, and Javier Ignacio.

Together, Orestes and Carmen opened David’s Pharmacy in 1975, where he continued to work until his passing. David’s Pharmacy became a center of the Catholic Faith, healing, charity, and hope for not only Tampa, but also for people all over Florida, Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, and beyond. Orestes was always generous and charitable to everyone. He used his vocation and his pharmacy for the benefit of as many people as possible, looking at all people as his brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Orestes was predeceased by his parents, Orestes and Caridad. He is survived by his wife (Carmen), two sisters (Zenaida and Carmen), three sons (David, Carlos, and Javier), daughters-in-law (Saby, Lara, and Andrea), 13 grandchildren (Veronica (Ryan Mariano), Alejandro, Isabella, Andres, Roberto, Gabriela, Dominic, Anna Maria, Luca, Maria, Michael, Karl, and Luke), two great-granddaughters (Cecelia and Alessandra) and many nephews, nieces, and family.

We extend sincere thanks to Orestes’ nephew Dr. Edward Fabelo for his loving care and to the staff of St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Judeo Christian Health Clinic, Catholic Charities, or Feeding Tampa Bay in lieu of flowers.

A visitation for Orestes will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. A funeral mass will occur Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 12708 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. A committal service will occur Friday, November 8, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa, Tampa, FL 33610.