Dr. Joaquin C. Taranco

Dr. Joaquin C. Taranco passed away in his home on April 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Taranco ( Dr. T) was a pioneer in the West Broward area and the first Anesthesiologist to practice in Plantation back in 1967. He emigrated from Cuba in 1960 after the communist revolution and found a home in Chicago, Illinois where he completed his medical training at Cook County and Michael Reese Hospitals.

He was a newlywed when he fled his home country and began his American Dream with his beloved and beautiful wife, Clara, who he adored until his dying day. Dr. Taranco’s two daughters, Vivian and Diana,were born in Chicago. As a newly arrived immigrant, with a language barrier and multiple extended family members who depended on the young Doctor in training for support, Dr. Taranco worked tirelessly to lift everyone out of the perilous position in which political turmoil had placed his family and created a legacy of security and opportunity for everyone who was lucky enough to be touched by his generosity, ingenuity, and dedication.

He was the consummate advisor, thoughtful, forward thinking and creative. All who knew him sought his counsel and he shared his wisdom freely without reservation. Those who benefitted from his advice will surely miss the way he thoughtfully mulled over the details of their situation and gave creative solutions. Always willing to help, always willing to participate, trusted and loved by so many in his community.

As a physician he was a fearless advocate for his anesthetized patient. A trusted leader to the hospital staff and a trusted and revered ally to the surgeons and physicians who relied on his always cool, and cautious approach to some of the most delicate and difficult problems faced by health care professionals. He was a calming influence for any tough case that came his way and many benefitted from his expertise.

As a husband and a family man he succeeded beyond measure. A 60 year marriage to the love of his life. Clarita and Cacho, what he was called by his close friends, had a 10 year courtship prior to marrying in Cienfuegos in 1959. He filled her dance card at her 15th birthday and they faced all that was to come together after that. They both studied at the University of Havana together, married, made the agonizing decision to leave Cuba together, landed in their adopted country together, and proceeded to make every dream they ever had come true, together. Devotion, admiration, commitment, and a deep abiding love and respect is the example their marriage left for everyone who knew them.

He was a devoted father to Vivian and Diana. On the one hand a huge softy and spoiler of his girls and the the other hand laying the foundation for high expectations and exacting standards. He told us to study, be independent, to never depend on others to do what we could do ourselves. He emphasized education and economic independence for all to include women. He would do anything for you and never once in almost 6 decades did he ever raise his voice in anger to his family. His extraordinary calm and measured approach was unique and created an environment where dialogue and debate were allowed and understanding and support for one another flourished.

As a grandfather he was known as Apo. His 6 grandchildren revered him and giggled their childhood away surrounded by his quirky connection to children, his corny jokes, his always present manner ready to go to their games and recitals, pick them up from school or dance, sneak in a trip to a fast food joint without parental consent, feed the dogs under the table, make fun of every authority figure for them as he himself did not appreciate arbitrary rules placed on any of his activities.He was one of them and was a leader of their band of characters. He knew each grandchild very well and had a personalized games to play with each that made them feel like they connected with him in their own unique way. He was at his best as a grandfather as he had achieved, through years of hard work, the security for his family that eluded the patriarch of our immigrant family in the early years.

He faced the final chapter of his life with acceptance and joy. He never grew frustrated as the limitations of his illness began to compound and had a remarkable way of welcoming us each and every time we visited. His expression was one of welcoming, his visage was one of reverence for all of us and until his final moments he embraced the positive which made everything easier for those who cared for him. That was his legacy, generosity, selflessness and love. We will miss him everyday and we were oh so fortunate to call him ours. We love you Apo, May you Rest In Peace.

Dr. Joaquin Taranco is survived by his wife Clara Taranco, his children,Vivian Taranco Carsello and Jim Carsello, Diana Taranco Moll and Francis K Moll III, his grandchildren , Francis K Moll IV, Oliver L. Moll, Alexander J. Carsello, Charles H. Moll, Elizabeth C. Carsello, and Eve F. Moll. His cousins, Sra. Neida Bures, Aleida and Frankie Pou, Katerina and Johnny Meneses, Carla Pou, Jose Luis DeOcejo, Lou and Ann De Ocejo , Christian DeOcejo, Corrine DeOcejo, Timothy De Ocejo,Luis Angel and Iliana Miguel, Liana Miguel, Luis Miguel, Robert and Millie Gasso and Jaclyn Gasso and the Fernandez-Carol family and a legion of devoted and trusted friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Taranco family.