Manuel Dorta, age 90, passed away May 12, 2021. He was born in Palm City, Cuba on March 22, 1931. He was one of six children to parents Manuel Dorta and Sara T. Rodriguez. He spent his younger years working alongside his family in their beachside cabanas. At the age of ten he became friends with a fellow schoolmate, Amelia, and years later she became his wife. They were married June 15, 1952 and he adapted to the farming lifestyle. Their family grew to having two sons. In 1962, he and his family moved to New Jersey to start a new life. He worked as a hospital cook and later owned several businesses in New Jersey and then Houston, Texas after they moved in 1984. One of his favorite occupations was truck driving. He loved driving his tractor trailer with his wife and grandkids by his side. In 1999, he retired, but continued to stay active at his home, working in his yard and tending to his wife’s flowers.
As a pastime he also enjoyed being a Ham radio operator and became long-time friends with ones around the world-from Costa Rica to Argentina to name a few. He loved to stay connected to his loved ones by telephone and was always ready to give them a call.
Many could recognize him by his full cowboy attire adorned with bolo, hat and boots. He would go to the Houston rodeo several times a year. He was the Cuban cowboy.
Manuel adored his family and friends and spoiled them when he could. Guests could not come in without eating something, especially his yellow pound cake. He was a stranger to none and made many friends because of his hospitality and affectionate nature. He made a point of attending every function of his loved ones-weddings, graduations, anniversaries or the like. He became the “abuelo” to many through the years. He will be remembered as a devoted husband of his loving wife of 68 years, loyal family man and a dear friend.
He was survived by his wife, Amelia Dorta; sons Gustavo and Tomas Dorta and his wife, Sandy; his grandchildren Alexander, Krystal, Ethan and Jack Dorta; his great-grandchild Romeo; his brother Octavio Dorta and sister Mildred Reyes. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.
The family of Manuel are truly appreciative of all the love, cooked meals and assistance provided in his last months of life. They are left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and appreciation.
A visitation for Manuel will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A graveside service will occur Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Dorta family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18