Obituaries

Joaquin Eduardo Bacardi, Jr. died suddenly and peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at age 76. He was a retired master blender for Bacardi which was founded by his great-grandfather. A resident of Puerto Rico, Mr. Bacardi was born in Santiago, Cuba and was naturalized in Puerto Rico in 1959 after his family was exiled from Cuba. As an adolescent he came to the United States and was educated at the Fessenden School, the Dublin School, Babson College and the University of Puerto Rico. Because of his long and successful career, Mr. Bacardi was also awarded an honorary degree from the New England School of Law.

Joaquin Bacardi, Jr. spent his entire career at Bacardi. He had a passion for his family legacy of rum making and flourished as a master blender until his retirement in 1984. He also served on the Bacardi Limited Board of Directors. An avid and accomplished deep sea fisherman and boat enthusiast, he was a generous supporter of many organizations in his community.

He was devoted to his family and leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Joyce (George) Bacardi, his daughter Karen Bacardi and her husband Stephen Fallon and his son Joaquin Bacardi III and his wife Sonia. He loved and was adored by his six grandchildren: Eduardo, Guillermo, Carolina, Christiane, Samuel and Hannah who affectionately referred to him as “Cuchi”. He is also survived by his sister Carmen and brothers Jose Alberto and Jorge Enrique.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 17 from 3:00 to 9:00PM at the Dennis Sweeney Funeral Home 74 Elm St. Quincy Center. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend. On Thursday there will be a gathering at the funeral home at 10:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM at St. Agatha’s Church 432 Adams St. Milton. Interment will be at Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Gabriel House of Care at the Mayo Clinic 4599 Worrall Way, Jacksonville, FL 32224. gabrielhouseofcare.org