Abelardo "Al" Arteaga's Obituary
ABELARDO “AL” ARTEAGA
Was born in West Tampa on March 21, 1922, to cigar workers Thomas Arteaga and Caridad Arismendis. During the recession his family moved to Habana, Cuba to find work and this is where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence. He was the second youngest of 10 children and though the family was poor in finances, they were wealthy in love. Although he had to quit school in the 4th grade to work to contribute to the family income, he had a Ph.D. in life.
In 1945 he moved to New York City in search of a better life and enlisted in the Coast Guard. While crossing the street one day he saw a familiar face from his childhood days in Cuba. He reconnected with Consuelo Del Castillo a beautiful neighborhood girlfriend who had been orphaned at the age of 4. Although his family was poor, they always managed to have food on the table and many times they would feed Consuelo and her sister. After a short courtship they married and 7 years later they moved back to Tampa where they built their first home.
Al retired from GTE where he worked as a technician assigned to Tampa International Airport. He was a humanitarian and an activist who always fought injustices all over the world. His garage was always full of medical supplies, food, and clothing to send to victims of natural disasters and tragedies all over the world including South and Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.
The cause most dear to his heart was normalizing relations between Cuba and the US, which he fought for more than 50 years. He was a member of Pastors for Peace, an interfaith organization based in New York, and participated for many years in an annual caravan that traveled all over North America bringing supplies to the people of Cuba.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years; two daughters, Sylvia Alvarez and Giselle Arteaga; two grandchildren, Anthony Scott Alvarez and Nikki Alvarez-Sowles; and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held at Boza & Roel Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Family will receive visitors between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Service begins at 6:00 p.m.
Send condolences to Al’s daughters, not to his wife. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to IFCO/Pastors for Peace in New York City.
What’s your fondest memory of Abelardo "Al"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Abelardo "Al"?
Share a story where Abelardo "Al"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Abelardo "Al" you’ll never forget.
How did Abelardo "Al" make you smile?