Fernando Noriega Jr.'s Obituary
NORIEGA, Fernando, Jr., 81, passed away Monday night, in his West Tampa home. Fernando was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Margaret Noriega, his sisters, Mary “Cuchi” Rodriguez and Marina Wyrick, and his parents, Fernando and Cesaria Noriega. He is survived by their 2 children, Michael Noriega (Andrea) and Linda O'Connor (Tim); grandchildren, Jennifer Harman (Justin), Ryan Provenzano (Angela), Gabrielle Noriega, Chris O’Connor (Bruna) and Tyler O'Connor; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Jamisyn, Blake and Ashlee; cousins, Mary “Merita” Cuellar, Olinda DeJuan and Norma “Mamita” Mayor; his many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and their beloved dog, Zoya.
The son of immigrants, Fernando was born on Ybor Street in 1934, to a Cuban mother and Spanish father who worked as cigar workers in Ybor City. He attended Orange Grove Elementary, Washington Jr. High, Jefferson High School and the University of Tampa. In 1953, Fernando first laid eyes on Margaret while at the Tea dance at the Centro Espanol in Ybor City. They got married 6 months later, on Aug. 16 and raised their family in West Tampa. His first job was making Cuban Sandwiches, followed by a career in jewelry, then men's wear, and in 1971 his 32-year career with the City of Tampa began. Fernando played a key role in developing projects such as Centro Ybor, Ybor Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa Police Headquarters, Marriott Waterside and Channelside district. Some of his awards and honors include the Tony Pizzo Award, Cesar Gonzmart Award, Outstanding Citizen of Ybor, Hispanic Man of the Year, Top 50 Hispanic Heroes, Honorary Deputy United States Marshall and a job offer by President Clinton as Undersecretary in the Department of Urban Redevelopment. Fernando was knighted by the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago for his many accomplishments and contributions, to include over 30 years of costume design and event management.
The family would like to extend special thanks to beloved friends, Norma and Angel Farfante, Mary and Manuel Alvarez, and Dr. Roy and Rose Berdeal, for being a constant support system for Fernando, down to his last days. We also give our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Kent Corral and his wonderful staff, Renee and Susan, as well as a special thank you to the Burgundy Team of Hospice, especially Susan Gamble. The family would also like to recognize his caregivers, Felipe Herrera, Dianelis Gomez and Agustina Perez for their constant care and devotion during his time of need. Fernando will be escorted by pallbearers, Ryan Provenzano, Justin Harman, Jerry Rodriguez, Joe Cuellar, Chris O’Connor, Tyler O’Connor, Harold Brahier, Darren Farfante and honorary pallbearers, Frederick Burkey, Manual Alvarez, Angel Farfante, Roy Berdeal, Armando Diaz, Frank Cisnero, Rick Smith and Dick Greco. Visitation will be held at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, from 10-11:30 am Monday, Feb. 15, immediately followed by Mass and a private burial. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Heart Association or charity of choice, in Fernando’s honor.
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