Carlos Pardinas

Carlos Pardiñas Rey, a resilient former Cuban political prisoner who found freedom and a new life in the United States, passed away on October 21 at the age of 77 from complications due to bacterial pneumonia. His passing marks the end of a journey defined by courage, family devotion, and a love for life’s finer things.

Born in Cuba, Carlos was part of a large and close-knit family. In 1979, following a political amnesty, he arrived in the United States. He and his beloved wife, Eusebia Lidia Benítez, and their five-year-old daughter, Angela Zulema settled in Grant City, Staten Island, where they established their new life. Sadly, Eusebia predeceased him in 1983, but Carlos continued to forge ahead with strength and grace, embodying the spirit of perseverance that had defined his life.

Carlos worked at Bun N' Burger, a popular restaurant in the Staten Island Mall owned by one of his brothers. There, his warm, jovial nature and kindness endeared him to customers and colleagues alike. A man of many talents, Carlos later trained as a welder in New Orleans, achieving expert status in his field. His precision and dedication were evident in his work, where he became known for his specialized skills.

Beyond his professional life, Carlos was a lover of the arts. Music, especially, brought him great joy. His vast collection of music spanned numerous genres, and it was a source of delight not only for himself but also for his family, who cherished the joy he found in it. He was also an avid reader, with a particular interest in American history, though his intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. Carlos was a poet at heart, and his beautifully crafted verses reflected a depth of feeling and intellect that touched those fortunate enough to read his work.

Carlos is survived by his loving daughter, Angela Zulema Pardiñas; his three grandsons, Alex, Joshua, and Justin; and his granddaughter, Jazmin, all of whom will carry forward his memory and legacy. He is also survived by his siblings: sisters Iris Pardiñas and Raquel Aquino Pardiñas, and brothers Raúl Pardiñas and José Ramón Pardiñas. His extended family, including nieces Dr. Theresa Aquino, Olietis Mon-Vega, Dalila Thope, Dania Thope, Yamilet Fuentes, and Janet Fuentes, and nephews Raúl Pardiñas Sánchez, Bobby and David Pardiñas, Manuel Martínez, and Robert Pardiñas Sánchez, mourn his passing but celebrate a life well lived.

Services: The wake will be held at Martin Hughes Funeral Home, 530 Narrows Road South, Staten Island, NY 10304, on Friday, October 25, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A burial service will follow on Saturday, October 26, at 10:00 AM at Resurrection Cemetery, Sharrotts Road, Staten Island.

Carlos Pardiñas Rey will be remembered for his kindness, resilience, and the deep love he held for his family, art, and culture. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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