Jose A Duenas

Jose A. "Pepe" Duenas died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children at Tidewell Hospice in Venice, FL, at the age of 90. Jose is survived by his wife, Edilia Duenas; his sister, Gloria Hernandez of Morgan City, Louisiana and Nora Duenas of Cardenas, Cuba; his children, son Jose Duenas-Arbide of Mesa, Arizona; daughter and son-in-law Nora and Ben Clemens of Sarasota, Florida; daughter-in-law Pam Duenas; and, daughter Anita Duenas of Fort Myers, Florida, as well as his 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Juan Duenas of Miami, Florida; his sister, Sara Duenas of Cardenas, Cuba; and, his son, Juan E. Duenas of Okeechobee, Florida. Jose was born on February 16, 1926 to Jose Felix Duenas and Tomasita Duenas (Castillo) in Cardenas, Cuba. He graduated from the University of Havana with a degree in Advanced Chemistry, and spent his career working throughout Cuba, Louisiana and Florida in the sugar industry. Before retiring in his 70s, Jose most recently worked for US Sugar Corporation at the head of Sugar Fabrication for more than 15 years, and as a Chemist for Atlantic Sugar Co-op. He married Edilia, his high school sweetheart, in 1952 in Cardenas, Cuba. After the birth of their first two children, Jose and Edilia made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States, fleeing the establishment of Cuba's communist state. After moving to Louisiana, Jose began working and establishing a new life for his family in America. The couple welcomed two more children, and were dedicated to their family, their church and their new home in America. After Jose retired, the couple was based in West Palm Beach, Florida, where they were faithful members of St Juliana's parish for many years, working diligently within the catholic community. Jose and Edilia moved to Venice, Florida in 2011 to be close to their family, and were members of St Jude Catholic Church. Jose was truly his family's patriarch and role model. He loved the ocean and especially deep sea fishing. He learned to make his own fishing rods and frequently made the early morning trip to the deep sea boats in Delray and West Palm Beach. As a father and grandfather, Jose was unfailingly supportive of his wife, children and grandchildren's lives, placing their needs above all else. A memorial service will be held on January 14, 2017 at Quattlebaum Funeral Home at 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach. The family will receive friends at 5pm and the service will begin at 6pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Jose's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tidewell Hospice of Venice at 210 Wexford Blvd., Venice, FL 34293.