Juan Bustamante

A more beloved and hard working man you'll never meet. Juan Israel Bustamante, 96, passed away Tuesday, September 13th, 2022. He was surrounded by those he loved in a room filled with both laughter and tears.
Bustamante was known affectionately as 'Papi' to his children, his children's friends and his customers. He was a native of Havana, Cuba, where he personally fought against the communist regime. It was a dangerous place where the Cuban Army started drafting children at age 10. So, in 1969, Bustamante sent his family to the United States to save his son from the military and to find the American Dream. The family settled in New Orleans in 1969. 'Papi' joined them in 1973, and find the American Dream, they did.
The City of New Orleans became Bustamante's adopted home. He was deeply grateful it granted his family safety and financial freedom. 'Papi' co-owned Fashion Tailor of Metairie with his loving wife, Maria Sierra Bustamante. They opened it nearly 43 years ago. Bustamante never met a stranger. Customers were often greeted by nostalgic Cuban music, as 'Papi' engaged lovingly in conversations in his 'Spanglish.' He did not let a language barrier prevent him from letting people know he adored them. His love of music will be reflected at his services. The business, now run by his wife and daughter, continues to serve the community. 
But it was his family that made him most proud. When he spoke about his children and grandchildren his smile could light up a room. He cherished watching them gather for special occasions and always gave the best hugs. 'Papi' made sure his family members had a strong work ethic, which they learned from watching him.   He considered the education of his children one of his greatest accomplishments. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lucila Hernandez Bustamante, and his sister, Lucila Bustamante. He is survived by his wife, Maria Bustamante of Asturias, Spain, his children, Adrian Bustamante of New Orleans and his wife, Melissa Bustamante of Scranton, PA, his daughter, Caridad Margarita (Margaret) Bustamante of New Orleans, and Lucy Bustamante Rasco of New Orleans and her husband Richard Rasco of Miami and their children, Reese, Alejandro, Carolina and Nicolas. He was loved by his brother-in-law Deacon Jose Sierra, his niece, Mercedes Sierra and Kevin Lacy, and Jose Sierra Jr. and Luisita Bustamante Rodriguez, and fellow grandparent, Ana lauda (Laly) Iturralde, who were all at his bedside during his time of passing. He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews of the Bustamante and Sanchez family in Miami, and Orlando, Florida as well as the family remaining in Havana, Cuba and Asturias, Spain who he spoke to weekly. 
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. New Orleans, LA 70119, at 1:30 PM on Friday, September 16, 2022. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM. Interment in St. Patrick No. 1 Cemetery will follow the mass. To view the service via livestream and to sign the virtual register book, please visit www.schoenfh.com

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