Carlos Alberto Toraño Sr., the former President of the Toraňo Family Cigar Company, has passed away peacefully in his home. He was 78 years old. Carlos Toraño Sr. was a third generation tobacco man. He is credited with bringing the Toraňo tobacco family to new heights, after relocating to the USA following the Cuban revolution.
Founded in 1916 by Santiago Toraňo, the Toraňo tobacco family is recognized as one of the oldest tobacco families in the cigar industry. At the age of 16 Carlos Toraňo Sr. wenth through the nationalization of Cuba in 1959, where his family’s tobacco fields were taken away and were forced to leave the island. The family however continued to seek out the finest quality tobaccos from many countries around the world. After being educated in the United States, Carlos Toraňo Sr. joined the family business and followed in his father’s footsteps by continuing the tradition and legacy of his grandfather.
Carlos Toraňo Sr. took the family business to new heights as the company added factories and tobacco fields in Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Honduras. In 1994 Carlos Toraňo Sr. decided it was time for the family to create and distribute their own brand of cigars. The Carlos Toraňo Signature Series, The Tribute, and the 1959 Exodus were some of the most successful cigars under the Toraňo name.
My husband was a man loved and admired by many. He was always ready to offer a hug, a smile, and advice. A noble man, he was always eager to share his knowledge. As a result, a great deal of people were able to advance successfully in their careers. Carlos was irreplaceable and I miss my best friend deeply.
Evelyn Toraňo-Trinidad
In 2012, Carlos A. Toraňo Sr. quietly retired from the family business. He enjoyed his retirement years traveling extensively with his wife, Evelyn Toraňo-Trinidad. The widowed Evelyn Toraňo-Trinidad has planned a private memorial mass in Miami, to celebrate her husband’s extraordinary life. For those interested in contacting Evelyn Toraňo-Trinidad you may do so through Gabriel Piňeres of Creativas Group Public Relations at Gpineres@creativasgroup.com.