It happened this afternoon. Captain Tony Tarracino (92) passed away.
For those of you who have somehow missed coming to know this cultural icon, I would bet that if you have ever been to Key West, Florida you may have downed a drink in the legendary bar, Capt'n Tony's Saloon, (which he owned from 1958-1989)...or maybe even passed him on the street. He enjoyed telling stories to patrons (especially women) until his health failed him during the past year.
Although hospitalized, it seems fitting that the last week of his life was spent celebrating the publication of his book with Brad Manard, "Life Lessons of a Legend" during the annual Meeting of the Minds celebration in Key West. I would encourage you to put this book on your "wish" list...seriously. His story has been recounted in a film titled "The Cuba Crossing," starring Stewart Whitman as Tarracino. Longtime friend, Jimmy Buffett, sang about Tarracino's exploits in the song "Last Mango in Paris," from the 1985 album of the same name.
After running from the Mob in New Jersey this real life buccaneer, and gunrunner during the Cuban revolution, turned Mayor of Key West always felt that there was "still so much to be done".
There is no way I can do justice in this post to the most colorful and interesting life of Capt'n Tony; but what I can say is that in his passing the world has lost one of the last true Pirates in this era of "partisanism", it is unlikely we will see his kind pass this way again.
Sail on Captain Tony, may you have fair skies and following seas on your eternal journey, but as for me...your legend will never die.
From the song "Last Mango in Paris"
I went down to Captain Tony's to get out of the heat
When I heard a voice call out to me, "Son, come have a seat"
I had to search my memory as I looked into those eyes
Our lives change like the weather but a legend never dies
He said, "I ate the last mango in Paris
Took the last plane out of Saigon
Took the first fast boat to China
And "Jimmy, there's still so much to be done."
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