Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 11-22-19

Feature
Businessman, Former Mayoral Candidate, David Straz, Jr., Dies
DAVID STRAZ, JR.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
A philanthropist is de- fined as “a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the gen- erous donation of money to good causes.” And that is the verb used time and again to describe Mr. David Straz, Jr.
Mr. Straz, a 2019 May- oral candidate for the City of Tampa, died last weekend. On Monday, his family re-
leased the following state- ment through the David A. Straz, Jr., Foundation, “It is with a heavy heart the Straz family regrets to inform you that while on a recent fishing trip with close friends David A. Straz, Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep."
Mr. Straz was in Citrus County at the time of his death. He celebrated his 77th birthday on October 10th.
Mayor Jane Castor
said, “I’m saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Straz. David’s in-
delible contributions to this city will be a part of our cul- tural fabric for decades to come. My heart goes out to the entire family during this very difficult time.”
State Rep. Fentrice
Driskell
said, “We
are sad-
dened to
hear the
news of
Mr. David
Straz’s passing. His philan- thropic work in the Tampa Bay area will leave a remark- able legacy, and his giving embodied the compassionate spirit of so many good hearted members of our community.”
Jarvis El Amin worked with Mr.
Straz on
his cam-
paign.
“David
was a very
generous
and giving man, even being in the position he was, he still saw value in others.
“It was a joy working with him and I consider him a
friend.”
Frank Reddick, former
City Coun-
cilman said
he became
acquainted
with Mr.
Straz dur-
ing his run
for Mayor. “One of the things he wanted me to do was to introduce him to East Tampa. He felt it had been neglected by previous ad- ministrations and a plan was in the works.
“Many people may not be aware of it, but he con- tributed to many individuals and organizations in the Black community. He was a good man who was very pas- sionate about this city and about East Tampa.
“Even though he didn’t win the election, he still planned to do some things in East Tampa. It’s very sad.
The city lost a good person and East Tampa lost a vision- ary,” Reddick said.
Businessman Wilbert Malphus
said, “When
I heard the
news of the
passing of
David
Straz, the
blow was hard, the shock was severe, a dear friend had transitioned. David Straz moved to Tampa with a pur- pose and achieved his goal. His passion was to make Tampa a better place to live, work, worship, and recreate was his goal.
“David lived his life in such a way that he will be re- membered for his benevo- lence, fairness, respect, and his smile. He was a business- man, a philanthropist, a friend to Tampa, and my friend.”
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDA PAGE 3-A