Juan Manuel Garcia Passalacqua dies
Relatives of political analyst confirmed his death
by Keila Lopez Alicea | keila.lopez@elnuevodia.com
El Nuevo Día (July 2, 2010)
translated from Spanish by NiLP

The renowned lawyer and political analyst, Juan Manuel Garcia Passalacqua, died this afternoon in the state of Ohio where his daughter lives.

According to several former colleagues of the popular leader who requested anonymity because they did not have authorization from the family to discuss the situation, García Passalacqua died today at 7:30 pm at 73 years of age. At the moment, the cause of his death is not known, although it is known that he had cancer.

The political science professor was born on February 22, 1937 in San Juan. He studied at Tufts University, Harvard University and Cambridge College, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. He also had a master’s degree from the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans.

García Passalacqua, who was an adviser to Luis Muñoz Marín and former United States president Jimmy Carter, is survived by his wife of the past 45 years, the historian Ivonne Acosta, three children and six grandchildren.

For his part, Governor Luis Fortuño, his former neighbor and friend who in 2009 declared the day of his birthday, February 22, 2009, as “Day of Juan Manuel Garcia Passalacqua,” upon learning of his death, officially declared three days of mourning and flags were hoisted at half-staff tomorrow, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, except on Sunday because of the protocol of never placing the flag at half mast on Independence Day.

“This is an unfortunate thing for the people of Puerto Rico. We will miss his tremendous commentaries that were well-informed, full of truth and logic. May he rest in Peace.”
-Valerie Lebron

“May you rest in Peace, Mr. Juan Manuel García Passalacqua! My condolences to his family and comfort for them. Our island has lost a great political analyst. God bless you.”
-Rebecca Ramos

“Today, Puerto Rico lost a great human being … we are sad.”
-Charlie Straight

“He always spoke with a clear conscience. May he rest in Peace.”
-John Perez

The pride of and a treasure for our Island. He was the promoter of the mixed vote and writer of very valuable articles and essays. May he rest in Peace.”
-Magda Rodríguez

“What a great loss! A very fair person. May he rest in peace.”
-Cepero-Rosaline

“It’s a damn shame. Few intelligent men and political analysts remain. My condolences to the families.”
-Angie Martinez

“What a pity. He was one of the few people you could listen to who had respect, wisdom and intelligence, politically speaking. Another voice of the people is silenced.”
-Gladys González-

“May he rest in peace. I was fascinated by its political analysis and his smile.”
-Bahamundi Pellicier-Girons

“Excellent analyst. An expert in the field of politics. My respects. May he rest in peace.”
-Roberto Lopez-Torres

“May you rest in peace. A privileged mind on political issues and much more. He’ll Always be remembered. God bless you.”
-Jose Romero