The renowned Cuban writer, poet, and researcher Orlando Rodríguez Sardiñas (Rossardi) passed away this Saturday in Santiago, Chile, at the age of 86.
Born in Havana in 1938, Rossardi went into exile in the 1960s, becoming one of the most influential voices of Cuban literature in exile, as reported by Martí Noticias.
His distinguished academic career included positions at universities such as Texas, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Miami-Dade College in Florida. Additionally, he spent two decades at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, playing a key role in the establishment of Radio Martí and TV Martí.
Rossardi was a member of the PEN Club of Cuban Writers in Exile, a member of the Number of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, and a Corresponding member of the Royal Spanish Academy.
His poetry and essay works have been published in literary magazines across Europe, Latin America, and the United States, with notable titles such as "Select Contemporary Hispanic American Theater" (Escelicer Madrid, 1971) and "The Last Cuban Poetry" (Hispanova, Madrid, 1973).
The exiled Cuban writer Luis de la Paz expressed that "his passing brings mourning to Cuban literature."
For his part, José Antonio Albertini, a colleague of Rossardi at Radio Martí, recalled his contributions to the station dedicated to informing Cubans: "At one point, he even served as its interim director and later held the position of news director for a long time. He profoundly loved Radio Martí and the work he did there."
The Chilean Academy of Language also expressed its sorrow over the passing and extended its condolences to family and friends.
The remains of Orlando Rossardi will be transported to Miami, where next year the Pen Club of Cuban Writers in Exile will honor him for his distinguished professional and intellectual contributions.
Frequently asked questions about the legacy of Orlando Rossardi
Who was Orlando Rossardi and what was his contribution to Cuban literature?
Orlando Rossardi was a prominent Cuban writer, poet, and researcher in exile, renowned for his influential literary and academic career. Born in Havana in 1938, he went into exile in the 1960s and became a central figure in Cuban literature abroad, significantly contributing with his poetic and critical works published in literary magazines across Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
What was Orlando Rossardi's role at Radio Martí?
Orlando Rossardi played a crucial role at the Office of Transmissions to Cuba, serving as an essential part of Radio Martí and TV Martí since their inception. He worked for two decades at these stations, eventually becoming interim director and later news director, dedicating his life to informing Cubans from exile.
What recognitions did Orlando Rossardi receive during his lifetime?
Orlando Rossardi was a member of the PEN Club of Cuban Writers in Exile and a member of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, in addition to being a Correspondent for the Royal Spanish Academy. His prestigious literary and academic career earned him recognition from literary and cultural institutions both in Cuba and abroad.
What legacy does Orlando Rossardi leave in Cuban literature?
Orlando Rossardi's legacy in Cuban literature is extensive and significant. His works, such as "Contemporary Hispano-American Select Theater" and "The Last Cuban Poetry," are regarded as key contributions to the literature of exile, reflecting his commitment to freedom of expression and Cuban culture from abroad.
Filed under: