TAMPA, Fla. — Tony More, the third-generation owner of La Segunda Central Bakery and a staple of the Tampa community, passed away on Sunday. He was 80 years old.
Walking into La Segunda this week, workers might tell you something’s missing.
"We've been working with Tony More all our lives,” said Bryant Valdez, a general manager for La Segunda.
Valdez worked with More for 37 years.
"He worked in the pastry room. You couldn't tell him not to make pastries,” said Valdez. “You couldn't tell him not to count the money. You couldn't tell him not to do nothing. He was going to do it every day."
Valdez said More’s heart and soul was the bakery and that it was a joy to see him every day.
Many people regarded More as a father figure.
"It wasn't just a job. It was everything else,” said Valdez. “It was family love, and it was hard to see him that he's not here."
More’s obituary said until recently, he could be found baking bread, fixing ovens, making pastries, improving recipes, or socializing with bakery employees, all of whom he considered family.
Sheila Patrinostro said she was 14 when More hired her.
"He had the biggest heart and cared about me so much, and he told my mom and dad, listen, we want to hire Sheila on weekends,” said Patrinostro.
More’s obit also said he was the core of the La Segunda family, insisting on the integrity of the Cuban bread and recipes.
Those who worked with More said though he’s gone, his longstanding legacy will never fade.
"He's gone, but he's here. His spirit is here,” said Patrinostro.
