I am very sad to report the news that John Odato Sr has died. I received notice from his wife Michelle a few hours ago, at their home in upstate New York. I enjoyed a long (and somewhat tumultuous but thats ok) 7 years working for John at the Hibiscus, and there were many times when the horizon seemed dim, but John always managed to pull a rabbit from his hat (even when there were no more rabbits, he would still pull out a miracle) and help keep the hotel afloat. There were a number of factors that led to the eventual closing of this quaint little hotel (WAPA and astronomical electric costs mainly above all) but John did everything he could and I appreciate his ingenuity and how he worked the Caribbean system to stay in business despite the odds. When I learned he was ill and he left to go back to the States for medical treatment, I knew the days of the Hibiscus were numbered. No one gave John enough credit for all of the vast and tireless things he did to help the Hibiscus. Some would say Oh but yes there were also some things that he did that were not so right, but we all have failed in some way or another and none of us is perfect and any of us would go to extreme lengths to save our business and especially our family. No one knows how generous John was to people in need. I saw him do many many things over the years to help and assist people and I admired that in him. He did not brag about it and many things he would ask me not to say, when he had done a good deed or helped someone in need. He gave away alot of money to people and helped in other ways. Its a very sad time right now. John was where he needed to be during this last chapter of his life. Although he LOVED the Caribbean and had lived in the Caribbean 40 years, he was where he needed to be here at the end. He adored his wife Michelle and loved loved loved his beautiful 2 children with Michelle, Josh (Joshie) and Sofia (Fifi). Please keep Michelle and the family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Although I do not believe Michelle is directly involved in the day-to-day aspect of the now closed Hibiscus, I do know there have been several interested buyers and we hope that sooner, than later, that a buyer will come in, with capital and a fresh energy and dream, to reopen the property and help bring it back as one of St Croixs favorite vacation spots. Thanx to everyone for your past patronage and support. Marc
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:16:54 +0000
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