Honorary President of Banco de Alimentos and Ponferrada City Prize Winner Damián Tascón Dies

Damián Tascón Cuesta, the honorary president of the Banco de Alimentos and recipient of the Ciudad de Ponferrada Solidarity Award, has passed away at his home, a day before his 97th birthday. His funeral will take place today at 6:30 pm in the parish church of San Pedro, in Ponferrada, followed by burial on Sunday, May 31st, at 12:30 pm in the cemetery of León.

Born in the town of Campohermoso, Tascón grew up in Quintanilla de Babia, spent part of his youth in Madrid, and eventually settled in Ponferrada, where he lived alongside his wife, María Brañas, for many years. His life was marked by a deep connection to the community, reflected in his various roles and contributions.

Tascón was a well-known merchant in Ponferrada, where he founded his children’s clothing store, ‘El Bebé,’ on the avenue of la Puebla. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open additional stores in Ponferrada, Villablino, and Madrid, with his business named Kintaky during its early years. Before entering the retail world, he displayed versatility and ingenuity by working in the mines and as an ambulatory cinema projector. He also trained as a helicopter mechanic in Madrid during his youth.

In Ponferrada, Tascón was particularly recognized for his work with the Banco de Alimentos del Sil, an organization he devoted himself to during his retirement. His dedication earned him the Golden Spike, a national distinction from the Banco, and later, he was appointed honorary president of the Bierzo delegation. His commitment to feeding the hungry and supporting the community was a testament to his character.

Tascón also received the Ciudad de Ponferrada Solidarity Award Enrique Gil y Carrasco, an honor presented in a touching ceremony at the Teatro Bergidum. A plaque installed by the City Council in front of the church of San Pedro serves as a lasting tribute to his life and service. His legacy is one of selfless service and compassion, embodying the spirit of neighbor-love described in Matthew 25:35, where Jesus calls us to care for the hungry, the thirsty, and the strangers among us.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)