Narciso G. Menocal

Some years ago at one of our Christmas eve parties one of my grandsons (Carson) asked Narciso about Frank Lloyd Wright since he was interested in architecture. Narciso spend a good part of the evening talking to this young boy and he has never forgotten it. We remember his generosity and patience with our family.

I will forever be indebted to Narciso, who profoundly changed my life when I was a student at the University of Wisconsin. He took me in like an intellectual stray dog, and he was so generous to offer his time and to give me the guidance and support that I had never found any place else. Having no responsibility to me outside of the normal course of undergraduate instruction, Narciso did this purely out of charity and kindness and because he recognized my yearning for knowledge and understanding in the hallowed realm of architecture and art, to which he had dedicated his life and career. **************************************************************************************************** Heaven knows that I was not the only student with whom Narciso shared his legacy. For I was but one of the last of several generations of budding scholars that had the privilege of working with him, and many of those that came before went on to honorable achievements in the fields of architecture and architectural history. There is no doubt that my sentiments will resonate with those others when I say that Narciso was like a father, a grandfather, a coach, and a mentor, and that he exemplified the highest and most noble ideals of liberal arts education in his professional practice. ************************************************************************************************************ If there is a single overarching idea that Narciso inspired in myself, it is reflected in a humanist perspective on our world. Narciso's exploration and study of iconography and iconology was always rooted in an interest and curiosity about the Mind of the Artist, the eros, pathos, and logos of the artist's struggle and conception, even more so than the physical and material creations of masters such as Alberti, Brunelleschi; Viollet-le-Duc, Perret, Sullivan, Wright, Corbusier; Hoffman, Olbrich, Behrens, Gropius, Mies; Kandinsky, Klee, Moholy-Nagy; Lissitzky, Rodchenko, Marinetti, Boccioni; Picasso, Lam - and so very many others. **************************************************************************************************** What I will cherish the most about my time spent with Narciso is that before and beyond each discussion, every breakthrough, realization, and resolution, Narciso was truly my friend. He would have done anything in his power to help me succeed, and I would have gone to any length to reciprocate. ********************************************************************************************************* And now, my friend Narciso leaves us to take his place in the cosmos for all eternity, but his memory will remain in my heart for as long as I live. Thank you, Narciso. May you rest in peace. ~AC

Narciso was a colleague and a dear friend. My wife and I spent many evenings together as dinner guests at their home and have vivid memories of those pleasant times and of their warm company. Narciso was a wonderful man gone too soon! Our deepest condolences to Marta, Maurice and Adriana Giustina. --- Gino & Teresa Casagrande

Narciso’s ability to explain facets of Cuban Art History as well as significant chapters of not only Cuban Art History, but also Cuban History was very impactful on my educational experience and very helpful professionally. Thank You Narciso for the knowledge and perspective you provided to me. Forever Grateful, -AJ Salas

Narciso, we willnever forget you! You were an inspiration to those who were privileged to know you. We will cherish the wonderful memories!!