Honor Pepe's Legacy: Help Cover Funeral Costs

Hello, my name is Jason Quinones. I had the honor of serving as the General Manager of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for over a decade, during which I had the privilege of working alongside Pepe D. Burnette. Pepe wasn’t just a colleague; he was a cornerstone of the Nuyorican family. For more than 20 years, he poured his heart into the Cafe, making it the legendary space it is today.

Whether serving as the main bartender, managing the house with grace and charm, or stepping into the spotlight to perform in plays, Pepe embodied the spirit of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. He wasn’t just part of our community—he was its soul.

Today, I’m asking for your help to honor Pepe in the way he deserves.

Pepe recently passed, and we are heartbroken by the loss of such a beloved figure in our community. His body is secure, and we are now focused on giving him the dignified goodbye he so richly deserves.

We’re raising funds to cover Pepe’s funeral and cremation expenses and to ensure his farewell reflects his incredible contributions to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Once we hit our goal, we will not accept excess donations.

Who Pepe Was to Us All:

Pepe was more than a bartender. He was a storyteller, a problem-solver, and a friend to every artist, poet, and patron who crossed the Cafe’s threshold. He carried the history and energy of the Nuyorican in every gesture and word, mentoring new staff, supporting performers, and holding the space together through his unwavering dedication.

Pepe’s contributions went beyond his roles—he was part of what made the Cafe a sanctuary for creativity and community. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory and legacy live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Why We Need Your Help:

We’re raising funds to:

Cover Pepe’s funeral and cremation expenses.

Ensure Pepe receives the dignified send-off he deserves, befitting his incredible legacy at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

No donation is too small. Every contribution brings us closer to honoring Pepe’s life and legacy.

In the spirit of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, we turn to poetry to honor Pepe’s life. These words from Pedro Pietri’s “Puerto Rican Obituary” capture the resilience and love that defined his life and work:

“They worked / They worked / They worked and died / They died broke / They died owing / They died never knowing / What the front entrance / Of the first national city bank looks like…”

Pepe worked tirelessly to uplift the community around him. Now, it’s our turn to uplift him.

Update:

We are relieved to share that Pepe will not be sent to Hart Island. His body is secure, and we are working with his family to finalize the arrangements. Pepe's brother, Demetrio Burnette, will provide us with the date and location of the services, and we will share this information as soon as it is available.

We hope to conduct the services on Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, but this is subject to confirmation. All funds raised will go directly toward covering the funeral expenses.

On behalf of Pepe’s family, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and myself, thank you for your incredible generosity and support. Your kindness ensures that Pepe’s legacy is honored in the most meaningful way.

Please join me in honoring Pepe by donating and sharing this campaign with others who knew him or believe in preserving the dignity of a life so well-lived.

With endless gratitude,

Jason Quinones