Juan Jose Valdes, affectionately called “Pepe” by those who knew him, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 in Tampa. He was born April 30, 1943, in Santiago de Las Vegas outside Havana, Cuba to Rafael Arturo Valdes and Maria de las Nieves Valdes, he was 77 years old. He was educated at the Wesley School in Cuba. Juan first arrived in the United States at the young age of 17, he was one of many brave Cubans to journey from the island with hopes for a better life. He journeyed from New Orleans to Atlanta before arriving in Miami, where he met Elena Cuesta; the love of his life, and wife of 57 years. It was there where they married, and had their only child, Maria. The young family lived in Miami before moving to New Jersey, where he worked for Westinghouse as a technician. They moved to Tampa in 1971. Juan found joy in many things, but he was especially fond of horse racing, roosters and his cigars. A gregarious man and an extraordinary character, he was a tremendous force in every room he walked into.
He spent his last days surrounded by the family he loved deeply. He is survived by his wife, Elena Valdes; his daughter, Maria Pereda; Son-in-law, Pete Pereda and Grandson Xavier Pereda. Pepe was a proud son, husband, father, grandfather and patriotic Cuban-American. His friends were plentiful, and his regrets were few. His memory will live on through the stories he shared, and the tremendous impression he made on all who met him. Throughout his life he battled injury and illness, but succumbed to neither. His wishes were to be cremated, given the current environment the family is considering a celebration of life to be held at a later date.
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