Wesley James Hotaling Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce Wesley James Hotaling, Sr. passed June 10, 2024, in Cape Coral, FL. Born on October 7, 1941, in Queens, NY, Wes was the third of five children of the late Arthur Hotaling, Sr. and A. Marian Johnstone Hotaling. He married the late Marilyn A. Hotaling (Short) who was the love of his life on October 17, 1960, in Alexandria, Virginia. Their marriage was reaffirmed exactly 2 years later in Brooklyn, NY.

Wes is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Hotaling (Gary) of Cordele, GA; two sons, Wesley Hotaling, Jr. of Orlando, FL, and Christopher Hotaling (Ana) of Cape Coral, FL; six grandchildren, Nicole Nesbitt (Will), Shannon Hotaling (Desiree), Sheena Hotaling, Brian Hotaling (Bethany), Brandon Hotaling (Courtney), Sabrina Hotaling (Brandon “Rosie”); eight great-grandchildren; a brother, William “Billy” Hotaling (Lucille); a sister, Ann Pullis; and several nieces and nephews. Wes is predeceased in death by his beloved wife Marilyn Hotaling of 63 years, sister Marian Hotaling Rignola and brother Authur (Sonny) Hotaling Jr.

Wes and Marilyn lived most of their lives in Orlando, FL. Wes worked as a drywall contractor and, in his spare time, enjoyed being an umpire and coach for baseball and softball. He was a collector of coins, hats, movies, and loved motorcycles and pickup trucks. Wes preferred pasta over burgers and ice cream over cake. He always hoped to one day win the lottery.

Everyone that came to know Wes called him “Dad” or “Poppa” which gave him the greatest sense of pride. Although large in size, his gentle nature was a magnet for children and dogs alike. He would never turn his back on someone and always kept an open hand, open door, and open heart. Known for his practical jokes and his funny comments, everything and everyone was fair game. Although disabled by an injury that caused him much pain, Wes always seemed to have the ability to make others laugh and he always fought to surpass his medical limitations and expectations. Doctors coined him as a “medical miracle” as he fought through the pain and medical obstacles for over a decade. After the passing of the love of his life, Marilyn, his ability to fight diminished. His heart was broken, and his days were dull. We are sad that he is no longer here to make us laugh, but we smile knowing he is reunited with the one who made his days worth fighting for.

A visitation for Wesley will be held Sunday, June 23rd from 10:30am to 12pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991. The funeral service will held at 12pm with entombment to follow.