Victor Manuel Betancourt

Victor Manuel Betancourt also known as Vitin, to many and as Papi, Grandpa, and Grandpa Coco to his children, grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He was Victor Manuel Betancourt also known as Vitin, to many and as Papi, Grandpa, and Grandpa Coco to his children, grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He was son to Geralda Laviena and Teodocio Betancourt, brother to Blanca Gonzales, Antonio Betancourt, Julia Betancourt, Edith Rivera, Lucy Galinaitis; Father to Irma N. Betancourt-Friedman, Minerva Betancourt-Torres, Victor M. Betancourt Jr; Grandfather to Amanda Torres-Lewis, Aaron Matthew Friedman, Alexander Torres, Al M. Friedman; Great Grandfather to Keaton James Friedman-Wills, Savannah Lewis, Sadie Lewis, Xander Torres, Xoe Torres; Uncle/Tio to many nieces and nephews; Father-in-Law to Dr. Ron Friedman, Henry Torres and Wanda Ayala; husband to Ana Maria Arocho-Betancourt, and friend to many. He passed away at the age of 93 in Ocoee, Florida, Saturday September 7, 2024, and in faith, was received by the mighty hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, 3 sisters, and one brother.

Shortly after completing High School in Puerto Rico, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, only to be immediately recruited to serve active duty in the Army; 34th infantry combat regiment, combat training, and then to the Korean Peninsula War. While serving in Korea from February 1952 to Dec 1953, he achieved the rank of Corporal.

Sadly, he lost his father to lung cancer while serving, and often spoke about the many times the memory of his father’s strong character, influenced his will to fight, survive, and demonstrate unyielding bravery under perilous conditions.

Upon his return from war, he was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals, for his heroic achievements, while serving in a combat zone. In addition to the two Bronze Star Medals, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, a Combat infantryman Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal. As if that was not enough, from The Secretary of Defense and the Department of Defense, he received recognition for the Korean War 60th Anniversary, and for Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. He served a total of 8 yrs; Active Duty in the Korean War, and, Army Reserve.

He met his bride to be, Ana, in New York City, married shortly thereafter, and raised 3 beautiful children over an 8-year period. He was always surrounded by family, and friends from the community, often entertaining. His children, recall vivid memories of the celebrations, entertainment, dances, music, delicious Puerto Rican food, and penetrating rich aroma throughout the building where he lived. These memories will forever be etched in their minds, and hearts, for many years to come.

He was a hard worker, and a talented craftsman with plexiglass. He worked many years past his retirement, for a small business. He constructed plexiglass furniture, partitions, and other plexiglass goods, which he installed at banks, and other places. He was the foreman of the business, and trained many apprentices and hired hands. Often stubborn, he preferred to do all the work himself.

Victor, though at times reserved and soft spoken, laughed often and had an amazing sense of humor. He often told jokes and enjoyed challenging his loved ones and friends at dominoes while sipping on Puerto Rican Rum liquor. He avidly enjoyed horse races, fishing, and watching baseball games; his favorite team was the NY Yankees. His grandchildren were the apple of his eyes.

Later, his trips to California were especially notable for wine tasting, walks by the ocean, beaches, and love for calamari, crab, and clam chowder soup cuisine.

Throughout the years, he spoke often of his time in Korea, sharing his most memorable moments, often consisting of terrifying circumstances, sadness, acts of bravery, and being home sick. These were some of the last reminiscences, he held on to, to the very end.

Victor leaves behind a legacy of a hardworking, patriotic, genuinely passionate Boricua man, and soldier, as well as vivid stories of a rich Puerto Rican culture and military experience. The loss the family, and friends are feeling, is enormous. They are broken hearted.

May his memory be forever a blessing, bringing comfort and a smile to our hearts and soul. He will be forever loved, remembered, and honored for his love and service!

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to caregivers and assistants at Madison at Ocoee Assisted Living, the Doctors, Nurse Practitioner, Nurses, and to his primary and VA Physicians, for their efforts and care.

Visitation will take place Wednesday September 18, 2024 – 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Goth, FL 34734 – DignityMemorial.com

Mass of Christian/Catholic Burial, Thursday, September 19, 2024, - 10:00am, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Rite of Committal & Burial, Thursday September 19, 2024, 2:00pm, Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL 34241

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations if you wish, to Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

To offer online condolences, visit Memorial Park and Funeral Home at: www.DignityMemorial.com

son to Geralda Laviena and Teodocio Betancourt, brother to Blanca Gonzales, Antonio Betancourt, Julia Betancourt, Edith Rivera, Lucy Galinaitis; Father to Irma N. Betancourt-Friedman, Minerva Betancourt-Torres, Victor M. Betancourt Jr; Grandfather to Amanda Torres-Lewis, Aaron Matthew Friedman, Alexander Torres, Al M. Friedman; Great Grandfather to Keaton James Friedman-Wills, Savannah Lewis, Sadie Lewis, Xander Torres, Xoe Torres; Uncle/Tio to many nieces and nephews; Father-in-Law to Dr. Ron Friedman, Henry Torres and Wanda Ayala; husband to Ana Maria Arocho-Betancourt, and friend to many. He passed away at the age of 93 in Ocoee, Florida, Saturday September 7, 2024, and in faith, was received by the mighty hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, 3 sisters, and one brother.

Shortly after completing High School in Puerto Rico, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, only to be immediately recruited to serve active duty in the Army; 34th infantry combat regiment, combat training, and then to the Korean Peninsula War. While serving in Korea from February 1952 to Dec 1953, he achieved the rank of Corporal.

Sadly, he lost his father to lung cancer while serving, and often spoke about the many times the memory of his father’s strong character, influenced his will to fight, survive, and demonstrate unyielding bravery under perilous conditions.

Upon his return from war, he was awarded 2 Bronze Star Medals, for his heroic achievements, while serving in a combat zone. In addition to the two Bronze Star Medals, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, a Combat infantryman Badge, and the National Defense Service Medal. As if that was not enough, from The Secretary of Defense and the Department of Defense, he received recognition for the Korean War 60th Anniversary, and for Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America. He served a total of 8 yrs; Active Duty in the Korean War, and, Army Reserve.

He met his bride to be, Ana, in New York City, married shortly thereafter, and raised 3 beautiful children over an 8-year period. He was always surrounded by family, and friends from the community, often entertaining. His children, the recall vivid memories of the celebrations, entertainment, dances, music, delicious Puerto Rican food, and penetrating rich aroma throughout the building where he lived. These memories will forever be etched in their minds and hearts, for many years to come.

He was a hard worker, and a talented craftsman with plexiglass. He worked many years past his retirement, for a small business. He constructed plexiglass furniture, partitions, and other plexiglass goods, which he installed at banks, and other places. He was the foreman of the business, and trained many apprentices and hired hands. Often stubborn, he preferred to do all the work himself.

Victor, though at times reserved and soft spoken, laughed often and had an amazing sense of humor. He often told jokes and enjoyed challenging his loved ones and friends at dominoes while sipping on Puerto Rican Rum liquor. He avidly enjoyed horse races, fishing, and watching baseball games; his favorite team was the NY Yankees. His grandchildren were the apple of his eyes.

Later, his trips to California were especially notable for wine tasting, walks by the ocean, beaches, and love for calamari, crab, and clam chowder soup cuisine.

Throughout the years, he spoke often of his time in Korea, sharing his most memorable moments, often consisting of terrifying circumstances, sad sadness, and acts of braver and being home sick. These were some of the last reminiscences, he held on to, to the very end.

Victor leaves behind a legacy of a hardworking, patriotic, genuinely passionate Boricua man, and soldier, as well as vivid stories of a rich Puerto Rican culture and military experience. The loss the family, and friends are feeling, is enormous. They are broken hearted.

May his memory be forever a blessing, bringing comfort and a smile to our hearts and soul. He will be forever loved, remembered, and honored for his love and service!

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to caregivers and assistants at Madison at Ocoee Assisted Living, the Doctors, Nurse Practitioner, Nurses, and to his primary and VA Physicians, for their efforts and care.

Visitation will take place Wednesday September 18, 2024 – 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Goth, FL 34734 – DignityMemorial.com

Mass of Christian/Catholic Burial, Thursday, September 19, 2024, - 10:00am, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Rite of Committal & Burial, Thursday September 19, 2024, 2:00pm, Sarasota National Cemetery 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL 34241

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations if you wish, to Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

To offer online condolences, visit Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home at: www.DignityMemorial.com