Jose R. Pagan

Jose died peacefully while under the care of Hospice by the Sea on Wednesday, February 18 2015 at the age of 91. A resident of Hollywood, Florida for 47 years. He is survived by his son, Jose R. Pagan Jr., daughter, Annette Paifico and son Manuel A. Pagan. He is also survived by his brother, Rafael Pagan and son-in-law, Antonio Roman. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

His wife of 66 years, Rogelia Pagan passed away on July 2, 2014 as did his step daughter, Nancy Roman on March 15, 2014. Jose was born on June 2, 1923 in Guantanamo, Cuba and spent some of his youth in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. In 1940 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army. He participated in wartime operations in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Major military campaign that he participated in, were the Rome-Arno allied offensive that eventually resulted in the liberation of Rome, Italy. The invasion of the Rhineland (Central Europe) that liberated France, Belgium and the Netherlands from German occupation. Lastly, he was a part of the Liberation Forces that defeated and destroyed the German Army resulting in their surrender. After WWII, Jose re-enlisted in the United States Army and was posted to the then United-States controlled Panama Canal Zone. In all, he served in the Army from December 1940 thru January 1949. He was awarded several medals for his involvement in important military campaigns, including 3 bronze stars for heroic and commendable service during combat.

He was an active participant of Puerto Rican Political organization while living in Bronx, New York. He participated in several committees that created the Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrations that debuted in 1958. In 1967 he retired and moved to Hollywood, Florida.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2015 at Fred Hunter's, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024, tel (954) 989-1550 - viewing from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with burial following thereafter.