Wilfredo Noriega Sr.

Wilfredo Noriega, Family Man, Religious Leader, Civic Leader, and Military man.

Wilfredo died at age 78 just hours before the New Year of 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born in Rincon, Puerto Rico and resided in Port Chester, New York before relocating to Florida.

He was a true Catholic family man. Married for 57 years to the love of his life Andrea C. Noriega Sanchez. Their two children Ileana (husband Jay Smothers) and Wilfredo Jr. (wife Darlene Noriega) gave him four grandchildren: Frank Noriega, Giselle Noriega, Jayme Smith (husband Jeffrey Smith), Andrew Smothers and a great-granddaughter Emily Smith.

A natural entrepreneur, Wilfredo had businesses in both New York State and Florida. He had recently retired as a managing baker with Publix. During the 1960’s he voluntarily serviced in the US Army. As a religious and civic leader he serviced with the Port Chester, New York, Knights of Columbus Council KOFC 503 and in Jacksonville with KOFC Council 10850. Although not Cuban, the “Circulo Cubano” of Port Chester elected him as their Officer where he became a true community leader. He also lead the Webelos Cub Scouts Pack 11 at our Lady of Mercy in Port Chester, New York. Wilfredo enjoyed spending time with his family creating memories.

Wilfredo, was one of fourteen children of the Juan Noriega and Carmen Muñiz family of Rincon and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. His siblings include sisters: Virginia*, Angelica*, Aida*, Carmen, Alba, Miriam and Nelida and brothers: Juan, Jaime*, Rafael*, Carlos*, Jose, and Nelson*. *(RIP)

He was so loved that social media lit up at his passing with hundreds of well-wishers, from across the states and Puerto Rico, offering prayers and condolences.

A graveside service for Wilfredo will be held at 12:30pm on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Jacksonville National Cemetery and is limited to family members only. Please watch the livestream at 12:30pm to join the service virtually, https://youtu.be/dlatot-JS-I.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.