Yolanda Josefina Vilato

Yolanda Josefina Vilato, born on September 23, 1924 in Baracoa, Cuba to parents Jose Mendoza Gelpi and Rosa Torres Gonzalez, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2025, at the age of 101, in Temple Terrace, Florida.

Yolanda grew up in Baracoa in a very close knit and loving family. As an adult, she married Jose Luis Vilato and had 2 children, Maria Rosa and Jose Luis. Yolanda was very close with her siblings, and as a result her children grew up knowing their cousins who remain close to this day. She worked as the Head Telephone Operator for the Oriente/Guantanamo Province while in Cuba and when asked, she told many stories of her life there. In 1968, the family left everything they had and came to the United States, settling in Yonkers, New York. Later, Yolanda and Jose Luis moved to North Bergen, New Jersey to be near their daughter and children. Eventually, the family moved to Tampa, Florida where she enjoyed having her daughter and son close by and watching her grandchildren grow and have children of their own.

Preceded in death are her parents Jose and Rosa; her husband, Jose Luis; her daughter, Maria Rosa; her son, Jose Luis and her 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

She is survived by her grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nephews and extended family. She will be greatly missed by all for her love, grace, laughter, smile, hugs, being the counselor and confidant, friend, grandmother, and aunt.

The family wishes to thank the Melech Hospice House for the care she received. They were so compassionate, caring and comforting to Yolanda as well as to the grieving family as they visited. A simple picture of a butterfly placed on the doorframe of her room reminded us all of Yolanda’s new life- one of peace and hope for those remaining here.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday January 17th from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of memories, located at 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa Florida 33610

A graveside service will be held from 3:00pm to 3:30pm at the same location.