Juan Antonio Vargas Rodriguez

Juan Antonio Vargas Rodriguez, lovingly known as “Papo,” passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his family at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born on September 6, 1947, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, and raised in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, Juan lived a full and meaningful life devoted to his faith, his family, and his community. For the past five years, he called Jacksonville home, where he created lasting memories with his loved ones.

Juan was a man of strong personality, but those who knew him best will remember his enormous heart and the love he had for his family. Though he often carried himself with seriousness, his joy shined through in his laughter and the countless stories he loved to share. He had a gift for bringing smiles to those around him and was always ready for a good time with family and friends. His life was marked by generosity, selflessness, and a noble spirit that put others’ needs before his own.

A devout Catholic, Juan’s faith was unwavering. Even as he courageously battled cancer for nine months, he held on to hope and strength, not only for himself but for his beloved family.

Before retiring, Juan worked as a full-time machine operator, providing faithfully for his family. Outside of work, he enjoyed gardening, listening to his favorite music—ranchera, vallenato, and bachata—watching old-time shows and movies, especially El Chavo del Ocho, and spending time with animals. Most of all, he cherished every moment spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Juan is survived by his devoted wife, Carmen Celia Ortiz; his children, Fernando Vargas, Juan Antonio Vargas Jr., and Rosa Alexsa Vargas; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of love and resilience. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gabino Vargas and Ermecinda Rodriguez.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the phenomenal care teams at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, as well as to family and friends who have offered love and support during this difficult time.

A visitation for Juan will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A committal service will immediately follow the funeral service at Riverside Memorial Park.

Juan Antonio “Papo” Vargas Rodriguez will be remembered as a man of faith, strength, laughter, and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Juan Antonio Vargas Rodríguez, cariñosamente conocido como “Papo”, falleció en paz el 17 de septiembre de 2025, a la edad de 78 años, rodeado de su familia en el HCA Florida Memorial Hospital en Jacksonville, Florida.

Nació el 6 de septiembre de 1947 en Utuado, Puerto Rico, y se crió en Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Juan vivió una vida plena y significativa, dedicada a su fe, su familia y su comunidad. Durante los últimos cinco años, hizo de Jacksonville su hogar, donde creó recuerdos inolvidables con sus seres queridos.

Juan fue un hombre de carácter fuerte, pero quienes lo conocieron mejor recordarán su enorme corazón y el amor que tenía por su familia. Aunque solía mostrarse con seriedad, su alegría se reflejaba en sus risas y en los incontables relatos que le encantaba compartir. Tenía el don de sacar sonrisas a quienes lo rodeaban y siempre estaba dispuesto a disfrutar de un buen momento junto a familiares y amigos. Su vida estuvo marcada por la generosidad, el desinterés y un espíritu noble que ponía las necesidades de los demás antes que las suyas.

Devoto católico, la fe de Juan fue inquebrantable. Incluso mientras luchaba valientemente contra el cáncer durante nueve meses, mantuvo la esperanza y la fortaleza, no solo para sí mismo, sino también para su amada familia.

Antes de jubilarse, Juan trabajó como operador de máquinas a tiempo completo, proveyendo fielmente para su familia. Fuera del trabajo, disfrutaba de la jardinería, escuchar su música favorita—ranchera, vallenato y bachata—ver programas y películas clásicas, especialmente El Chavo del Ocho, y pasar tiempo con los animales. Pero, sobre todo, atesoraba cada momento junto a su esposa, hijos, nietos y bisnietos.

Juan deja en vida a su amada esposa, Carmen Celia Ortiz; sus hijos, Fernando Vargas, Juan Antonio Vargas Jr. y Rosa Alexsa Vargas; así como a sus nietos y bisnietos, quienes continuarán su legado de amor y fortaleza. Le precedieron en muerte sus padres, Gabino Vargas y Ermecinda Rodríguez.

La familia desea expresar su más profundo agradecimiento a los equipos de atención excepcional en el HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, así como a familiares y amigos que han brindado amor y apoyo en este difícil momento.

El servicio fúnebre se llevará a cabo en Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Juan Antonio “Papo” Vargas Rodríguez será recordado como un hombre de fe, fortaleza, alegría y amor. Su memoria vivirá por siempre en los corazones de todos los que tuvieron la dicha de conocerlo