Pedro Jose Morales

MORALES, Pedro J, SSGT US Army Retired, 94 of Tampa, Fla., joined our sister Clarissa in heaven on August 22, 2014 due to a stroke and pneumonia. Our father was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and enlisted in the Army 5th Armor Division at the age of 18 serving for 23 years. He was proud to have served in WWII, Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was awarded many honors during his military career. After retiring he worked for Civil Service at MacDill AFB Commissary and retired after10 years. He met his beautiful bride, Lastenia “Anita”, while stationed in the Canal Zone, Panama. She was the love of his life and married for 67 years. They had 5 children together. He is predeceased by his daughter, Clarissa Lovejoy. He is Survived by his wife Lastenia and their children: Pedro Jr (Marlene), Nelida Belle (Doug), Ricardo (Denise), Edgardo (Lisa) and son-in-law Michael Lovejoy who our Parents love dearly as a son and has continued to be a part of our family. He is also survived by 2 children from a previous marriage Rafin and Myrta. He was Papono to 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Papi loved life. He was a happy person; always making a joke, singing, and dancing. Being young at heart, he never thought of himself as “old” and lived life to the fullest. He taught us the value of being honest, working hard, and most important to be a loving family. He enjoyed Gardening, being a UF Gator dad, and was an avid baseball fan. Although, his favorite team was the Yankees, he always rooted for the home team the Rays! Thank you Papi for giving us a wonderful life. We will miss you terribly but know you are in a much better place. Friends will be received on Monday, August 25th at 7:00 pm with a prayer service at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 12690 N. 56th St. Temple Terrace. A graveside service with full military honors will take place on Friday, August 29th at 11:00 am in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be expressed at: www.blountcurry terraceoaks.com