Jorge Teodoro Colon Quiles

Jorge Teodoro Colon died on 01/18/2023 after a very short battle with cancer. He was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico in 1935 to Josepha Quiles and Teodoro Colon. He was preceded in death by his half-brother Teodoro Colon Jr., grandson Max Colon Jr., youngest son Maximo Gabriel Colon, and sisters Miriam Colon-Valle and Onelia Velez Colon. The youngest of 3 children, he and his siblings were raised by his single mom who moved them to Ponce and later settled in old San Juan emigrating to New York city in the 1950's.

Jorge leaves behind his eldest son George Colon, daughter Julie Colon Koriakin as well as 4 grandchildren (Mia & Allen Koriakin, Lola & Camilla Colon), all of which he loved very much. In addition, Jorge leaves behind several nieces and nephews who he helped raise and treated like his own children (Ray Cortez, Richard Cortez and Milagros Smorto).

Jorge was a simple man who liked to share his wisdom (even when unsolicited), most of which was obtained by life experience and watching public television. He always aspired to become a mechanic or electrical engineer but became deterred when presented with the challenges of learning English as a second language. This was a regret he lamented about often. As an adult he worked in the New York garment district, was a Taxi Driver and eventually retired from the Manhattan & Bronx Surface Transit Authority after 25-years as a city bus driver. He won several awards for safe driving and had a perfect driving record. Watching T.V. was his favorite past time but he loved the beach and also enjoyed saltwater fishing, visiting family, telling jokes and stories and sharing interesting factoids he learned.

A celebration of life will be held in Jorge's honor on February 23, 2023 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico before releasing his ashes in the ocean as requested.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in support of "Las Playas son Para La Gente" movement which advocates against the privatization of Puerto Rico's beaches. Consider donations to - Amigxsdelmar.org/contactanos or sign the petition to Protect Puerto Rico's Land - https://www.change.org/p/gobernador-pedro-pierluisi-protect-puerto-rico-s-land?signed=true