Jorge H. Cotty

Jorge H. Cotty, a man whose laughter was as infectious as his wisdom was profound, passed away on February 22, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on April 19, 1951, in the sun-kissed land of Puerto Rico, Jorge's journey led him to Brooklyn, New York, where he lived a life replete with service, adventure, and an unquenchable zest for life. His final days were spent surrounded by the love of his family, as lung cancer took its course.
Jorge's life was a testament to the power of dedication and resilience. At the youthful age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country with valor and commitment. His time as an airman honed his sense of discipline and camaraderie, traits that would define his character throughout his life. In 1981, he transitioned into a role that would allow him to protect and serve on the home front, becoming a School Safety Officer for the Board of Education. His unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of students was evident in every action he took. In 1984, Jorge continued his journey in public service as a New York City correction officer, a position he held with integrity and honor until his retirement.
Jorge's personal life was as rich and vibrant as his professional one. He was not just a man of duty but also a man of the great outdoors. Camping and hunting were not mere hobbies for Jorge; they were passions that allowed him to connect with nature's marvels and instill a sense of wonder and respect for the environment in his children, Jorge, Stephanie, Pino, and Jaime. His love for adventure was matched by his love for cinema and travel, which he saw as gateways to understanding the diverse tapestry of human experience. A creative soul, Jorge approached life with a rare blend of humor and wisdom that made him not only a joy to be around but also a guiding light for his family.
His children, born of his cherished relationship with Judith, will forever carry the imprint of his laughter, his inventive spirit, and his sagacious counsel. Jorge was a man who could illuminate the darkest of rooms with his wit and uplift the heaviest of hearts with his insight. To know Jorge was to know a life lived to the fullest. He was a man who saw every new day as an opportunity to learn, to love, and to leave a positive mark on the world. His legacy is not merely in the roles he fulfilled so admirably but in the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the wisdom he imparted. We bid farewell to Jorge H. Cotty, not with heavy hearts but with a celebration of a life that was truly lived. He taught us that the measure of a man is not in the years he spends on this earth but in the joy he spreads, the wisdom he shares, and the love he nurtures. Jorge's story is one of triumph, not tragedy; a reminder that every moment is a gift and that the most ordinary of days can be transformed into extraordinary adventures with a little creativity and a lot of heart.
Let us carry forward the essence of Jorge's spirit-his humor, his wisdom, and his creative spark-as we navigate the paths of our own lives. In doing so, we honor a man whose presence was a blessing and whose memory will forever be a beacon of inspiration.
Rest in peace, Jorge H. Cotty. Your journey continues within each of us.