Jose Manuel Colet

Jose Manuel "Manolo" Colet,76, of Oakland Park, Florida, passed away on Monday, February 16,2026 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Jose Manuel "Manolo" Colet was born in Bayamo, Cuba, to Ricardo and Pastora Colet on August 21, 1949. He married the love of his life, Gricel Caridad Garces, on October 12, 1969. Manolo was the third of Ricardo and Pastora's six children. He grew up in Bayamo, Cuba. Life never dealt our father an easy hand, yet if you met him on the street, you might have thought he was the richest and healthiest man in the world, free of worry. At just 17, he was imprisoned by the communist government after attempting to escape the dictatorship alongside his older brother. In time, he left his homeland with his wife and two children seeking freedom, creating together a warm home where laughter, family, and his love of dancing always filled the air. Though he faced many illnesses-from cancer to heart failure-our incredible father never stopped showing empathy, giving love, and brightening our lives until his final days. His warmth and compassion were felt instantly, often communicated with nothing more than a look from his gentle eyes.

Manolo is preceded in death by his loving parents, Ricardo Colet Brull and Pastora Adela Fajardo Tamayo Colet; his sister-in-law Omara Isidra Colet; his brothers-in-law Evelio Garces, Elio Garces, and Dominador Frank Pacheco; and his nephew Frank Pacheco.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Gricel Caridad Colet, whom he had known since childhood; his children Gricel, and her husband Craig, and Manuel "Manny", and his wife Natalee; and his brothers and sisters Ricardo, Pastora, Ana, Enrique, and Lina. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren-Andrea, Kevin, Ava, Sienna, Mateo, and Eliza-who brought him his greatest joy. He also leaves many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own, as well as lifelong friends who were family to him.

Our father's greatest gift was his sincere and unconditional love for his family and friends, given freely and without expectation. His pure joy came from having those he loved around him-sharing food, stories, and laughter. His legacy lives on in the love he gave and the light he brought into every room.