Virgilio "Bill" Cotto Colón

Virgilio "Bill" Cotto Colón

December 17, 1941~February 16, 2026

Virgilio "Bill" Cotto Coló n, a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on February 16, 2026, in Hudson, Florida. He was surrounded and lovingly cared for by his daughters, grandchildren, and sons-in-law in his final days.

Bill, as everyone knew him, was born on December 17, 1941, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, to Margarita Col ó n and Virgilio Cotto. He was raised in a loving, faithful, and humble family and was the eldest of five children. At the age of 11, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. At 19, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for six years in logistics.

A lover of music and dancing, Bill met the love of his life, Zaida, at a local dance. They married, built a beautiful life together, and were blessed with three daughters. In time, four cherished grandchildren brought him immense joy.

After marrying Zaida, Bill pursued his education and graduated magna cum laude from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in accounting-a testament to his dedication and commitment to providing for his family.

Bill was adventurous, kind, loving, and full of joy. He taught his family that even in the midst of suffering, there is always room for gratitude and happiness. He treasured time with family and friends, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or make a new friend. His warmth, faith, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita Col ó n and Virgilio Cotto; his sister, Judith Cotto; his brother, Nelson Dennis Cotto; his youngest daughter, Pegyann Cotto; and his beloved wife, Zaida Cotto Villegas.

He is survived by his daughters, Martha Cotto (Hector Pujol) and Lourdes Cotto (Mitchell Vargas), and his grandchildren, Jasmine Pujol, Ivelisse Pujol, Mitchell Vargas, and Natalia Vargas.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 9:00am at St. Theresa Catholic Church, in Spring Hill, Florida. At a later date, his remains will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, followed by a celebration of life gathering.

The Mass will be livestreamed via the St. Theresa Catholic Church website: www.saint-theresa.org

In leiu of flowers please consider donating to Asociación de Agricultores de Puerto Rico.

https://prfb.org/tienda/donativo-a-la-asociacion-de-agricultores-de-puerto-rico