Jose Angel Betancourt

José Angel Betancourt, also known as Joe, was born in Puerto Rico in the city of Ponce on February 13, 1934 to Angel and Emma Betancourt. At the age of 15, he and his four siblings survived a harrowing flight to New York on a plane that almost crashed due to the failure of three of its engines. During his 88 years of life, he only took a plane twice due to the trauma of that experience.

Upon arriving in New York, Joe, his parents and siblings began a new life on Delancey Street in Manhattan. Wonderful opportunities along with some tough times helped shape the amazing man Joe became. He found a career as a printer and was never, ever late to work. Aside from his great work ethic, he was a man of integrity and honor and passed those values down to his children. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was an avid fan of boxing which was largely attributed to his own experience as an amateur boxer in his youth. He was also a diehard Mets fan, art lover and foodie, especially when it came to his wife’s cooking!

Joe is survived by his wife, Carmen Betancourt, his sons, Edwin Betancourt, Manuel Marrero, his daughters, Cookie Padilla and Melissa Betancourt, his brothers, Esdras Betancourt and Eddie Betancourt, his sister Damaris Campis, fifteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and several loving nieces and nephews. I would be remiss not to mention Christopher Bianco who helped care for Joe during his most vulnerable years and who Joe loved like a son. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Angel and Emma Betancourt, his brother, Benny Betancourt, his son Jose Betancourt, Jr. and his daughter, Xiomara Rosario.

Whether you called him Jose, Joe, Viejo, Pop, Daddy, Grandpa, Great Grandpa or Uncle Joe, one thing remained consistent - you could not help but love and adore him. This incredible man with a big personality and heart to match, will never be forgotten. We love you Joe! ♥️

A visitation for Jose will be held Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. Following the visitation will be an interment from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Greenwood Cemetery, 500 25 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cusimanoandrussofuneralhome.com for the Betancourt family.