George Hernandez PILOTO, JR. 80, native of Tampa, born on March 1, 1944, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024. He was the son of Cuban immigrant, George Hernandez Piloto, Sr., and his wife Alicia Miguel Piloto. George was born in Tampa, FL and attended H.B. Plant High School. Inspired by his father, a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy in high school, and left to serve as an airman immediately after graduating. He served his active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, and later joined the U.S. Navy Reserve, serving for over 28 years. He ended his decades of service with the rank of chief petty officer. George was very proud of his service with the U.S. Navy. If he wasn’t singing a Navy song, or serving as a reservist, he would often take his kids and grandkids to air shows and events at MacDill Air Force Base, instilling a sense of patriotism that has been passed down through generations. George married Rosalie Cianci, his high school sweetheart, who fell in love with him after hearing him sing and play the saxophone in his band, “The Mad Men”, at her sweet 16 birthday party. They were married for almost 62 years. In addition to being in the U.S. Navy Reserve, George worked as a barber and later as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. George was known by all his friends for his passion for life and sense of humor. He loved to sing, watch sports, vacation with friends, and spend time with his family.
George was preceded in death by his parents, and by his daughter, AnnMarie Piloto.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalie; sister Cecilia (Rick); children, Jimmy (Melony), Alicia (Bernie), and George; grandchildren, Nicholas (Shannon), Gabrielle (Michael), Shelby (Payton), Sophia, and Olivia; and great-grandchildren, Lillie, Johnny, Rocco, and another great-granddaughter on the way. The family gives special thanks to George’s longtime caregiver, Susan Diodonet for her love and care for George.
The family will have a wake on Wednesday, September 25, with a visitation from 5-6 p.m., and a funeral service starting at 6 p.m. at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home – Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618. The burial will be on Thursday, September 26, at 3 p.m. at the Centro Asturiano Cemetery Memorial Park, 400 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33610.
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