Jose Antonio Silio

Jose Antonio Silio was a man of conviction. He believed in life, love and family. His story starts in Pinar de Rio, Cuba. Born in September 1931, as the oldest male child he worked hard to help his parents support seven siblings. He never was able to receive a proper education except from the school of hard knocks, he stressed to all that would listen, especially his family to get an education because no matter what happens in life no one can take that away from you.

In May of 1956 at the age of 24 he finally saw the opportunity to make a better life for himself. With the promise that his beloved would wait for him, he came to the United States. For two years he worked hard, learned the language. He returned to Cuba in 1958 to marry his promised bride, only to bring her back to his newly adopted country.

Jose and Catalina forged a sixty year marriage (a true partnership) through love and perseverance. Together they had three daughters and instilled in them the principles to live by; to never forget where you came from, to know who you are and to be true to yourself.

For Jose family was everything and that family came first. So while raising his own young family, he helped bring over his siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces from Cuba in order for them to be able to pursue a better life in the states for generations to come. He loved and adored them all. He was the rock and strength of the family, a true patriarch to all.

Throughout the years his own family grew, welcoming in son-in-laws and eight beautiful grandchildren. These grandchildren were his pride and joy, as they endearingly referred to him as Papa. He would always say he was blessed with the greatest wealth, which was the love of his family.

Jose was a man among men, he believed in helping all, not just family. He never met a stranger (only a person that has not yet become a friend). Jose was an honest and trusting soul. His mantra was to always be kind to everyone and give a helping hand and to never expect anything in return, for your kindness shall always be paid forward.

Jose loved life, family and friends to the fullest and will be truly missed by all.

Funeral arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st St. N., Seminole, FL 33776\727-391-0121.