Mr. William J. Puerto was born in Ybor City, a descendent of the Cuban Tabaqueros (cigar makers) of Guanabacoa, Cuba. He attended St. Peter Claver Elementary and graduated from Middleton High School, "Class of 1963." Shortly after High School, he studied Mechanical Engineering and worked for Westinghouse, Martin Marrietta and retired from TECO as a Senior Machinist in 2011. For decades he hosted the Cuba Traditional Christmas Dinner, "Noche Buena," for family and friends who all adored him and his cooking. William was preceded in death by his parents; Luisa (Mollie) Gonzalez-Gomez and Emilio Jimenez Puerto; siblings, Charlie Gomez and Martha Gomez-Bacon. Cherishing his memory and celebrating his life are his wife of 58 years, Shirley Puerto; daughter, Luisa Puerto and fianc (Michael Cutt); sons, Jesus Puerto, New Haven, CT and Robert (Fabiola) Puerto, Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Mia Wales, Atlanta, GA, Kalin Wales, and Dominic Puerto, Marietta, GA; nieces, Sharon Gomez, Olga (Reggie) Daniels, Yolanda Bacon, Denise (Andre) White, Atlanta, GA and Gina Gonzalez, Shanda (Melvin) Mackey, Wanda Stubbs, Zoe Johnson, Ariane Johnson, Jilliana Gardner, Mikesha Clarke; nephews, Orlando Bacon, Charles Bacon, and Wayne Lester, Seth Johnson, Ronald Avinger, Jr., Jovannie White, Michi Clarke; sister-in-law, Barbara McDermott, Wanda Johnson, and Vernell Johnson-Clarke; brothers-in-law: Ronald Avinger, Sr. Arvester (Autumn) Johnson, Marc (Krista) Avinger, and John Johnson, Jr., and a host of additional beloved family members and friends.

Visitation
Saturday, March 19, 2022
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
4450 County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584

Funeral Service
Saturday, March 19, 2022
11:00 AM
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
4450 County Road 579
Seffner, FL 33584