Celebrating the Life of the Man, the Myth, the Legend: Jose L. Colon Dueno
It is with heavy hearts, yet with endless love and gratitude for his life, that we announce the passing of late great Jose L. Colon Dueno. On the evening of September 25th, the world grew a little quieter as Jose left us far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family that will never fade.
Born on October 12th, 1964, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose proudly carried his heritage like a badge of honor. He never missed a chance to share his roots, his pride, and his love for Puerto Rican culture with everyone around him. As a young man moving from New York to Massachusetts, Jose quickly became known not just for his sense of humor but for his huge heart. Whether on the basketball court, softball field, or at a backyard cookout, Jose was always at the center of it all—lifting spirits, cracking jokes, and reminding everyone that life is meant to be celebrated.
On March 12th, 1990, Jose married the love of his life, Rhonda, beginning a love story filled with faith, laughter, and dedication. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising Anthony, Sabrina, and Gabrielle with strong values, endless love, and the belief that family always comes first. Jose lived for his family—every sacrifice, every challenge, every victory was for them. When his nine grandchildren came along, they became the shining stars in his world. Jose, their beloved Welo, had a special bond with each one. He was their biggest cheerleader, their safe place, their teacher, and their constant source of hugs, humor, and unconditional love. His face would light up the second they ran into his arms, and his greatest joy was watching them grow, laugh, and thrive.
Jose’s life was not without struggles—battling kidney failure for over 30 years, enduring multiple transplants and countless hours of dialysis—but even in the hardest times, he refused to let it dim his spirit. He was a fighter, a protector, and the rock his family leaned on. His strength was matched only by his warmth; even on his hardest days, he found a way to tell a joke, sing a song, or flash that big smile that made everyone feel at ease.
In 2013, Jose moved to Florida, trading snow for sunshine but holding tight to his love for the Patriots and Celtics. He loved good music, the joy of singing his heart out, sharing laughs with friends, family gatherings filled with love, and a nice cold Coke in hand. Jose didn’t just show up for life—he filled every moment with laughter, kindness, and connection. He made strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family.
There are no words big enough to capture the magic of Jose L. Colon Dueno. The world feels different without his laughter, his music, and his boundless love, but his spirit lives on in every life he touched.
Now, his family faces the heartbreaking task of saying goodbye while honoring a man who gave everything he had to the people he loved. We ask for support to help give Jose the beautiful farewell he so deeply deserves and to ease the financial burden on his beloved wife, Rhonda, as they navigate this loss. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help celebrate Jose’s life with the same love, joy, and dedication he poured into his family and friends every single day.
Let us come together to honor Jose L. Colon Dueno—a man who lived for his family, laughed through the storms, and left behind a legacy of love that will never fade.
