Jose L Iglesias

Jose Iglesias passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at his home in Dunn, NC with family at his side.  He was born on September 26, 1938 in Puerto Rico to his parents, the late Jose L. Rivera Iglesias and Maria Melendez.

Jose is also preceded in death by his brother, Ruben Rivera Melendez, and sister, Ana L. Rivera Melendez.

Dear family remaining to cherish his memory include his loving wife of sixty years, Otilia Iglesias and only daughter, Sonia Caro (husband Carlos); grandsons, Edwin Ramos, Alex Ramos, and Richard Ellis.  Eight great grandchildren, Callista and Mary Ramos, Gracie Ramos, Annabelle Ramos, Peyton Ramos, Andreya Ramos, Keilen Ramos, and Kaleb Ramos. His sister, Maria D. Rivera Melendez.  Also nieces, Gloria E. Maldonado Rivera, Glorimel Rodriquez, Kirian Mar Rodriquez and nephews, Michael Andrew Rivera, Richard Ellis Rivera, and Robert Vern Rivera.

Jose moved to New York as a young man and he served in the US Army for six years.  After leaving the military and while working in Maintenance at the New York Hilton Hotel in New York City, he met the love of his life, Otilia, who worked in Laundry Housekeeping.  Jose was tall with long arms and she would save and “hide” the long armed uniforms for him daily.  Their romance and love grew from this sweet gesture.  They were inseparable and were married on June 16, 1966.

During years spent in Puerto Rico, Jose worked for twelve years as a sales representative at the exclusive store, Club Men, selling exquisite custom men’s suits and accessories, and was presented the Employee of the Year Award.

Later, Jose and family moved to Florida to be near their daughter, Sonia, and children and was an influential father figure.  He was a talented artist and his beloved hobby was painting murals. He worked for twenty years as Custodian at the Disney World Polynesian Resort. Someone recommended him for his artistic ability and he painted a mural for the Aladdin character at Walt Disney World in Florida.  His home in Dunn, NC is filled with his beautiful artwork.

Jose was also an experienced handy man and carpenter.  He could see something, like cabinetry, make a mental visual image, and then sketch and build it.  He and wife, Otilia also enjoyed traveling, visiting much of the United States over their life together.  When visiting new places, he was always eager to try new foods, especially those of that local area and culture.  About nineteen years ago, the family moved to North Carolina where they settled.  

Jose was a loving husband, doting father, caring grandfather, and more, and demonstrated great love and affection to all of his family.    Always with a smile on his face, he never met a stranger and would initiate a friendly conversation with anyone.  The employees knew him at the local Walmart Subway by name; also the bank tellers, greeters, and cashiers. He would sit in Subway while his wife shopped in Walmart.

Especially the last few weeks before his passing, he was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.  Jose was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin is honored to serve the family of Jose Iglesias.

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