Virgilio “Bill” Cotto Colón, a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on February 16, 2026, in Hudson, Florida. He was surrounded and lovingly cared for by his daughters, grandchildren, and sons-in-law in his final days.
Bill, as everyone knew him, was born on December 17, 1941, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, to Margarita Colón and Virgilio Cotto. He was raised in a loving, faithful, and humble family and was the eldest of five children. At the age of 11, his family moved to Chicago, Illinois. At 19, he joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served for six years in logistics.
A lover of music and dancing, Bill met the love of his life, Zaida, at a local dance. They married, built a beautiful life together, and were blessed with three daughters. In time, four cherished grandchildren brought him immense joy.
After marrying Zaida, Bill pursued his education and graduated magna cum laude from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in accounting—a testament to his dedication and commitment to providing for his family.
Bill was adventurous, kind, loving, and full of joy. He taught his family that even in the midst of suffering, there is always room for gratitude and happiness. He treasured time with family and friends, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or make a new friend. His warmth, faith, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita Colón and Virgilio Cotto; his sister, Judith Cotto; his brother, Nelson Dennis Cotto; his youngest daughter, Pegyann Cotto; and his beloved wife, Zaida Cotto Villegas.
He is survived by his daughters, Martha Cotto (Hector Pujol) and Lourdes Cotto (Mitchell Vargas), and his grandchildren, Jasmine Pujol, Ivelisse Pujol, Mitchell Vargas, and Natalia Vargas.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 9:00am at St. Theresa Catholic Church, in Spring Hill, Florida. At a later date, his remains will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, followed by a celebration of life gathering.
The Mass will be livestreamed via the St. Theresa Catholic Church website: www.saint-theresa.org
In leiu of flowers please consider donating to Asociación de Agricultores de Puerto Rico.
https://prfb.org/tienda/donativo-a-la-asociacion-de-agricultores-de-puerto-rico
St. Theresa Catholic Church
Dr.Rosa Rivera
February 18, 2026, 1:58 pm
RIP Tio Bill.
A great man, father, brother, Tio, friend and husband. Family man, always put his beautiful daughter on the top of his priority!
Tio Bill was extremely smart man and very peaceful. He never did confrontation of any kind… because he was a man of God. Always gentle, always with a gentle smile that inspired love and kindness. I will always remember Tio Bill with love and warmth in my heart! ❤️
Rest in Peace Tio Bill
Love
Taty
Marta Cotto
February 18, 2026, 2:57 pm
Dios me regalo el mejor Papa del Mundo, y Ahora descansa tranquilo y en Paz junto a su amada Zaida en el Jardin Blanco. Te Amo Papi.
Familia acepten la Paz y serenidad de Dios que nos comforta y nos da la fuerza y coraje. Los Amo.
Ann Cahill
February 18, 2026, 4:20 pm
May he rest gently in his forever home and watch over you till you meet again XO Ann.
Sr. Sherly Vazhappilly
February 18, 2026, 5:30 pm
May he rest in peace! My prayers for his family, especially for Jasmine!
Ahmed Nassar
February 18, 2026, 5:58 pm
Tio Vil was one of the kindest men I have ever met! He will now be with God, his beloved sister Judith who was like a 2nd mother to me, his amazing wife whom I have never met but felt like I have know her for years by talking to Tio. We will miss you but are comforted in knowing that you are in a better place.
Love, Ahmed, Rachel, Athena, and Alexander Nassar
Luis Betancourt Guerrero
February 18, 2026, 6:04 pm
El legado que dejó el Conde trascendió a sus familiares más cercanos. Haber tenido la oportunidad y el honor de conocerlo me permite dar fe, no solo de lo extraordinario que fue con su familia, sino del gran ser humano que era: realizado, de buen discernimiento, sabio y, sobre todo, humilde, siempre lleno de amor hacia los demás. Descansa en paz nuestro inolvidable y querido Conde. Extrañaré profundamente a quien podía hablar en arroz y habichuela del buen béisbol.
The legacy left by “El Conde” extended far beyond his closest family. Having had the opportunity and honor to know him allows me to attest not only to how extraordinary he was with his family, but also to the great human being he was: accomplished, discerning, wise, and above all humble, always filled with love for others.
Rest in peace, our unforgettable and beloved Conde. I will deeply miss having someone with whom I could talk, in simple and honest terms, about good baseball.
Luis Betancourt Guerrero
February 18, 2026, 6:07 pm
The legacy left by “El Conde” extended far beyond his closest family. Having had the opportunity and honor to know him allows me to attest not only to how extraordinary he was with his family, but also to the great human being he was: accomplished, discerning, wise, and above all humble, always filled with love for others.
Rest in peace, our unforgettable and beloved Conde. I will deeply miss having someone with whom I could talk, in simple and honest terms, about good baseball.
Norma Ruiz
February 18, 2026, 6:30 pm
Sorry for your loss 🙏 mis condolencias para la familia y amigos. Mucha fortaleza.
Ana Judy Gonzalez
February 18, 2026, 6:32 pm
I would love to start out by saying that he was by far the best cousin/uncle, I ever had! Even in the distance I celebrated his birthday because my daughter shared the date with him. I was thankful for all the times he showed up for our family and he was an amazing father to my cousins. I want to say RIH Tio Bill, rest knowing that you left an amazing legacy for your family. To the rest of the family, I love you all very much and I’m sorry for your loss it’s never an easy thing, but he thought you how to stick together in all moments of life. So embrace each other and trust God process for he’s always going to make sure you are okay. Love Anita
Tommy C Colon
February 18, 2026, 7:15 pm
A la familia …. soy el primo: Tommy Colon… yo tambien tengo mucho requerdo de Vigilio… trememdo hombre en total… lo mas que me acuerdo era que nos trataba muy bien.. cuando muchachos el nos llamaba pindons… y si nos portabamos bien, nos traia un bombon… ( dulces ) y le gustaba hacer muchas bromas… la pena que tengo es que no puedo estar presente con la familia en estos momentos deficiles… pero los tengo en mis oraciones… ” DIOS MELOS BENDIGA A TODOS… !!! “
Evelyn Oquendo
February 18, 2026, 7:18 pm
Im deepest condolences, sending healing and prayers to all of you.
May he rest in peace 🙏
Natisha Placeres-Simpson
February 18, 2026, 8:24 pm
Lourdes, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May his love and legacy continue to live on through you.
With love,
Natisha (Naty) Placeres-Simpson
Claudia Cueva
February 18, 2026, 8:52 pm
I’m so sorry about your lose , my condolences
Shelley Faasse
February 18, 2026, 10:51 pm
May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your family. Your father will still be guiding heart with the love he had for you my friend.
Praying for you always, Shelley
Annie Ayala
February 19, 2026, 12:24 am
Annie Ayala
I feel truly grateful to have known your dad. He was such a kind and wonderful person, and he will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you and your family. I hope the love around you and the memories you shared bring you comfort in time.
Evelyn Quesada
February 19, 2026, 12:42 am
Rest Easy Don Bill,
I had never met someone so kind, gentle, always with such good spirits and a great sport. Thanks for opening your house to me and mines so many years ago and making us part of your lovely family.
You will be remembered for a lifetime and I will cherish these memories. Now you and your beloved Zaida are joined together ❤️ eternally.
Con mucho amor y cariño tu Sobrina Postiza.
Evelyn Quesada
Staci Weiss
February 19, 2026, 3:16 am
May he always be resting in peace. Remember to keep beautiful memories close to your heart. Sending love and strength your way.🙏🏼
Sara Serrano
February 19, 2026, 3:01 pm
Hermosa persona quien Dios me dio la oportunidad de conocerle tanto a el como a su hermosa familia cuando emigre a la Fl ,me abrio sus brazos y fue para mi como un padre, persona muy amable,alegre nunca lo vi enojado con nada,muchas veces me dio un consejo cuando lo he necesitado y desde dentro de mi corazon lo voy a extrañar muchisimo y deja vacio,pero se que esta en mejor lugar donde no hay dolor ni enfermedad que agovie…Mis condolencias a sus Hijas,Nietos,Hermanos y Sobrinos😔
Edna Rolon
February 20, 2026, 12:58 pm
Thank you for the great memories and you will be miss a lot , I had the pleasure and the honor to get to know you and enjoy dancing and laughing 💕🙏 RIP my friend 🙏💕
Saray Echevarria
February 20, 2026, 1:11 pm
Don Vil was truly an example of a wonderful human being. He was always loving, positive, and optimistic — such a genuinely happy soul. We were all honored and blessed to have known him. He was more than a friend. Everyone that knew him felt embraced like family ❤️. RIP
Familia Fontaine.
February 20, 2026, 7:24 pm
Queridas Martha.Lourdes y demas familiares .Reciban nuestras mas sinceras condolencias por la ida de Virgilio vuestro padre. Era una buena persona. Que Dios lo tenga en sugloria.
Los acompanamos en su dolor.
Roberto Blanca Jackie y Roberto Jr.
Rebekah E. Bolduc
February 20, 2026, 7:35 pm
El Conde. Tio Bill. He loved life and lived life with confidence and distinction. How I loved to sit and listen to him tell me stories about his life, in and out of the dance halls, up until his last breath looking for the party, young at heart and with a music beat in his toes. He made me smile. When my father passed 12 years ago it felt like I was alone and he made a space for me like a loving father would. Echandome La Bendicion as he would his own. He gave me peace that I would make it through the day. Always, will I honor him, keeping his memory alive in my heart and the hearts of my children. His genuine kindness saw us through some of our hardest moments, and I am deeply grateful for being a part of his family. He was Tio Magapo and though he was their great-uncle he welcomed my children and folded them into his heart as if they were his very own grandchildren; the times he shared a meal at my table or on the floor playing and laughing with my kids are treasures I will carry always. His calming, jolly presence and humble tenderness will alway be a source of comfort and strength. We will miss you Tio… Much Love, The Rivera-Bolduc Family (Rebekah, Ruben, Gabriel, Angelique)
Mildred Acevedo
February 20, 2026, 8:42 pm
Mi más sincero pésame para TÍ Marta, para mi querdo sobrino,sus querdas hijas y demás familia por la partida de Don Bill. Todas las cosas que supe de él fueron bonitas y de un hombre con amor y dignidad para todos en su alrededor. Descanse en Paz Don Bill, Qué Dios lo tenga en la Gloria!
Victor Cruz
February 20, 2026, 10:06 pm
“Que descanse en paz” Don Bill! ❤️
Nosotros los ganamos otro angel! My condolences 🙏 to the family much love!
Karina Rivero
February 20, 2026, 11:03 pm
A toda la Familia nuestras mas sinceras condolencias el Tio fue una maravillosa persona, hombre de muchos valores y de mucho respeto lo llevaremos en nuestra corazones solo gracias Tio por el cariño que me brindaste y tus consejos siempre en nuestra oraciones descansa en Paz.
Karina, Cristian,Jhimmy.
Angela Carlo Pujol
February 20, 2026, 11:37 pm
Agradecida de haber conocido y compartido con El Conde, tan eterno como el amor le tenemos. Mucha fuerza a la familia en este proceso.
Les quiero.
Un abrazo fuerte.
Ángela
Michelle Rivera
February 21, 2026, 2:10 am
Hermosa foto siempre con su sonrisa. Siempre con sus chistes donde quiera que iba loco con los niños. Compartiendo siempre en familia. Dando lo mejor de él. Siempre los mejores consejos ahí estaba el. Mejores conversaciones en la isla ahí estaba el muchas pero muchas memorias buena se le va a extrañar mucho. Nuestras mas sinceras condolencias de parte de todos Nosostros. ( Saury, Michelle, Lourdes, Allyson, Alexander) Que en paz descanse.
ANA CARMEN PUJOL
February 21, 2026, 4:02 am
Virgilio” El Conde de Cottini”,ser callado,caminar lento y pausado,observador para luego argumentar con sabiduría.No perdía…. te decia las cosas se sonreía ,si era necesario y seguía
Vienen a mi mente muchas memorias, le decían party y enseguida se montaba.
Nunca vi disgusto en su rostro
Su familia era primero,adoptó a mi hermano,Hector, como un hijo más protegiéndole,ayudando y cogiendo sus cigarrillos. Estaba al día en los deportes y los comentaba con certeza que su preferido era el mejor y ganador.
Hoy nos queda las memorias pero sabemos que se le dio el tiempo, amor y respeto merecido.
Esto es ley de vida uno nace uno se transforma .
Pero el verdadero amor nunca muere
Un abrazo solidario a toda la familia lleno de bendiciones y fortaleza
Familia Cotto/Ramos
February 21, 2026, 1:43 pm
Con mucho cariño para un ser muy especial en nuestros corazones, jamás olvidaremos tus alegrías, tus pasitos de baile y el cariño que nos diste a todos. Descansa en paz cuñado ,Bill, ya estás en casa con nuestro padre creador y tus padres,familiares escogidos por Dios padre,hijo y espíritu santo. Descansa en paz.
Petronila Ramos de Cotto
February 21, 2026, 2:33 pm
Mi más sentido pésame a toda la familia, mucha fortaleza ,fue un gran ser humano amado y querido por todos. Te extrañaremos ,sabemos ya estás descansando y en el cielo te espera tu linda familia con los brazos abiertos .Descansa en paz.
Lourdes Cotto
February 24, 2026, 3:33 pm
Descansa en Paz queridicmo y amado Padre. Voy a extrañar tus llamadas, tus regaños, tu consultantas financieras, el acompañarnos a los festivales, fiestas y cualquier otro evento. Por que siempre fuiste alegre y andariego con tu Papa. Que Dios te reciba y me quedo con la promesa de volver a verte en el cielo. Te amo y amare por siempre ❤️ Lulu
Agustin Rolon
March 6, 2026, 3:10 am
Nuestras más sincero respeto y condolencias. Mi Magapo como me decía. Siempre te recuerdo Vily. Que Jesús te acoja en su Reino.