Marcelino Betancourt DeJesus

Marcelino Betancourt DeJesus, affectionately known as Junior, passed away on September 24, 2026, in Lake Wales, Florida, at the age of 87. He was born on October 29, 1938, in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

He will be remembered with love by his wife of 48 years, Sonia Betancourt, and by his children, Frances Betancourt and his wife Marisol, Amarylis Rodriguez and her husband Jaime, Ivonne Betancourt and her husband Sergio, Jose Betancourt and his fiancé Elaine, and Maria Betancourt and her fiancé Benjamin, He is also survived by his sister, Migdalia Betancourt, and by his nephew, Ricardo Santiago and his wife Yenni.

Marcelino’s memory will continue through the lives of his grandchildren, Omar Rodriguez, Francesca Rivera and her husband Jeff, Gustavo Betancourt, Victoria Betancourt-Nance and her partner Jacob, Fabiola Betancourt, Craig Nance III, Josiah Betancourt, and Dylan Harrell. He also leaves behind his great-granddaughters, Ariana Rivera, Alani Rivera, Valentina Santana, and Marcelina Santana. Surrounded by the love of his family across generations, he leaves a legacy of devotion and enduring family bonds that will be cherished always.

Marcelino proudly served his country in the Airborne branch of the United States military. His service reflected the courage, discipline, and commitment that would continue to define his character throughout his life. A man of strong faith, he was also a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he found spiritual strength, fellowship, and a deep sense of community for many years.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on October 1, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 210 West Lemon Street, Lakeland, Florida 33815. A Mass will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Marcelino will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will remain a lasting blessing to his family and friends.