José Celso Barbosa
February 20, 1939 – October 17, 2023
José Celso Barbosa, devoted husband, father and grandpa, passed away on October 17, 2023, at the age of 84. José was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico to the late Pedro Juan and Maria Colón Barbosa, and is predeceased by his beloved first wife of 42 years, Evelyn, as well as a brother and two sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Linda, a brother Pedro Juan Barbosa, his children, Ivette “Nina” (Mark) Hartstein, Jennifer Barbosa, stepdaughters Jennifer (Chad) Lemanski and Joannah (Peter) Cassell O’Connor, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
José proudly served his country for 22 years as a member of the Airborne Special Forces. He completed two tours in Vietnam where he received several commendations and taught military strategy and psychological operations in Latin America. As a Master Parachutist and member of the skydiving team, Major Barbosa performed over 400 jumps, including a demonstration jump with the Golden Knights in El Salvadore. After completion of his military duty, José worked for 25 years as a loss prevention investigator.
Upon retiring, José and Linda enjoyed traveling to various parts of the U.S. and Canada. At the age of 65, José completed a rigorous training program to re-activate his skydiving license. In addition to jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, José enjoyed riding his Harley, listening to music, gardening, photography and raising monarch butterflies. José’s family and friends recall his positive attitude, sense of humor, and boundless energy. His larger-than-life presence will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, Epilepsy Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Visitation
2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28
(military honors at 3 p.m.)
Page Theus Funeral Home Chapel
914 W. Main Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
