In Loving Memory of Jose Enrique Medina
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, José Enrique Medina on September 3, 2024, at the age of 93. He was affectionately known as "Kike," by our mother, "Daddy" by his children, and "Papi" by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was born on December 20, 1930, in Corozal, Puerto Rico. He lived a life rich with love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Daddy was the devoted husband of Lilliam A. Caceres for 71 years. Together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, a bit of chaos, and many wonderful memories. He was a cherished father to five children; Ricky, Linda, Asia, Lilly, and Mel, who will forever treasure the lessons he imparted and the love he gave.
Daddy was known for his creativity, sense of humor, love of music, and dedication to his wife, family, and country. A talented handyman, he could fix just about anything! After 20 years of service, he retired as a Technical Sergeant from the United States Air Force. He then discovered a new passion for building homes. He was admired by colleagues and friends alike. Beyond his professional achievements, Daddy taught us the love of music, entertaining, billiards, dominos, Rummy 500, working on home projects, dancing with his signature move, storytelling and being a jokester. He often delighted in asking his children and grandchildren to "pull his finger," hiding whoopee cushions in chairs, or he would purposely drop his keys so whoever looked down to pick the keys up, would get a finger on their nose, as a "gotcha!" His laughter was contagious.
He is survived by his wife Lilliam; his children, Linda Merino (Juan), Asia Saltmarsh (Tom), Lilly McDermott (Robert), and Manuel "Mel" Medina; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings, Oscar and Wilfredo Medina, Lucy Rudes and Eva Sanchez. He was predeceased by his parents, Jose Manuel Medina and Mercedes Rodriguez, his siblings, Victor, Angel, and Antonio Medina, and his son, Ricky Medina.

Daddy was a pillar of strength and a source of comfort to everyone who knew him. His warmth, kindness, and gentle guidance will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Daddy's life will be held at Margaret Mary Catholic Church Chapel, 526 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL, on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a military honors burial at Oaklawn Cemetery, 5000 County Rd. 46A, Sanford, FL. A celebration of life will follow the burial. (The address will be given to those that want to attend the reception.)

Kike/Daddy/Papi… You will always be loved and remembered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja_tnel_bgY