Obituary for Modesto Morales (Shorter Program Version)

Modesto Morales, born January 21, 1934, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering dedication to his family.

Born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, Modesto was the eldest of nine children and the beloved son of Liborio Morales and Magdalena Gonzalez. After completing the 9th grade, he made the courageous decision to move to New York City to help support his family—an act that reflected his selflessness, strength, and deep sense of responsibility.

Modesto worked diligently for 39 years at Burton Packing as a box stripper, earning the respect of many through his strong work ethic and quiet perseverance. He retired with pride, knowing he had built a solid foundation for those he loved most.

On September 15, 1955, Modesto married his first love, Mercedes Diaz, and together they welcomed five children: Mildred Morales, Magdalena Morales, Elizabeth Morales, Miriam Maione, and Modesto Morales Jr.Their 13 years together were filled with love and devotion until Mercedes' passing.

Years later, Modesto was blessed to find love again with Jeanne Teague, with whom he shared 32 beautiful years of marriage. Through this union, he lovingly embraced her children as his own:
Jeanne Teague, John Teague, Billy Teague, and Jackie Tiznado.

Modesto's greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He cherished watching sports, playing dominoes, and enjoying good food, simple pleasures that brought him tremendous happiness. His grandchildren brought endless pride and light into his life: Gabriel Colon, Janine Valentin, Jaime Hernandez Jr., Christopher Colon, Jacob Hernandez, Jared Hernandez, Monique Canals, Lonnie McGhee Jr., Andrew Charlemagne, and Jacob Morales.

He was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and two precious great-great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and completed the generations shaped by his love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Liborio Morales and Magdalena Gonzalez, and his sisters Miriam Silva, Lydia Rivera, and Rafaela Vargas. Their memories, along with Modesto's own remarkable legacy, continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

A funeral service to honor Modesto's life will be held on:
Thursday, December 11, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory
3530 49th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Modesto will be remembered as a hardworking, humble, and loving man whose life was defined by sacrifice, loyalty, and family. His presence leaves an irreplaceable void, but his spirit will live on through the many lives he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."