Juan Antonio Vega

Juan A. Vega was born on May 16,1946 in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico to Juan De Rosario Vega and Sara Mercado Velasquez. He passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 78. After graduating from George Washington High School in New York, Juan joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1964. He served two tours in Vietnam in the Second Battalion Charlie Company from 1965-1969, earning multiple medals, including a Purple Heart, and attained the rank of Sergeant. Juan was a very proud Marine and Vietnam Veteran. Juan met his wife, Louisa O. Martinez in the Bronx, New York in 1974. Juan and Louisa had two children together, Melissa and Jason. Juan also had 3 other children, Sara, Mark, and Gabriel. Juan and Louisa raised their children in New York City, where he was employed as an underground engineer and cable splicer by Verizon. Upon Juan’s retirement, the family moved to Oldsmar, Florida, where he became a Juvenile Detention Officer in Tampa, Florida. Juan loved fishing, dancing, and especially cooking and made a mean batch of arroz con habichuelas and pernil. He was an avid attendee of classes, workshops, and support groups through the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. He loved Psalm 23. He worked hard, played hard, and cared for many with his huge heart.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves a large legacy of family behind including his wife, Louisa; children Sara Adee (Paul), Mark Vega (Jeanette), Melissa Jackson (Jimmy), Jason Vega, and Gabriel Ponce-Vega (Raquel); grandchildren Paulie, Devon, Samantha, Vanessa, Anthony, Gabriel, Aiden, and Simone; and great grandchildren Ilyana, Emma, and Charlotte. Lifelong friend who was more like a brother, Eric and wife Bridget. 

Juan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. He will never be forgotten and forever missed. Rest easy Marine, Heaven has gained another Soldier.

Visitation will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 at: Holloway Funeral Home, 112 Bayview Blvd. Oldsmar, Fl 34677.

A Celebration of Life  Service to follow at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at: Grace and Faith Church, 12749 W. Hillsborough Ave , Tampa Fl, 33635.

Juan will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, Florida, at a later date. 

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