Hector Cotto, 74, of Tampa, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2021. He was a beloved husband and father, and a dedicated officer of the law.

Born on September 7, 1946 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, to Luciano Cotto & Julia (Escalera) Cotto, Hector was one of 4 siblings, Miguel Sanchez, Paul Cotto, and Rachel (Cotto) Guerra.

Hector married his best friend and soulmate, Tammy (Thomas) Cotto, in Parkesburg, PA. The two would share 35 incredible years together. In their life together, he was blessed with three children whom he treasured, Cory, Ryan, Lilliann, of Tampa. Hector was equally blessed with two prior children whom he also cherished, Wilbur and Rachel, of New York.

Hectors pride was his life as an officer of the law. He began as an officer in New York. Upon relocating to Pennsylvania, he worked as a corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg. He entered service with the Parkesburg Police Department in 1986 and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. He simultaneously worked as an officer for Valley Township. He was also a police officer on duty for Millersville University and Westchester University.

After moving to Tampa in 1994, he entered service with the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office as a Reserve I Deputy Sheriff. He worked in the Hillsborough County School system before taking a private security job in 2002. Most recently, he was an armed Certified Protection Officer for the Hillsborough County Courthouse.

Above all, Hector was a man who lived in fear and admiration of the Lord. He truly enjoyed upbeat positive music; he played the congas in many church services, namely Potters House, and Bay Life Assembly of God.

Hector will be remembered for his integrity, humor, sincerity, kindness, and his love for God and his family. He will be incredibly missed.

A visitation will take place from 10-11am at Hodges Family Funeral Home 54 Chapel in Zephyrhills, FL on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. A funeral service will begin at 11am and burial will follow at 12:30 at Garden of Memories in Tampa, FL.

While flowers are welcome, if you would like to make a financial contribution to help cover funeral costs, you may donate to the family via CashApp $CottoFamily1 or via Zelle to [emailprotected]

Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 36327 SR 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Directions Funeral Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home, Zephyrhills

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 11:00 AM 36327 SR 54 Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Directions Graveside Service

Garden of Memories

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 4207 E Lake Ave Tampa, Florida 33610 Directions