Marcos Laguna

Marcos Laguna, 94 of Newberry, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and his caregiver on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Alfredo Laguna and Ramona Vega. He was the husband of 60 years to the late Carmen Lydia Laguna. Marcos joined the National Guard in the late forties and at the time was activated to serve in the Korean War, where he changed his status to regular Army. He completed a year-long tour, marking the beginning of his military career in the U.S. On June 27, 1953, in Puerto Rico he married his sweetheart and together they embarked in a lifetime of adventures and memories. During his military career, he went to Korea, Germany, Panama, Honduras, Vietnam, Thailand and a couple of states in the U.S. At the beginning of his career, his MOS was the Mess Hall and later in his career his MOS was Signal Corp. Marcos was part of the Borinqueneers, 65th Infantry. In 1970, he was awarded the Bronze Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operation against hostile forces. In 1971, he retired as a Sergeant First Class from the Army, receiving an honorable discharge having served a total of 23 years. After serving for a short period as a university guard, he joined the United States Postal Service where he served a total of 15 years. After retiring for the second time, Marcos found new purpose in serving others and pursuing his hobbies. He remained deeply involved in his Catholic faith, serving as a Lecturer and Eucharistic Minister. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished the opportunity to prepare delicious meals for them, especially during Thanksgiving dinners. He possessed an extraordinary green thumb and could make anything flourish. Often, you could find Marcos seated in his large chair, engrossed in baseball games, political discussions, war movies, or his Spanish soap operas. While enjoying a rum and coke or a glass of red wine, he would savor these moments. He was a man who cherished and adored his family deeply, a man who lived responsibly and with unwavering integrity. His absence will deeply be felt by his family and friends. Marcos is survived by his siblings Cristino, Rogelio, and Tiburcio Laguna and predeceased by Carmen Laguna, Hernan Laguna, Vidalina Laguna and Miguelin Rodriguez. His children: Lillian (Richard) Ortiz of Gainesville, FL , Marcos Jr. (Lynette) Laguna of Apollo Beach, FL, Marta (Gustavo) Bachman of Holliston, MA and Raymond (Jeff) Laguna of Phoenix, AZ. His grandchildren: Leila (Aaron) Eshack, Liz (Jon) Otte, Marcos Bachman(partner Grace), Kristina Ortiz(partner William), Natalie(Tony)Pomarico, Melissa Marie Bachman(deceased), Carlos Ivan Ortiz(deceased ), Astrid(Jose) Cordero, Jose Ricardo Ortiz III (deceased) and Nathaniel (Wendy) Bachman. His great grandchildren: Kenlee, Kylee, Iyla, Kira, Austin, Kaia, Sofia, Lucca, Sylvia, Talia, Lydia, Ciela, Ellie and Logan. He also considered Benny and Logan great grandchildren. He expressed his gratitude for the wonderful and caring caregivers, Lurline Deans, Blanca Olivencia, and Marcy Malone, who blessed him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home of Newberry, 823NW 143rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church of Gainesville, 10900 SW 24 Ave. Burial with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, May 1 at the Florida National Cemetery at 11:30 am 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Veterans Organization of your choice or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital may be made.

Marcos Laguna

March 14, 1931 - April 17, 2025