Angel L. Colón

Angel Luis Colón (Cedeño) "Papo", 66, peacefully passed at Davis-Simpson Hospice in Cleveland on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born January 8, 1959, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, he was the only child shared by Maria Cedeño and Angel Colón, though he had several siblings on both sides. He loved that his birthday was shared with Elvis, fell exactly one week after his father's (January 1), and exactly one week before his daughter's (January 15).

Papo grew up in Puerto Rico, going fishing almost daily, making lifelong friends, being a great big brother, and narrowly escaping being shot for swimming in someone’s freshwater reservoir—a story he always told while laughing hysterically.

In March of 1983, he moved from Utuado to the States and settled in Geneva, OH. Shortly after, on May 8, he met his wife, Victoria Ingle-Colón, at the Happy Days Disco while he was “being a hoodlum.” They were officially wed on February 9, 1998. He was with her for 23 years until her passing in 2004. Together they shared one daughter, and he also became a father to her two children, who lovingly referred to him as "Papi." Everyone who met him after also followed suit.

He was an extremely hard worker with incredible work ethic and took pride in being a master of his craft. In addition to owning his own business and restoring private boats, Angel was the lead painter at Tartan Yachts, where he started in 1998 and worked for over 25 years. He loved his job, trained many others, and built an entirely different family there. His Spanish turkey and rice was always a hit at the holiday potluck, and even his grandson had the chance to work with his Papa there.

During his time at Tartan, he met his partner, Samantha Novak. The two became close, fell in love, and were together for 21 years. She held his hand through the end. They shared a full life, with millions of pictures documenting their time together. He also helped raise and became an important figure to her three children—father-daughter wedding dances and being “Papa” to their babies. Angel was an incredible father.

His greatest enjoyment was work, but when he could be pulled away, he was usually at some family event: cookouts at Lakeshore Park, grandkids' recitals or sports games, or hanging out at the camper with all the kids and grandkids. Very rarely did he sit still. Everyone loved his "Puerto Rican Pork" (Pernil), rice and beans, or any other dish he made. He was a gifted cook and always shared his recipes. His daughter often had him taste-test her dishes to ensure they were authentic. Caribe in Cleveland was always the stop after doctor’s appointments—or anytime he was in the area. Puerto Rico was the only place he’d willingly travel to. He loved going home and had been planning a big family trip for next summer.

Angel lived many lives and met countless people, earning a new nickname in each phase. He was genuine and kind, soft and quiet, with a giggle that was contagious and adorable. A humble man, he told wild stories from his youth with a spark in his eye—those moments were when you saw him light up. He had the best stories. He was a strong, supportive figure to everyone in his life—his brothers, his friends, his partners, and his children. He didn’t like to show when things were hard and always worried about everyone else first. During his treatment, when asked to complete a mental health survey, he rated his stress as a "2" and wrote in the comments: “I’m fine.”

Papi loved his family. They were always first—whichever member needed him that day. We’re sure that hearing from his children was one of his final priorities. Even former spouses of his children came to be by his side, and in his final days, he got to meet his newest granddaughter, just 8 weeks old and born across the country. He will be deeply missed by every person who ever loved him.

Angel is survived by his love, Samantha Novak of Geneva; all of his children: Angela Maria (Jordan Ashby) Colón, Kevin Ingle, Amy (Robert) Peterson, Timothy (Ashley) Novak, Kristin (Allen) Rospert, Alyssa (Kyle Gunderson) Novak, and Joel Navarro. Grandchildren: Caleb Colón; Pryscilla, Daxton, and Jetsen Ashby; Jacob, Emma, and Kylie Ingle; Callyn and Logan Peterson; Graham, Amelia, and twins (arriving soon) Novak; Deklan, Emmerson, Axel, and Grayson Rospert; and Olive Gunderson. Siblings: Ana Colón, José (Angela), Wilfredo, Frey "Ito", and Eda Collazo.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Victoria Ingle-Colón; his parents, Maria “Lola” Cedeño and Angel Colón; his brother Roberto “Chico” Gonzales; his sister Maria “Tata” Rios; and his beloved dog, Cooper, who passed shortly after him.

A wake will be held at Fleming-Billman Funeral Home in Geneva on Friday, May 16, from 5–8 p.m. and Saturday, May 17, from 10–11 a.m. A Catholic ceremony will follow, with burial at Fairview Cemetery in Madison.

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