Jose Luis Mosquera

West Springfield-On April 7, 2025, Jose Luis Mosquera, 93 years old, passed away peacefully at his home of 29 years in West Springfield, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. On May 20, 1931, he was born in Siberia Cauca, Colombia to Secundino Mosquera and Adelina Mosquera Vidal. He grew up on a coffee bean plantation, where as a boy, he loved riding his horse, playing with his dog Douglas, swimming and soccer. He enjoyed reading and learning and dreamed one day of going to New York City. In 1952, he came to the United States on a scholarship to study to become a Catholic priest at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York. In 1955, he decided he would be happier in life getting married and having a family. He left the Seminary but his strong Catholic faith remained in his heart and helped guide him throughout his life. He spent the next two years living and working in New York City. From 1957 - 1959, he served in the United States Army in Heilbronn, Germany where he met his future wife, Renate Knörzer. In July 1959, after his discharge from the army, he returned to New York City and then on December 24, 1959, his beloved Renate arrived in New York City from Germany. In November 1960, Jose and Renate got married, settled in Queens, New York and started their family in 1962. In 1972, he received his Master's of Business Administration from Fordham University in New York City. Most of his business career, he worked in NYC in pharmaceutical and medical sales. From 1960 to present, Jose and his family have shared homes in Flushing, Whitestone, Peekskill and Mahopac, New York, Columbia in South Carolina and West Springfield, Massachusetts. “With A Song In My Heart” was his favorite song and is how Jose lived his life. He had a very big heart, loved unconditionally, was kind, compassionate, forgiving and supportive. He had a happy, positive attitude and could see the good in every person and life situation. He was smart, always enjoyed reading and learning throughout his life, loved sharing his stories and had a great sense of humor. He had a special way of making people smile and laugh. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He was hardworking, devoted to his wife and family and always placed them first. He asked for very little in life, but gave so very much. He appreciated and saw beauty in the simple things in life and was most grateful for the times he spent with family and friends. He is predeceased by his wife, Renate Mosquera, his parents Secundino Mosquera and Adelina Mosquera Vidal and his sister Luz Mosquera. He leaves behind his daughter Monica Mosquera - Cannon, son-in-law John Cannon, granddaughter Christina Mosquera VanValkenburgh, son Michael Mosquera all of West Springfield, and son Thomas Mosquera of Highland, New York. We are grateful for all of his love through the years and the many beautiful memories, stories and pictures he shared with us. We will keep him in our hearts until we meet him again in Heaven. All services have been entrusted to TOOMEY-O’BRIEN FUNERAL HOME. A small family graveside ceremony will be held in upstate New York. In memory of Jose Luis Mosquera, love and cherish each day with family and friends, smile and be kind to others.