Hector Raul Cartagena Torres of Hopewell Junction who was born on December 28, 1937 passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on October 6, 2024. His family was by his side after a long life filled with family, love, and laughs. He grew up in Orocovis, Puerto Rico until 9th grade when family sent a suit and a plane ticket to join them in New York. His love of music and culture encouraged him to open many different music stores, notably Hector's Discount in the Bronx on Fordham Rd.

Hector valued family over everything. He enjoyed a nice glass of red wine, watching the Yankees, and enjoying competition shows as an unofficial, very opinionated judge, almost always noting, "That's not to win". Hector provided a lifetime of laughs and memories for those fortunate to have experienced him.

He is predeceased by his parents-Celsa and Ramon, his siblings- Isabel, Lule, Lola, and Bobby, and his wife-Luz Deana Cartagena. He is survived by his loving daughters, Shirley Cartagena (Jose), Diana Hunter (Graham), his son, Hector Cartagena Jr., his grandchildren Meaghan Galella (Anthony), Candice Nieves (Danny), Kaitlynn Barbour, Joseph Hunter (Hannah), and Chelsea Hunter; and his great grandchildren Emma, Ava, Sofia, Micah, Natalie, Nora, and Baby Hunter due on his birthday, Dec. 28th, this year. He is also survived by his brother Ralph, nieces, nephews, long time best friend and companion Diana Goyco, and friends. His family will experience his loss daily but he has left us with lots of love and some truly amazing memories, not all of them G rated. He will be missed but will always live on in our hearts and minds.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 10 am at St. Columba Church (835 NY-82 Hopewell Junction, NY) with Calling Hours to follow from 11 am-1 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. (895 NY-82 Hopewell Junction, NY). Please visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.