Raul V. Cox

Raul Vicente Cox, age 74 passed away on December 27, 2025 in Sarasota Florida. Raul, the son of Clifford Edgerton Cox and Lucia Savignac-Cox was born on April 2, 1951 in Ancon, Canal Zone, Panama. After graduating from high school, he migrated to New York where he enlisted and served active military duty in the Army. He then transitioned from the Army to the field of Law Enforcement as a Police Officer in Union City NJ from where he retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Following retirement from the police department, he subsequently worked in Corporate Security for Provident Bank, in Jersey City NJ where he was able to apply his investigative expertise.

Raul was a unique personality who marched to the beat of his own drum. Everyone that knew him admired and appreciated his "cool" nature. He was liked, respected, and easily remembered by many in the community of Union City NJ where he served with pride and honor. He was a sportsman and an avid baseball player from little league days in the local communities to playing on many independent leagues throughout Panama City. He enjoyed music, more specifically salsa and could recall the name of any artist from the old school salsa and reggae genre, and from whom he got his relaxation as he often listened while sitting in his favorite armchair. Raul also enjoyed returning to his homeland of Panama which he did quite often.  One of his greatest joys later in life was being “Lelo", short for abuelo (grandfather) and spending time in Sarasota making memories with his granddaughters.

Among his survivors are his lifelong companion and wife Brenda, to whom he was married to for 53 years; his daughter, Kandy Magnotti and his twin granddaughters, Francesca (Franki) and Arabella (Bella) Magnotti; his brother, Rogelio Cox (Joy) and sisters, Yolanda George (Raymond) & Delia Hairstrom (Luke) plus several nephews: Ricardo Jr., Larry Jr., Jamal, Kareem, Michael, Luke, Rico & Gerold; nieces: Natalia, Kimberly & Nilsa; several cousins, in-laws and close friends and acquaintances.  

In addition to his parents, Raul was predeceased by his son Colby Jonathan Cox, and his brothers, Ricardo Juan Cox and Larry Francisco Cox. 
 

Raul’s life was one of service, strength, kindness, and individuality, and his memory and spirit will continue to live on in those who carry him forward with love.
 

We invite family and friends to join us in honoring and remembering the life of Raul Vicente Cox at the following services:

Military Honors Service
11:00 a.m. (sharp)
This brief military honors service (approximately 30 minutes) is being held in addition to the main Celebration of Life and will honor Raul’s service to our country.
Guests are respectfully asked to arrive between 10:30–10:45 a.m. to be seated prior to the start of the service.

Sarasota National Cemetery

9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
Details and directions may be found here:
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/Sarasota.asp#ed

Celebration of Life Service (Primary Service)
2:00 p.m.
Bayside Community Church – Fruitville Campus
3375 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34237

If guests are only able to attend one service, our family would be most grateful for your presence at the Celebration of Life at Bayside Community Church, where we will gather as a community to remember, reflect, and give thanks for his life.

A repass with food and fellowship will follow the service at the church. All are warmly invited to stay and share in this time of remembrance.

Please text Kandy or Brenda directly to let them know if you plan to attend so we can have a head count for food and planning purposes. 

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests that donations be made in Raul’s honor to Bayside Community Church, where we will be gathering to celebrate his life.
Donations may be made using the following link:
https://bayside.churchcenter.com/giving/to/fruitville-campus-tithes

Faith & Hope
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

We take comfort in knowing that Raul is at peace and in the loving presence of the Lord, and we are deeply grateful for the prayers, love, and support surrounding our family during this time.

Travel Information for Out-of-Town Guests

For those traveling to attend the services, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is our recommended airport, as all services and gatherings will take place in Sarasota, making travel and accommodations more convenient.

For guests requiring a larger international hub or additional flight options, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest major international airport and is approximately a one-hour drive from Sarasota.

Lodging Information

Hotel & Lodging Information

For family and friends traveling to Sarasota, the following hotels are conveniently located near Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and close to service locations. 

Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota–Bradenton Airport
 (941) 552-1460
A limited 15% Friends & Family discount is available. Please use this link.
Booking link:
 https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SRQNBGI&corporateCode=2731889&flexibleDates=true

As per contact: Nina Stenberg

Kompose Boutique Hotel Sarasota
 (941) 260-0700
A modern boutique hotel located near the airport and downtown Sarasota.
Booking link:
 https://www.hotelsone.com/sarasota-hotels-us/kompose-boutique-hotel.html

*They have not confirmed a bereavement discount but their rates are good.

Hyatt Place Sarasota–Bradenton Airport
 (941) 225-1900
Convenient airport location with comfortable accommodations for families.
Booking link:
 https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/srqza-hyatt-place-sarasota-bradenton-airport

When you call to make a reservation, request a bereavement travel rate as per Chloe.

Please feel free to choose the hotel that best suits your needs; the options listed above are simply offered as they are conveniently located near SRQ Airport, car rental facilities, service locations, and central Sarasota.

Rather than flowers or tree plantings, the family requests that those wishing to honor Raul consider a donation to Bayside Community Church – Fruitville Campus, the place where we will gather to celebrate his life:
https://bayside.churchcenter.com/giving/to/fruitville-campus-tithes

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raul V. Cox, please visit our floral store.