Juan H. Cintrón García facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan H. Cintrón García
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Mayor Juan H. Cintron Garcia
|
|
| 127th Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico | |
| In office 1968–1972 |
|
| Preceded by | Eduardo Ruberté Bisó |
| Succeeded by | Luis A. Morales |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 March 1919 Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Died | 22 September 2012 (aged 93) Ponce, Puerto Rico |
| Spouse | Elba Cintrón Ruiz |
| Children | Elba Lilian, Elena Herminia, Ileana del Carmen |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (BA) |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army Army National Guard |
| Rank |  Coronel |
Juan Herminio Cintrón García (born March 11, 1919 – died September 22, 2012) was an important Puerto Rican leader. He served as the Mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico, from 1968 to 1972. During his time as mayor, Ponce saw many new buildings and improvements. These included the Coliseo Juan "Pachín" Vicéns and the main government building in Ponce.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juan H. Cintrón García was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1919. He was the second child of Arturo Cintrón Gonzalez, a businessman, and Herminia Garcia Mercado, a teacher. He went to public schools in Ponce. He graduated from Ponce High School in 1936.
After working in his father's business for several years, he went to college. He earned a degree in business administration from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in 1971. It's interesting that he was already serving as the mayor of Ponce while he was still studying in college! In 1946, he married Elba Cintron Ruiz.
His Career and Public Service
.jpg)
Juan H. Cintrón García was the mayor of Ponce from 1969 to 1973. During his time as mayor, many important projects were completed or started.
Key Projects as Mayor
- The Juan Pachín Vicéns Auditorium, a large sports arena, was built.
- The Ponce Municipal Library moved to a new, modern building. This new library was right next to the famous Teatro La Perla.
- The Archivo Histórico de Ponce, which keeps historical records, was reorganized.
- The Avenida Las Américas road was made wider to help with traffic.
- The Centro Gubernamental de Ponce, a central government office building, was opened.
- The Francisco Montaner Stadium, a sports stadium, was also updated and improved.
Other Important Developments
Two other big projects started during his time as mayor. A new regional headquarters for the Puerto Rico Police was built. Also, construction began for the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. The Ponce city government helped by giving $250,000 for the university project. Mayor Cintrón García also rebuilt the old Hospital Municipal Tricoche.
Later Public Roles
After being mayor, Juan H. Cintrón García continued to serve Puerto Rico. From 1977 to 1984, he was the Secretary of Commerce for Puerto Rico. This was under Governor Carlos Romero Barceló. Later, from 1992 to 1997, he served as a city assemblyman in Ponce.
Military Service
He also had a distinguished military career. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Many years later, he retired as a Colonel from the Puerto Rico National Guard. In 2021, he was honored by being added to the Puerto Rico Veterans Hall of Fame.
Community Involvement
Juan H. Cintrón García was a founding member of the Ponce YMCA. He also served on its board and was vice president for two years. He was also the vice president of the Club de Leones de Ponce, which is the local chapter of the Lions Club International.
Legacy and Honors
Juan H. Cintrón García is remembered for his contributions to Ponce. On February 4, 2011, the Puerto Rico Senate approved a bill to name the Centro de Convenciones de Ponce (Ponce Convention Center) after him. This bill was passed on June 23, 2011. The convention center is now known as the Complejo Ferial de Puerto Rico Juan H. Cintron.
He is honored at Ponce's Park of Illustrious Ponce Citizens. Only a few of Ponce's many mayors are honored there. A street in Ponce, in the Urbanizacion Estancias del Golf, was also named after him. In June 2012, the Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands chapter of the American Legion dedicated its 89th convention in his honor.
Death
Juan H. Cintrón García passed away in Ponce on September 22, 2012. He was laid to rest at Ponce's Cementerio La Piedad in the Barrio Magueyes.
See also
- Ponce, Puerto Rico
- List of Puerto Ricans
- List of mayors of Ponce, Puerto Rico
