Interview, Jose Lugo

Born in Puerto Rico in 1963, Jose Lugo moved to Rochester, New York, with his mother and stepfather in 1979. Lugo learned to speak English at Monroe High School. After graduation, he spent three years in the United States Marine Corps. He found work at various businesses and institutions over the years, including the University of Rochester and the Monroe County Sherriff’s Department. Lugo moved back to Puerto Rico in 1994, but found there were few employment opportunities there. He returned to Rochester in 1995 and landed a job with Campus Safety at Nazareth College.

In his interview, Lugo talks about his parents, his ex-wife, and his three daughters. He explains that his transition from Puerto Rico to Rochester as a teenager was difficult due to the language barrier. He indicates that he tried to raise his own children as bilingual, but they were resistant, and that his daughters later regretted not having learned enough Spanish. Lugo admits that his connection to the Puerto Rican community in Rochester is not strong, but notes that he observes certain Latino culinary traditions and holidays. Lugo identifies himself as being from Rochester, rather than from Puerto Rico.