TV pioneer Paquito Cordero dead at 77.

Local television pioneer Paquito Cordero died at his home Tuesday morning. He was 77.

Cordero, a veteran TV producer, comedian and screenwriter, had been troubled by respiratory problems in recent years.

“With much sadness we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, Don Paquito Cordero, who died at his home at 6 a.m. Tuesday morning surrounded by his entire family, wife, children and grandchildren,” the family said in a statement.

“The family is grateful for the solidarity of all those who loved, admired and respected him. We will be providing funeral details later in the day,” continued the statement issued by Yaitza Maldonado Rivera, the wife of Cordero’s son Santiago Cordero.

Maldonado Rivera said a wake for the local television pioneer would be held at Buxeda Funeral Home in Hato Rey.

Cordero was born Francisco Cordero Báez in Santurce in 1932.

After graduating from Santurce’s Central High School, Cordero attended the University of Puerto Rico and married his childhood sweetheart, known by all as “Cuqui.” The couple had two daughters and a son.

In the 1960s, Cordero formed his own Paquito Cordero Productions, Inc.

In January 1965, Telemundo transmitted the first program produced by Cordero called “El Show de las 12” (The 12 O’Clock Show), which went on to become one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved programs for more than 40 years.

Other popular programs produced by Cordero include “Noche de Gala,” “Walter, Las Estrellas y Usted,” “Mi Hippie Me Encanta,” “El Show de Chucho,” “En Casa de Juanma y Wiwi,” and “La Gente Joven de Menudo/Menudomania,” among many others.

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