Tomas Jose Ramon Ballesteros, III, age 68 of Clermont, Florida passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in Clermont, Florida. He was born on November 15, 1950 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Tomas Jose Ballesteros, II and Ana Mercedes Mattei. He attended high school at Colegio Ponceño de Varones, graduating in 1968. Tomas attended the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduating from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, he attended the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 1975 with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree.

Tom worked as a dentist for 44 years, spending 20 years serving his country in the United States Air Force (1975 – 1995) where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement from the Air Force, he continued practicing dentistry for 19 more years at his private practice, Ballesteros Dental in downtown Clermont. The remaining five years were spent raising hell on an advisory level, serving the Academy of General Dentistry, educating the next generation of dental hygienists at Valencia College and maintaining his continuing education credits.

He was an active member of the Phi Eta Mu fraternity, the District Board of Trustees at South Lake Hospital and the Friends of Lake Louisa State Park, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Lake County Dental Society, and the Marco Hunting and Fishing Club, among many other organizations for which his children cannot remember. (Sorry Dad, we couldn't keep up!)

Tom is survived by sons; Tomas Ballesteros, IV and Carl Ballesteros, his baby girl, Joanna Taylor, brother Jose "Memen" Ballesteros, and grandchildren; Carl "CJ" Ballesteros, Jr. and Carolynn Ballesteros.

He was passionate about his children, reading, politics, traveling and horses. Tom loved anything revolving around food and wine! He had a deep appreciation for nature and his faith in the Catholic church was something to truly admire. Tom's faith never wavered, even in times of great adversity. He was extremely invested in his community and took great pride in raising his children in Clermont, Florida. Tom focused all his efforts on making the world a better place for all. He focused especially on being an amazing father, for that we are eternally grateful.

Tom's family would like to extend a special thank you to his friends and brothers, who have always stood by his side.

He will always remain forever in our hearts.