I didn’t make it to get to hold your hand

Tell you goodbye

To see you in a final black suit and tie

And all though i did try

I didn’t make it in time to even fly

Maybe it’s blessing to not remember you as dust in a small box of white

My last memory of you will be bigger

Because you were nothing but love and light

My favorite one, is with us listening to old music in the car

And though the drive was far

Time flew with the jokes you threw

I swear Tio I will never forget you

Grief can not kill loves beautiful song

Your presence is here and its never gone

With each memory its grows strong

A bond that cant be broken

Even if words are not spoken

you’re part of our soul

Though grief takes a toll

And Tomorrow is not promised and fairness is not a game life plays

God knows we all prayed…

But You still couldn’t stay.

I saw that they sent you balloons to heaven

Hope you caught a few

Sara’s  speech was epic, But you already knew

You know They say dust is where we come from and to dust we must return

Excuse my french but thats bullshit, you are not limited to an Urn

You are light and you are love beyond skin

So Death doesn’t win

And though you leave a void behind,

we all feel your presence

Your laughter, your soul’s essence

In your own words, This is not goodbye, “this is see ya soon”

Just make sure you send off one of those famous Tio Oniell Whistles if you fly pass the moon.

When you see Andy, tell him I said “hey cuz rap me a tune”

Your memory will live on through all of us together

Now and forever

Beyond blood, beyond time we are family held together

You’re my uncle forever

Rest at ease

Be at peace

We will love you forever

-love your niece loli 

Tio, I love you.

You gave me something sacred…your love, protection and presence. With you, I felt safe. I felt known. I felt held. U allowed me to be myself, Your my  spiritual anchor my favorite comedian.

To his children….if you're reading this, I pray you feel no distance your father loved you more than words.There was not a moment we spoke that he didn’t mention you…carry you in his heart, or speak your names with pride. He admired you!!!!!!!! I can’t say it enough!!!!!! missed you!!! Longed for you!!! and held you in his spirit every day!!!! Every Day!!!!No circumstance no decision made before you, around you, or without u ever dimmed his love for u. Life has its way of writing stories none of us asked for. Pain complicates paths. But if you carry anything from him, let it be his capacity to forgive, to still love deeply even through silence, even through heartbreak. Your father’s spirit was immense. All of our conversations, in every moment of pride, in every story told with laughter and your names on his lips. I will always carry him in my heart. His love is woven into my being. Even though he’s no longer in skin, he is everywhere now. In the wind. ..In the stillness. In every place love shows up unexpectedly. Walk with honor your father is and will always be the man to me. He is 1 of 1. You are of him.  Every person you meet every stranger will feel his presence with you. He’s every star to me. You have the best dad and I was blessed enough to experience his love. 

I love you, Tio. 

My protector in soul. 

Sari

It’s still hard to believe that the father of my daughter, Carolina, is gone. I know everything happens in God’s perfect timing, but that doesn’t make the pain any easier. One of my biggest heartbreaks is that he never got the chance to meet his very first grandson, Aviayre Avant. I find comfort in knowing he will be watching over Aviayre and Carolina from above.

He was such a positive person—always smiling, always finding the bright side of life. He loved animals, cherished family, and absolutely loved being in the kitchen. We would often share recipes and compare ideas, and he would always say, “Hey you, try this!” Those moments will stay with me forever.

He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known, and his love and spirit will live on through his family. My heart goes out to his wife, his siblings, and his entire family during this time. This is truly a great loss to everyone who knew and loved him.