Juan Angel Ornelas Jr.'s Obituary
Juan A Ornelas Jr
Sunrise: October 29, 1982
Sunset: February 28, 2020
Juan A Ornelas Jr passed away tragically and unexpectedly on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the young age of 37. Juan is survived by his three children, Jonathan, 19, Angelina, 14 and Juanito, 10; along with his parents, Juan and Angelina, his sister, Corina, brother-in-law, RJ, and loving girlfriend, Nicole; and countless family members and friends who are all going to miss him terribly.
Juan was one of a kind and there really is no other way to describe him. Those that knew him best, knew that he was a kind and caring person who would do anything to help the people he loved. He was present – something that is so rare these days. He would check in with people and maintain friendships from decades ago, while constantly making new friends along the way. He was the most charismatic and engaging person, with an infectious laugh and a smile that lit up his entire face. He was a family man – he loved spending time with his kids and his immediate family, constantly letting them know how important and loved they were by him. He always made sure that everyone was taken care of.
His biggest role in life was that as a father. He started his family at a relatively young age but used the knowledge instilled in him by his own father to become a terrific Dad in his own way. He provided for his kids so they never went without; guided them until his last day; but most of all, he ensured that their happiness and well-being was always above his own. Nothing in this world was more important to him than his children. His oldest son will now use the knowledge provided to him to look after his two younger siblings, and Denise, whom Juan loved and co-parented with, is left as a sole parent for their kids. May she find the strength to carry on and continue the journey of raising their kids to be good and kind-hearted people, as they both wanted.
His parents are coping with outliving their son, their first-born child, while ensuring that his kids are taken care of. No parent should have to bury a child, but they are grateful to God for the 37 years that they were able to have him. It is from them, that his kind and caring nature comes from, and the respect he showed to those he loved, always. If they can find a silver lining in this tragedy, it should be that they raised a good man and gave him the examples necessary to become such a great father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner and friend.
Juan left this world before he could meet his niece – the first child of his sister and brother-in-law. He was so excited to find out that his little sister, someone he adored with all his heart, was finally taking the leap to become a mother and in turn making him an uncle for the first time. Now his niece will know her uncle spiritually and will be looked after by him from above, but his family and friends will make sure his niece knows how much he loved her and what an awesome uncle he would have been.
His girlfriend Nicole was his peace. Juan and Nicole had found their way back to each other just a little over a year ago, and he finally looked happy again. He had this new calmness to him that his family and friends hadn’t seen in many years. He was building a good life with her and their blended families and was looking forward to marrying her in the future. May he continue to love her the way he did from above.
He had many, many close friends, with most relationships going back to his childhood. His closest friends were like brothers, whose families accepted him in as their own. May they all find peace in knowing that he loved and cared for them, just as he did for his own blood.
This loss affects many, many people deeply, and the family asks that you keep them in your prayers during this difficult time. They also ask that you share stories or happy memories you have with him. You can also send photos for a slideshow that will be displayed during his Celebration of Life by emailing them to his sister at [email protected] or by text message to (510) 786-7806.
For those wishing to attend his services, the schedule is as follows:
Rosary, Tuesday, March 10th – 6:30 pm – Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Mass, Wednesday, March 11th – 10:00 am – Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Burial, Wednesday, March 11th – 11:45 am – Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery
Celebration of Life will follow immediately after the burial at Our Lady of the Rosary Church
May Juan’s family and friends find peace and comfort knowing that he had such an impact on so many people’s lives and that he will never be forgotten. May Juan rest in peace and visit us all often.
What’s your fondest memory of Juan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juan?
Share a story where Juan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juan you’ll never forget.
How did Juan make you smile?
