A Life of Kindness, Creativity, and Passion

Chino was more than just an amazing son, he was an amazing person, through and through. He had a heart full of kindness, a mind full of creativity, and an appetite that could rival anyone's!

He was a quiet observer of the world, someone who took things in, thought deeply, and always put effort into whatever he did. He wasn't just polite, he was genuinely respectful, someone who helped out in the classroom, at home, and anywhere else he was needed. His teachers always had the same things to say about him: "He's so polite." "He's the nicest kid." "He doesn't cause trouble." "He helps everyone."  That's who Chino was—a helper, a thinker, a creator, and a truly good soul.  But his passions were what made him truly unique.

A Gamer at Heart

From the moment he could pick up a controller, gaming was his world. He wasn't just

playing—he was strategizing, learning, and perfecting his skills. He spent hours mastering

Destiny 2, Borderlands 2, Terraria, Fortnite, Warframe, Roblox, Rainbow Six: Siege, Fallout 76, Exoprimal, and Minecraft. Likewise, he loved a challenge, and every game was an opportunity to push himself further.

But it wasn't just about the games, it was about the stories, the characters, and the worlds he could escape into. Anime was just as big a part of his life—he immersed himself in the epic journeys of Bleach, Demon Slayer, Tower of God, Chainsaw Man, DanDaDan, and Re: ZERO. He loved the adventure, the struggle, the victories, and the emotions that these stories brought to life.

A Mind Built for Creation

Chino wasn't just an artist, he was a builder. He loved to draw, sculpt, break things down, and put them back together. He was hands-on with everything, from LEGO STEM robots to

custom-building computers. Furthermore, he had a problem-solver's mind, always figuring out how things worked and how to make them better.

And recently, he had started learning guitar. Music was another outlet for him, and he was doing so well. We were actually in the middle of making a song together, one that we were supposed to finish the very next day. He was always exploring, always growing, always finding new ways to express himself.

His Love for Food & Family

Chino's love for gaming, anime, and building was matched only by his love for food. He was a foodie at heart, with a deep love for pizza, mushrooms, burgers, and seafood, especially mussels, mussels, clams, and lobster. And he wasn't shy about eating, either, he could take down a whole large pizza with no drink to wash it down!

When we moved to Atlanta, one of the things he loved most was the cold weather. Miami never got that cold, and once he felt that cool Atlanta air, he was hooked. And though he liked having his space, when he was in a room with others, he was always memorable. Not because he was loud, but because his presence was felt. He had this quiet, powerful way of being there, and you never forgot it.

At home, he helped with everything, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. He was that kid, the one who thought about others, the one who saw what needed to be done and just did it. He was the one you could count on, the one who didn't complain, the one who just... was good.

The Turtle Dad

And above all else, he was a Turtle Dad. His love for animals was deep, but his love for Bluey, his turtle, was next level. He treated her like a human baby, always watching over her, making sure she was safe, probably spoiling her just a little too much. He was super protective of her, making sure her space was just right, just like he liked his own.

A Love That Will Never Fade

I was so blessed to have him in my life. So blessed to call him my son. It hurts beyond words to know he's gone, but I know he's free now. I just wish I could have hugged him more. Told him I loved him more. But one thing I know for sure, Chino, you are, and always will be, my heart. We love you, and we will miss you every single day.