REMEMBERING BRONXITES WHO LOST THEIR LIVES TO COVID-19

My parents were loving people who only wanted to give their children and grandchildren the best life possible. They loved each other deeply in this life time and the next.

My best friend, and only Sister, died of Covid-19 related issues at Einstein on April 7, 2020.

Patricia Harriet Jackson was a lifelong resident of the Bronx; she attended PS 31, and Clarke Junior High School in the So. Bronx, and then completed her education at Walton High School, City College, Hostos and Lehman College.

Ms. Pat, or “Momma Condom,” worked as a HIV/AIDS Educator at Montefiore Adolescent AIDS Program up until her retirement in 2018.

She leaves to mourn her son, Damian, his wife Rachel, and grandchildren, her devoted brother Charles, the “Village”, as well as a host of friends, families and “adopted” children across the Bronx, and New York City.

My mom was my best friend, my protector and my inspiration all in one I looked up to her and everything she’s ever done for me

My grandmother was one of the most strongest independent women that I know. She lost her life to Covid unfairly & without goodbyes from her loved ones. She deserves to be recognized for the beautiful person that she was. She had a big heart & she was loved by many. She’s physically gone but she will never be forgotten. 🙏🏼

Ali Shaibi passed away in the Bronx due to COVID-19 on April 7, 2020, at the age of 65. Mr. Shaibi was born in South Yemen immigrated to the United States in 1972 and moved to the Bronx in 1978. He leaves behind 10 children and 34 grandchildren. He was loved by the entire community and will be missed greatly.

He was caring and loving to everyone who met him. To have him in your life is the biggest blessing. His love, smile, and laugh will truly be missed.

He was my My Father, My Dad, My friend. He took what was thrown at him and kept fighting. He grew up right alongside his most favorite place – Yankee Stadium where he was honored on the greatest field for his service in WWll in 2018. My Dad cracked jokes with that dry sense of humor, always had a quirky smile and he loved his family, his greatest accomplishment he would say. He reunited with my mom on April 8th, 2020, and for that I find comfort.

Queen and confidante of the family

Who is deeply loved and respected

Will be greatly missed throughout the family

-Morris Family

Sadly on the early morning of Monday, April 20, 2020, Frances R. Rudland was called up to be with her Lord and Savior. A beautiful soul who brought a smile to the face of everyone she came into contact with, she will be missed dearly by her spoiled pups Cash and Cinnamon, her devoted son Joseph, sister Eleanor, her several “adopted” children, friends, family and fiancé/partner of 21 years, Bob.

Born 4/1/1955; Passed 4/4/2020. “When a mother leaves, something of you goes with her, because there is nothing comparable to a mother. A warrior woman who was a great example of life; you were an oak of a woman, fighter, happy, and fantastic. A woman who made a difference. Loved by many and remembered by all. We will always carry you in our hearts.”

“Cuando una madre se va, algo de ti se va con ella, porque no hay nada comparable a una madre. Mujer guerrera que era un gran ejemplo de vida; fuiste un roble de mujer, luchadora, alegre, y fantastica. Mujer que marco la diferencia. Querida por muchos y recordada por todos. Te llevaremos siempre en nuestros corazones.”

Luis Rivera “Boyie” was a son, brother, nephew, cousin, teacher and friend. On March 30, 2020, he passed away due to Covid19 at the age of 25. We miss and love him.

Father of 3 beautiful Daughters, 2 grand children and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly. EBUDDDDY!!!!

Lorenzo Jacques Thaggard was born on December 31, 1960 to Barbara Thaggard Belchie and Tommy Cortez. He departed April 18, 2020. He was a native of NYC, a US Army veteran and a retired Social Worker of the City of NY Dept of Human Resources and Social Services where he served for over 20 years. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Carmen Calderon Quintana, March 13th, 1930 – April 14th, 2020. “Carmelita” was a caring and giving person. She was a woman of strong faith and belief. She loved a good laugh and telling jokes, albeit dirty jokes. She loved music and dancing and was known to do the occasional dance on tables during the holidays. From her time as a physician’s assistant to her days helping raise her grandchildren and great-granchildren, Carmelita was always there for family, friends, and even strangers in need. Whether it was a place to sleep, a “plato de comida” or a “taza de cafe” mom’s door was open. She will be sorely missed but remembered with all the love, joy, and happiness she gave to us all. Te queremos mucho Mami!

My Uncle (my mom’s brother) was very special to us. He was living in St. Patrick’s Nursing home prior to him passing away of COVID-19 on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. He loved to sing with his group. His famous phrase was “pass the jelly” when he walked into a room. He always smiled and cared so much for everyone. He loved having all different types of cologne so you always knew when he was around. We all wish we could have had a little more time with him but thankfully we were able to FaceTime him. I can still hear his last words to me “I love you very much.” We miss him very much and love him dearly.

The best husband one would’ve wanted. Family oriented. Love of his entire extended family. Ready to help anyone in need no matter who they are.

Deacon Ralph Johnson Sunrise 11/29/61 Sunset 3/31/20, Ralph aka “Ralphy” was born and raised and educated in the Bronx.  Ralph graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School.  Ralphy, alongside of his twin sister Regina Johnson, was born to the late Mrs. Caroline Jean Shivers and Mr. Johnny Ralph Shivers.  Deacon Ralph Johnson is the 6th sibling out of ten children.  He served faithfully at the Carolina Baptist Church alongside his wife Deaconess Rosetta Johnson.  Deacon Ralph Johnson loved God with all of his heart, soul and mind and he loved his neighbors as himself.  Ralphy was a humble, kind-hearted, humorous man, who always had a smile and a kind word of encourage for everyone who he came in contact with.  He was a hard worker, who labored on his job for 35 years, until he entered into his eternal rest.  Ralphy was the anchor of his family and he will never be forgotten, but will be sorely missed by his loving wife, son, daughter, six sisters, one brother, hosts of brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, and friends.

My father was special to me because he had a heart of gold. He worked for A.E.C.O.M. as a mental health therapist for over 30 years. He would cook with my mom for the patients and coworkers. He would have people come and perform for the patients. He was a great father, grandfather and great grandfather. My siblings feel the same way I feel about him. Even though he’s in a better place and it hurts that he’s no longer here in the physical world, we’re grateful that we as a family have wonderful memories of the moments we spent with him. There are times that I see pictures and videos in Google photos pop up or listen to his jibaro music and I cry because I miss his voice, laughter or just spending time with him in Kings Harbor. He ascended into Heaven March 29, 2020. It hurt us not to be able to be with him as he went with the Lord and our loved ones.

Karen was a beautiful person, caring and loving especially for her sister and her nieces and nephews. We did a spiritual journey together to Cuba with her church Bethel Assembly and it was such a blessing to the people there that many of them just wailed. As a colleague with Children’s Services she would serve the community well. She had a beautiful voice but only sang for the lord. I did get a chance to say goodbye but I know she is walking with the angels in heaven.

He was the love of my life. A loving father, son uncle, grandfather, brother and friend. He was so special to many people. He was a staple in the community because he provide automotive services for more then 25 years in the Bronx. Everyone I come across say that he was a good man and recall either how they met or a memory. Hearing that warms my heart because I know he was special not only to me but to others.

She always shared what she had with others.

She was my mother and my friend. We lived in each other pocket after the father of my father in 2010. My mother was warm smiles and helping hands. She was beloved by her friends and her family and her passing from this disease has left a hole in our lives.

My sister was the most loving and generous person to all who knew her. She left a big void in so many lives especially mine, my husband, my kids and my nephew. 💔

My mom Loss her life to Covid April 10, 2020. She was a very special mom. As a single mom who raise 10 children and adopted 3. Due to domestic violence to did this on her own. She put us all through Catholic school in St Pius and volunteer for years in the lunch room. She put us all through college. My mom sacrificed so much so we could have a good life. My mom was our anchor and we are all a very close family. My mom in her 80 still was able to cook for all 57 of us her daughters, sons, grandchildren, great and great great grandchildren. She leaves behind all of us with a broken heart. We will always love her and miss her

My father died from COVID-19 related illnesses at 10:51 PM on March 25, 2020. He was 82 years old.  He was born and raised in Jamaica and resided  in the Bronx for over 50 years. He was a legal resident for many years and we filed his citizenship papers one week before he died. He had a gentle and peaceful spirit.

May he Rest In Peace.

My cousin Betty Jo passed of Covid in April 0f 2020. She is greatly missed by her children, siblings, family members and friends. She was a health care worker, had a big heart, and loved her family.

Maria Colón is survived by her husband, 2 sons and 1 daughter and many grandchildren and great-grands. Titi Mayito as her nieces and nephews knew her was almost 96 years old, and was the last of 9 siblings of the Colón Blanco family from Barranquitas, PR. Titi Mayito worked for the ILGWU and was known for her magic at the sewing machine. She took care of most of the kids in the family at one time or another. She was our family’s treasure, and died at the Bronx Rehabilitation and Nursing Center a week after her family was assured that she was fine. Family received no face time call, no good bye, just a call after she had died. Adios con el Corazón!

He was the love of my life, we were married 45 years. We had 3 children, Jarell, Sheronda and Steven. Two grandsons, Jo’Sean and J’Adore. He loved all of his family and was a respected role model in the community, and he served with the Marines in the Vietnam War and was awarded three Purple Hearts.

My dad was a loving and caring person. Loved by all he came across. My uncle (his brother) was also a very loving and beautiful soul. Always very welcoming to all.

My mom, my hero. My mom was a retired special education paraprofessional for 16 years. I miss you.

My mother was a warm and giving person. She would go out of her way to help anyone.

My father was a man of perseverance who tirelessly worked as a taxi driver to care for his family. He helped bring his mother, siblings and in-laws from the Dominican Republic so that they could have more opportunities. His strength, intelligence, wisdom and spirituality will live on through his children and grandchildren. Te adoramos, papi.

My father Cesar Morales passed on April 15, 2020, a caring father, very special person, always helped those who needed a helping hand, a Patriarch who devoted himself to bring the entire family to live with him here in the Bronx, a hero of his native Dominican Republic.

He was the best husband, Father and a great human being .
My best friend, my protector and caretaker.
37 years together. Passed away from Covid December 11,2020. We missing him so much.

Willie Anderson was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He serviced in Vietnam as a Sergeant in the United States Army. He was also a successful businessman. He loved to travel and entertain. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

We looked up to you and admire the life you gave to us. Thank you for all your struggles. Love u dad

My mother was my rock, my best friend, and I lost her unfairly to COVID19. I miss her so much every single day. As I go on, I will continue to honor her in being a strong woman just like she was in her life.

“Juan “Miñoso” Araujo, my dad, was the best example of a human being I have ever known. I will miss my super hero. He was loved and respected by everyone he came across. I’ll miss hearing his stories of when he 1st rode the train, not knowing any english, heading to the Bx in the late 1960s, on the IRT E.180″  Te Queremos. R.I.P. Papi, Joanne Araujo, Juan A., and mami Carmen Rosa.”

Daniel M. Garcia, native of The Bronx (born at the old Lincoln Hospital!), was educated in the NYC public school system. After high school graduation, Danny left New York to attend the University of South Florida where he majored in Education with a minor concentration in Spanish.  Returning to New York City, Danny worked in private industry, but he soon realized that his true calling was in the field of education.  He began his career at IS 52 in The Bronx, where he stayed from 1973 to 1980—achieving an even greater benefit: meeting his future wife, Bertha, introduced to him by her parents. It is important to acknowledge that three great sons were born to Danny and Bertha as he progressed through his career in education from IS 52 to coordinating the  Bilingual Education Program for elementary schools in District 8 to assuming role of IS 74 Assistant Principal to finding his home at PS 130, becoming Assistant Principal and then being promoted to Principal, the position from which he retired in 2007. However, retirement was not really an option for Danny as he accepted the role of Staff Developer for the Icahn Charter Schools in 2008, then Principal of Icahn Charter School 1 and, ultimately, the role of Deputy Superintendent of Icahn Charter Schools in 2012.  A wonderful career achievement surpassed only by the gaining of a daughter when his oldest son married Stephanie and the couple later blessed Danny and Bertha with a beautiful grandson, Daniel!

Let’s give PS 130 the name of a true leader with whom the students and all of the surrounding community can identify!