His son Alexander Perdomo:

Papi, you were everything to this family and to me. You were always clever, funny, sarcastic, and loving. You always knew when to crack a joke or not crack a joke, but still say it anyway. We would all roll our eyes, say it wasn’t funny, or laugh out loud. You were so many things. There are countless memories I have with you. We did everything together. We would play basketball, baseball, or Super Mario Baseball. In all the moments we spent together, you taught me so many things. You taught me how to love, how to have fun, and how to be a hardworking person. Most importantly, you taught me how to treat others with kindness and respect to treat others the way you want to be treated. I won’t forget any of those lessons or values. Everything you instilled in me was to prepare me for if and when you weren’t here. And now you aren’t here, but I’m going to honor you in everything I do. I’m going to make you proud every single day. I pray that you watch over me and the family every day, and most importantly, I hope you rest peacefully in God’s hands and look down on us with love and happiness. I love you, Papi. Forever and always

From his daughter Angela Hernandez:

Today, I honor the man who chose to become my dad. The man who welcomed me as his own, loved me unconditionally, and changed my life forever through that love. Everything I am today which is my strength, my heart, the woman I’ve become is all because of you.

I still smile when I think about our mornings at Coco’s, sitting together over full-course steak and eggs at the age of 5. Somewhere in those moments, before either of us even realized it, you already knew I was your girl. I will spend the rest of my life grateful that I got to call you papi.

To the world, you may have simply been human. But to me, you were everything.

You were the dad who coached my little league softball team, who patiently sat beside me while I struggled through multiplication tables, who coached me interviewing, and who filled my childhood with memories that now mean more to me than words can explain. The weekends we spent together with Xander while doing drills in the park, laughing, just being together, are moments I replay constantly now. At the time, they felt ordinary. Today, they feel priceless.

We had our turbulence during my teenage years. There were moments when we struggled to understand each other, moments when I thought I knew everything and pushed back against the very person trying to guide me. But even then, you were always my calm. You grounded me. You had this sarcastic wisdom and humor that could break tension instantly and make even difficult moments feel lighter. No matter what was happening, you always found a way to make us laugh.

I think often about the time I insisted I didn’t need to sign up for college because I was convinced, I was destined to be with my boyfriend. I was so certain I had life figured out. But instead of meeting me with criticism or anger, you met me with patience, understanding, and guidance. That was who you were. You taught me not only how to believe in myself, but even practical things like how to carry myself, how to face life with confidence. You never stopped showing up for me.

And one of the greatest gifts you ever gave me was music.

Your endless pop quizzes about lyrics and artists, the songs you played for me, the way you appreciated music so deeply, all of it became woven into who I am. From my first concert to my first mosh pit, you were there beside me. Now every time I’m driving and hear certain songs come through the radio, I feel your presence all over again. Music became another place where you still live.

Papi, you were my light, my guidance, my protector, my rock, my savior. But more than anything, you were my dad.

And I honestly don’t know how to do life without you here. I only hope your spirit continues to guide me through every hard moment, every decision, every mile ahead of me, because it’s impossible to imagine this world without you in it.

But what I do know is this: your love changed my life forever. It shaped me, carried me, and will stay with me for the rest of my days. As long as I’m here, a part of you will always remain here too. I love you.