My dad, Recarido — known as “Uncle Boy” to many and “Papa” to me — has passed away, and my heart is broken. He was always quick with a joke, often in a mischievous way—like dropping a pan cover on the floor just to scare my aunties and grandmas until they’d cuss in Tagalog.

He was the oldest of seven siblings. After their Tatay passed away early on, their Nanay became the first in the family to emigrate to the U.S. Together, they worked tirelessly to reunite all the siblings with her. He carried that same work ethic throughout his life, working hard up until 73 years old. Even through his illness, he showed me what resilience and love truly look like.

As I grieve this loss, I’m also helping my mom, Bernadette, adjust to life without her partner. The financial weight of this transition has been heavy—funeral and memorial costs, medical bills, and the loss of income during this time. My brothers and I have been doing our best to support my mom while also taking time off work to care for her and ourselves through this loss.

I’m asking for help to cover:

1. Funeral and memorial expenses

2. Additional medical bills not covered by insurance

3. Living expenses for my mom as she learns to navigate this new chapter

4. Lost wages between my mom, brothers and I to be present with Papa

My mom is also terrified to continue living in the home where my dad passed away. If we are able to raise enough, I hope to help her transition into a new space, so she can have peace of mind as she begins this next chapter.

If you knew my dad, you know that he joked about everything, was a provider to the very end, and was stubborn in the way only he could be—never backing down if he thought he was right.

The more I share about who he was and how he showed up for his family, the more I realize I am like him in so many ways. Thank you for reading and for contributing in any way you can—whether it’s a donation of money, time, energy, or simply sharing his story. I am so grateful for your love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Richelle Ledesma