In late 2024, our lives changed forever when our dad, Jose, was rushed to the emergency room. What we thought might be a treatable illness quickly turned into something much more serious. After many tests and hospital visits, we learned he was battling colon cancer.

On April 25th, 2025, Jose completed his chemotherapy and chemo-radiation treatments. We were hopeful. But just two weeks later, during a follow-up appointment, doctors gave us heartbreaking news — the cancer had spread to his liver and pelvic area. Despite everything, our dad stayed strong. He fought with everything. On July 15th, our dad Jose finally lost his battle with cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his sons, who were with him until he took his last breath.

Our dad was a proud, humble, and loving man who never let his pain show. Now, as we begin the difficult process of honoring his memory, we’re also facing the financial weight of unpaid medical bills, memorial services, cremation costs, and more. Like many families, we weren’t prepared for this kind of loss, and we’re asking for help from our friends, loved ones, and community.

Jose had one final wish: to have his ashes spread along the beaches of Oceanside, CA — a place he loved and dreamed of retiring to. He wanted his sons to be together with him one last time, by the water, where he always felt peace.

Jose was born in Mexicali, Mexico and raised across California during his younger years. He was a true family man who raised four sons — Oswaldo, Giovanni, Jose Jr, and Gary. He spent most of his life working in kitchens, first as a cook and then as a chef, and took pride in feeding others. He loved music, and in his early days, you could catch him playing gigs across the Bay Area with his bandmates. More than anything, our dad had a kind, selfless heart. He’d do anything to help someone out, make them laugh, or just brighten their day in any way he could.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and for keeping our family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.