In Loving Memory of

Nelson Javier Sotolongo

September 20, 1968 – October 21, 2025

Hello everyone,

My name is Tanairi (Muchie)—as I’ve always called myself, the lost daughter. With my mom’s permission, I created this GoFundMe because many family members and friends have been reaching out, asking for a Zelle or Cash App to help. To make things easier and more organized for everyone, this page allows all contributions to be made in one place.

There is absolutely no obligation. All donations will go directly to Lys Sotolongo and will be shared with his sister, who has already ensured that his burial expenses are fully covered.

Your love, support, and kindness mean so much to our family during this difficult time.

As many of you know, Nelson Sotolongo was an incredible person—full of love, joy, and kindness. He was always willing to help others and had a heart that touched everyone around him.

Nelson cherished Lys Sotolongo, sharing 33 remarkable years together and 25 beautiful years of marriage filled with unwavering love, laughter, and gratitude alongside their children. On their wedding day, he didn’t just marry our mother—he opened his heart completely and took my brother, Maxwell Rodriguez, and me, Tanairi Estrella, into his life as his own. From the very moment we met him, he was already the best father anyone could ever ask for.

Later, he embraced Mariah Perez with the same boundless love and welcomed a wonderful daughter-in-law, Christina Rodriguez, into his heart as family. His grandchildren—Maxwell Rodriguez Jr., Myles Rodriguez, Damian P. Estrella Jr., and Dominic Estrella—were his pride and joy. The love he carried for them shone brightly in every smile, every word, and every moment spent together.

The love he had for his family was endless. He often spoke proudly of his “favorite sister,” Maggie Sotolongo, and his “best brother,” Javier Sotolongo. He cherished his uncle Pedro Sotolongo, and his cousins Yleana Sotolongo, Pedro Sotolongo Jr., Omar Sotolongo, and Omar Sotolongo Jr. He also cared deeply for his mother-in-law Nereida Ibaceta and his brothers-in-law Francisco Ibaceta and Raul Ibaceta, as well as his many godchildren—each of whom held a special place in his heart. His friends meant the world to him and were truly like family.

There are no words that could ever describe how amazing of a man my daddy was. He was hardworking, loving, protective, and selfless. He did everything he could to provide for his family and to make sure we were okay. God truly blessed us with such an incredible man.

Even when he was sick, he never showed his pain. He didn’t want to burden anyone with his struggles or let anyone see him weak. He fought through heart problems with all his strength and courage, never once giving up.

One thing that was always certain was his love for his religion. His faith was his life. Through his spiritual journey in Santería, he gained immense love, respect, and joy. It gave him peace and strength, even in his hardest days.

Unfortunately, his time came sooner than any of us expected, but we take comfort knowing that he passed peacefully. His pain is finally over, and he is resting in a better place.

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Service Information

Wake Service

Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home

2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Burial Service

Rosedale Cemetery

750 E Linden Ave, Linden, NJ 07036

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Church Mass Dedicated to Nelson Sotolongo

St. James Episcopal Church

300 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740

Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 12:00 PM

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Once again, thank you to everyone who has reached out, offered prayers, or shown love in any way. Our family deeply appreciates every message, call, and act of kindness.

From the bottom of our hearts,

Nelson’s Family