Tribute to Mel (Paul) Bravo

My name is Jr Bravo.  I'm starting this GoFundMe in memory of my first cousin, Melquiades Paul Bravo, who passed away on April 15, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 48.  He is survived by his brother (Arestides), his 3 kids (Andrew-29, Sophia-26 and Matthew-15), and his first granddaughter (Jasira-2).
During this difficult time, while we cannot gather together and give Mel (Paul) the sendoff that he so deserves, I know that many family and friends want to send their love and prayers to his family.  The proceeds from this GoFundMe page will go a long way to help his family make funeral/memorial arrangements. Once we can, we hope to have a memorial service for Mel (Paul) so that we can remember all the good times we shared with Mel (Paul) and his family.  

Mel (Paul) was born on May 14, 1971 to Melquiades (Teddy) and Salome (Sally) Bravo. Paul lived most of his life in Canarsie, Brooklyn where he attended Holy Family School, then Canarsie High School graduating in 1989. Mel (Paul) also went to Kingsborough Community College.  

The greatest gifts in Mel's life was his 3 children.  Mel always did whatever he had to to provide for his family.  

Mel (Paul) was always the happy go lucky guy we all knew him to be. Whether it was hanging out with his friends or his cousins in NY or out of state, I will always remember Paul for bringing me into the city when I was 7/8 years old for the first time without my parents.  Along with his brother Teddy, we took the NYC subway to get my first haircut in a salon on Astor Place. What an adventure!  Being the eldest of the 3rd generation Bravos here in NYC, he was always an example to his brother and many younger cousins.

You may have some of your own wonderful memories / fun stories of Mel (Paul) that you would like to share.  Let's remember and celebrate his life together!
 
I want to thank you in advance for your generosity especially during these trying economic times, but I know that I, like Paul's family, truly appreciate each and every one of you. 

R.I.P. Mel (Paul)