Juan E. Moises (1927-2015)

Juan E. Moises (1927-2015) 

Juan E. Moises died Friday evening January 16, at Mount Sinai - Saint Luke's Hospital in New York City. He passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by loving family members. Juan was 87 years old. He was born in Tamboril, Dominican Republic, on February 22, 1927. He was the son of Juan Moises, a native of Syria, and Juana Perez (born in the Dominican Republic). Juan came to New York City from the Dominican Republic in 1967 to work in the hotel industry. He retired in 1997 after 30 years of dedicated service. Juan is survived by seven daughters: Sarah, Raquel, Elvita, Teresa, Xiomara, Albania, and Margarita. He is also survived by his three sons: Johnny, Arturo, and Alberto. Juan has 14 loving grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

God Speed Juan Moises, My Grandfather/Mi Abuelo

Abuelo and I circa 1991

I don't know exactly when my grandfather Juan was born. Some time in the early 1930s. There is a lot I don't know about my grandfather, mi abuelito, that I wish I had.

My grandfather died tonight at 8:15 pm. I knew he was dying but I was in denial about it. I had a chance to talk to him on the phone but didn't. He was my only living grandfather, my paternal grandfather passed away before I was born, but he was mostly a stranger to me. The first and last time I saw him was in the summer of 1991 when I was 10 years old. I wish I could have spent more time with him but family relations kept us apart. I hope he knew he was loved and that he rests in peace.

Here are some photos from the time I got to visit him in NYC. Descansa en paz abuelito Juan.

My aunt Raquel, my mom, my grandfather and me.

My grandfather top left and my grandmother top third from the left.

My grandfather with his identical twin daughters Sarah (my mom) and Raquel (my aunt and namesake)

Abuelo Juan and me