John Paul "My Panda" Vasquez

1987 - 2022

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my beloved son, John Paul Vasquez on October 29, 2022. He had just celebrated his 35th birthday. John Paul, also known as "My Panda," was born in Salinas, California on October 8, 1987. I, Lizabeth (Lisa) Vasquez-Ruiz, raised him in our hometown of Gilroy, California. John Paul was my third-born child. He is survived by his siblings, Lisa Marie Vasquez, Jonathan E. Vasquez, Laura E. Vasquez, Michael J. Ruiz, and Elijah C. Vasquez. He is also survived by Jennie Ochoa Vasquez, his grandmother. He was an uncle to Claire Vasquez and Ashton McGrew. His favorite aunt was Linda Howe and his favorite uncles were Mark Howe and Raymond (Tami) Vasquez. He leaves behind numerous loved relatives.

John Paul was an avid gamer and taught many fellow gamers. You could find him playing with family on various Playstation games. He was caring, and loving, and protected his family. He saved my life by performing the Heimlich maneuver, of which I will be forever grateful. He was the unsung hero who loved his family wholeheartedly. When his brother, Michael, had a hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 8, John Paul left college and sacrificed so much to be by his little brother's side. He stayed a month with us at Ronald McDonald House. He would drive across town just to give his little brother a ride, at times only a few blocks away. His acts of kindness and love were endless. He made food for his grandmother who has dementia and our family. He loved to cook. I remember my son lovingly carrying me upstairs when I could not walk. He had a beautiful heart and put others first by being selfless. Many relied upon his help as he was physically strong. He would help his disabled aunt Linda and uncle Mark Howe, and others, with their electronics.

His quiet gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him. His furry little daughter Bella (Chihuahua) was the apple of his eye. He took great pride in training and loving her. He would put cute outfits on her and would carry her where he went.

Visitation and vigil will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home. 129 4th Street, Gilroy, California. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Habing Family Funeral Home with a Memorial Mass at 12 p.m. at St Mary Church, 11 1st Street, Gilroy, California. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, 900 1st Street, Gilroy, California.

For those who would like to leave a personal note to be placed with John Paul please provide it prior to visitation on November 12. Please let my son know how much you appreciated and cared for him.

Our family would appreciate donations to Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation on behalf of Michael Ruiz. 977 Seminole Trail Box 367, Charlottesville VA 22901.