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Edward Sotomayor Jr.
1981 - 2016
Edward Sotomayor Jr.
1981 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1981
DIED
2016
Edward Sotomayor Obituary
Sotomayor was known among friends for the top hat he typically wore to events, prompting the nickname Top Hat. He sent a video to a friend less than an hour before the shooting began, captioned: "my people are here. Top hat is popular." Another friend described him as "very outgoing, very friendly," and an "all-around great guy."
106 Entries
Joseph
February 19, 2025
Eddie. You're reputation preceeded you. You were an amazing person and I'll never forget that night we went out with Steve and Matt. I've felt terrible for years thinking I'd have to replace you're legacy bc brothers handlers are family
But I know it's not what you want. You are beautiful and shy, just the type I liked to blush. See you in the heavens, prince.-wgh
Rich B.
April 2, 2021
Sounds like he was an amazing young man taken too soon along with 48 other victims
Dana aurora Müller
April 5, 2017
Eddie, it's almost a year since you're gone. And I really miss you right now! Everytime I think of that night I start bawling! You were one of the nicest and friendliest persons I've meet on my America vacation after high school graduation. It's makes me very sad that our friendship ended so short after it began. I miss you! Orlando misses you! We all miss you! Thank you for being such an Angel! I hope to see you back in heaven!*with an tophat*
Gus and Richard Bourgette
December 10, 2016
We never knew you, but now know what an amazing young man you were. Rest In Peace.
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November 16, 2016
I woke up June 12 knowing something just wasn't right. Since that day, I have not been the same. I grieve every day for the 49 that were lost, and today, I read your obituary, and the tears started flowing. What an amazing man you were and loved by so many. You were a beautiful addition to the human race, and although some may not believe, I believe you are with God and the others waiting for us to join you on the other side in Heaven. Your murders will not be in vain. So many are fighting create change in this nation, and we will keep fighting until we get it. Rest, Eddie, and one day I hope to see you all in paradise.
Bruce Crow
August 17, 2016
July 11, 2016
Psalms 72:14: From oppression and from violence he will rescue them, And their blood will be precious in his eyes.
Mark and Bob McCormick-Fletcher
June 25, 2016
To Eddie's family and friends, may he rest in peace and guide us from above. We will keep you in our daily prayers.
Walter
June 25, 2016
June 23, 2016
I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Eddie. I did not know him, but his passing has touched me deeply.
I met Luis at the crosses memorial and tried to console him, not knowing who he was. His grief really broke my heart.
Please know that many in Orlando are grieving for your son. I can tell from his obituary that he was very loved.
May the Lord bless you.
Sonia (Sotomayor) Drudge
Orlando, FL
Tenita Reid
June 23, 2016
With deepest sympathy to your loved ones. I am sorry for this tragedy that took Eddie's life, from someone filled with hate. May Eddie's soul rest in eternal peace. Sent with love.....
Michael Cady
June 23, 2016
May you forever rest in peace! I know you are in a better place now!
Jamie Wilson
June 22, 2016
Eddie ~ You'll be missed tremendously!!! My sincere condolences to the family.
JW
Jerretta Bratcher
June 22, 2016
I never got to meet Edward and only know of him through a friend, but can tell that he will be missed greatly. My prayers are with his family and friends. May peace be with you all.
Lori Silva
June 22, 2016
I met Eddie on a cruise this past January. I immediately adored him. First thing I said about him was "he's a cutie pie". I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be at his service, I have a strong feeling of wanting to be apart of it. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all ❤
crystal sullivan
June 22, 2016
I went to school with this gentleman and, although we weren't close he made such an inpact in one my best friends lives (Antonio "Tony" Norris)by helping him accept that he was gay. I will forever remember him for helping my best friend to be happy and, accept himself. Thank you Eddie for your positive loving heart. I know that you and, Tony are dancing with the angels.
Till we meet again dear friend,
Crystal Sullivan
C/o 2000 BHS
Bill and Nancy Siebecker
June 22, 2016
Kim,
We are so sorry to hear of the tragic death of your brother Eddie. We imagine that he must have shared the same wonderful and caring persona that we have come to know in you, his dear sister.
We send heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your whole family.
Josh Woodson
June 22, 2016
Rest well my sweet friend. ❤❤❤❤❤
June 22, 2016
I did not have the priviledge of knowing Eddie, but I feel his loss and those of the LGBT community. It is nice to learn he made this world a better place.
Deepest regards and sympathy,
Cherie Cleland
Arlene Terry/Bower
June 22, 2016
Dear Sandy, Ed and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and that you all and Barb and Jess are having to go through this once again. Just remember your son will be held in my heart forever, just as Billy is. The grieving never goes away but a peace will come in time. Hold tight to one another and keep the memories alive. My love to all of you. I continue to pray for Eddie.
Arlene Terry Bower
Susan Nicholson
June 22, 2016
My heart goes out to the family for their loss. I cannot even imagine the sorrow.
June 21, 2016
Kim:
We were very sorry to learn of the tragic and senseless death of your brother.
We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Maxine and Warren Opal
June 21, 2016
So sorry for your loss, this was a senseless act. My heart is heavy you and your family. Barbara Houser (MSS)
June 21, 2016
Rip Eddie
Lori Nydick
June 21, 2016
I am deeply sorry for your incredible loss. May you all find strength and comfort from one another during this difficult time.
carrabbas
BRUCE CROW
June 21, 2016
Eddie I so miss you! You were like a son to me. I was honored that you lived here with me since 2012. Our trips to Canada together and our good times will never be forgotten! Your an angel. God will surely post you at the gate as a greeter to Heaven. Love you always. Bruce.
James De La Fuente
June 21, 2016
My sincerest condolences. Eddie was genuinely good. He will truly never be forgotten .I will miss you my friend. Til we meet again... Now, what about those themes???
Mark Eary
June 21, 2016
You will be sorely missed. All the good times of the last 14 years I will never forget. My sincere condolences to his family
Debbie Bartolacci
June 21, 2016
To the family I am so saddened by the loss of Eddie. I did not ever meet Eddie in person but know him through my son who thought the world of him. He definitely was loved by many and will always live on in the hearts of so many. God bless you always.
Jean Rosamilia
June 21, 2016
We send our sincerest sympathies to Eddie's family & friends. I did not know Eddie personally but I believe my Nephew Tommy knew him from the cruise that he was on a couple of years ago. Such a senseless tragedy of lives gone too soon. May he rest in peace
Daniel Ziegler
June 21, 2016
Eddie was a great person and I loved his Witty personality cause we would always laugh as we threw friendly barbs at each other. His smile was infections with just a little bit of mischievous. I was lucky enough to have met and called him a friend. We could go months without seeing each other but when we would see each other it was like no time had passed. Heaven gained 49 beautiful angels that night and Eddie will certainly be missed but he is looking down over all his family and friends.
Rebecca Prozzo
June 21, 2016
You are more expansive now, Eddie, in the greatest flow all. I will treasure your memory and will honor you at Booker High School.
Love you, son
Ms. P.
Candy Man
June 21, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are extended to the family and friends. What a beautiful soul and tragic story.
Victor Zarate
June 21, 2016
I always new you as a happy, friendly goofball. I will forever miss you and the great times we had bud. Love you! R.I.P
Frank Warren
June 21, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Eddie was a truly amazing person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. <3
Patricia Squicciarini
June 21, 2016
Sincere sorrow and condolences from the Squicciarini family in Amityville, NY. He was so obviously loved and a wonderful man. God bless.
Kim Magic
June 21, 2016
I'm so sorry. Eddie was a beautiful soul. His character would light up a room. God bless!
June 21, 2016
We send our deepest sympathy to the Sotomayor family. Seevers family.
Nancy & Krista Uren
June 21, 2016
I don't know where to begin. We have known you since Middle School. You were like the son we never had & Krista's big brother. Every time we went to Adventure Island, you came. Every Christmas Eve your family came over. You would always ask Krista to have "mom" make :pigs in the blankets" ( I would make tons). You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. We are beyond devastated. Holding your family in prayer.
Ruth West
June 20, 2016
You are one person I will never forget. Your laugh, your smile, and your sweet words. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Prayers with your family sweet friend... Xoxoxo
Our silly Christmas, our tradition!
Steven Mamarchev
June 20, 2016
Eddie: You were and always will be the Special man in my heart. I am so devastated that you are gone, and were unable to reach the pinnacle of your short but amazing life. I am forever grateful that we were able to share so much, and will cherish every minute until my own end. My next Hawaii trip will be in your honor as I am taking your spirit with me. Aloha, my prince, and love always, Steve
PROUD UNCLE KEITH WITH HIS NEPHEW
KEITH DANIELS
June 20, 2016
I wish to relate that, though we never actually did meet, I learned from an account of your cousin, David Sotomayor, that we were at the same Gay Days event in 2007 on or in direct proximity to the Disney World property (I was one of the most prominent dancers, including at all the outdoor pool parties, for all the events held at the host hotel). Rest in peace, Eddie, I am certain that you are playing a positive role for The One Above as an angel in heaven. My sincerest of condolences to your surviving kin and partner, may they find comfort in knowing that you passed away heroically not long after saving the life of your partner and then being tragically struck. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich Martin Jr.
June 20, 2016
Prayers, strength and heartfelt caring thoughts to your family and friends. God Bless you guardian angel in heaven. RIP in paradise
Kevin Pagano
June 20, 2016
Eddie helped me back in 2005 to get on my feel when I first moved to Florida. He introduced me to the musical wicked. Remember him playing "For Good" constantly and telling me it reminded him of his sister. You were one of my favorite memories in Florida Eddie. I'm sorry we lost touch and my heart and thoughts are with your family. I'll miss you, my friend.
Beverly Porter
June 20, 2016
I remember Eddie from high school he was a wonderful young man Ms Porter
June 20, 2016
To Kim and the Sotomayer family...you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time...please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one-Bob and Trish Brink
Stan and Jo Rutstein
June 20, 2016
Please accept our sincerest sympathy in the loss of your Brother.
June 19, 2016
To the sotomayer family my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your family Cheryl Williams
June 19, 2016
Eddie and Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My heart breaks for all your family.
May God comfort you as you remember all the good times you and your son shared.
With much love,
Ron and Ernestine Zipperer
LW
June 19, 2016
Praying for you all. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you all during this difficult time.
Jarib Quintal
June 19, 2016
Rest in peace beautiful angelEveryone is going to miss you... We all wish that we could meet again someday.
June 16, 2016
To the Sotomayor family,
My deepest condolences your family for the loss of Edward aka top hat. My heart is with you.
Kimberly M
Winston Salem, NC
June 16, 2016
My deepest condolences. What a tragic loss! There is nothing I can say to take away the pain but know that our almighty Father hates injustice. He understands your pain and will remove wickedness forever and fill the earth with peace. Until then may God strengthen you and give your family and friends some comfort. Psalms 37:10,11
Rich Martin Jr.
June 16, 2016
Prayers, strength and heartfelt caring thoughts to your family and friends. God Bless you guardian angel in heaven. RIP in paradise
AMOR Y PAZ
A M
June 16, 2016
Steven Thornton
June 15, 2016
Prayers of comfort, strength, and peace to the family. Rest in peace Edward.
Iris
June 15, 2016
I don't know Eddie Sotomayor, but friends mine do Marcy Schwab-Clough and Adam Clough. I want send a message to let the family know that you and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Newby
June 15, 2016
R.I.P Eddie u will never be forgotten
OrlandoStrong
Winter Park
June 15, 2016
Prayers and Strength to your family. You will not be forgotten.
Andrew Bouska
June 15, 2016
I miss you Eddie. We met randomly by some crazy twist of fate--I sat next to you on the bus coming home from Typhoon Lagoon. We chatted about life, and from that point, my life was much brighter and much better because of you. I looked forward to seeing you every year at the pool parties in Orlando, and it won't be the same next year without your wit, your charm, and your smile to guide us. I wish you well on your next journey. Take care Top-Hat. xo
June 15, 2016
My sincere condolence to you family. May you have peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Susy Welsh
June 15, 2016
RIP Eddie.......my heart is broken........I am so sorry that someone extinguished your life.........I remember teaching you Music @ Tuttle Elementary School.........your spirit will live on in all of our hearts!!!!!! Prayers for your family, friends, & all who were touched by your brief life!!!!!! We love you!!!!!!
Dave Smith
June 15, 2016
RIP Top Hat
Stephanie
June 15, 2016
Sending love and heart-felt sympathy to Edward's family and friends ... holding you all close in my thoughts and prayers.
June 14, 2016
I do not have the pleasure to have met you when you were still here. But I know people that knew you, and they all say what an azing person you were. So sad to have to be taken from the ones that you so young, but you are a here Edward and you will always be remembered by all that knew you. R.I.P. brother.
Chris Miller
June 14, 2016
Tarik Jenkins
June 14, 2016
You will always be my best friend and my first love. I will fight for you always. I will always love you. Words cant describe what we had.
Edward Maholic Jr
June 14, 2016
You are a shinning star my friend......Very sadly missed. I pray you rest in peace.
Rosalie Tracy
June 14, 2016
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your amazing loved one. Palm Springs grieves with you in the tragic and senseless loss.
June 14, 2016
A friend from Pennsylvania
Patricia Bergna
June 14, 2016
You will be really missed. I will keep fighting for you, for your family, for my friends, for us.
Rebecca Scurry
June 14, 2016
You were takin to soon, but you will never be forgotten. Heaven has gained another angel.
Clara
June 14, 2016
God bless
Louie Partida
June 14, 2016
Although we never met , Im heartbroken and may your family receive much comfort as you watch over them..
Chris Copelli
June 14, 2016
Eddie, you were a true gentleman. Kind, witty, charming and always a joy to be around. No one who met you will ever forget you, and so you will stay in our hearts always.
Chris Kinsey
June 14, 2016
Eddie R.I.P. Gone But Not Forgotten!
Jaine Stephens
June 14, 2016
May you rest in peace. Our hearts are heavy, and memories of you will live with us.
Tom Parker
June 14, 2016
He helped create some of my most cherished memories. I'll always think of him when I see a handsome man in a top hat. Rest in peace, Eddie.
Andy Johnson
June 14, 2016
Saddened and mourning-God Bless
James De La Fuente
June 14, 2016
More than a man. More than a Hero. More than missed... U brought the world peace and love as you brought it together. You are godsend that has been called home. Your my hero. You are loved. RIP Eddie. You helped me more than u know.
Jeff Earley
June 14, 2016
I can't believe your are gone, we just celebrated OMW, and talked about getting together for dinner. This is so surreal, and unfathomable. my heart bleeds for Luis, your family and the countless people you've touched in your amazing life. Goodbye My fellow Sarasota brother may you be at peace as your wings Soar high through the heavens.
Gordon Travis
June 14, 2016
You were just a major bright light x
George Montalbano
June 14, 2016
I am so sorry that this angel was taken from our Cruise Family way too early. Rest In Pride!!!!
Shawn Ostertag
June 14, 2016
Eddie your are truly going to be missed. It has been a little while since I last saw your crazy A-- lol. But seems like yesterday we were talking about our next trips we were taking and the crazy thing's were going to get in too. I'll for sure miss that smile and your eyes so caring and full of love. I cannot wait to see on my next trip. With my love and prayers my friend I'll miss you.
Kenneth Nading
June 14, 2016
Rest in PRIDE kind sir
Juan Fajardo
June 14, 2016
I just met him one week before this tragedy, and i had the fortune to work with him for 3 days and i can assure that he is one of the best persons i have ever met before, the world has lost one amazing person that will be missed, it's in our own selves to continue with his legacy of being a good human being tours everybody.
Raj Singh
June 14, 2016
We met briefly when you visited Toronto and our the memory of you will last a lifetime. Your smile and positive attitude were infectious. You were a beautiful soul and the world lost a great man, but gained an angel. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Mary Manfredi
June 14, 2016
This is my eternal flame for you Eddie may you fly high and watch over the rest of us
Jason Howell Lindsey Devereaux
June 14, 2016
Keith Begley
June 14, 2016
Rest In Peace Top Hat !
All my love ❤
Randy Thompson
June 14, 2016
He is the sweetest, and honest men I know. It is a pleasure to call him a friend. All the cruises and conventions well not be the same without him .
June 13, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss... I don't know Edward... never met him, but unfortunately, I know loss by the hands of hatred... My thoughts and prayers to all who loved and knew him...
Jane
Angel
June 13, 2016
Your family is in my prayers!!
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