Angel Amarante

Angel Amarante, was a beloved figure, known within our family as "Miguelito," and warmly regarded in the Paterson community as "BBK – Beat Box Kid." Angel was born in Santo Domingo, RD and raised in Paterson, NJ. He passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 54. He will be remembered for his humor, his love of music, and his unforgettable presence.
He is survived by his cherished son, Angel ("Little Angel") Amarante, who was his pride and joy. He is also survived by his devoted mother, Iris Amarante, who was truly the love of his life. He is preceded in death by his father, Angel Amarante. Angel is further survived by his grandmother Petrolina Winsela and his stepfather Camilo Quiñones.
Angel leaves behind his siblings: Miosotis Amarante Caffrey, Maria Amarante, Jessica Amarante, Jesus Amarante Rivera, Martha Amarante Pleasant, Marilyn Amarante Ladson, Jonathan Quiñones, Jon Carlos Quiñones and Camilito Quiñones.
He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Cristine Ortiz, Krystal Ortiz, Carlos Ortiz, Melinda Perez, Melanie Perez, Isaiah Dillard, and Michael Dillard.
He leaves behind his uncles: Tio Manuel Peña, Tio Juan Amarante, Tio Diego Amarante, and Tio Luis De Peña. He is preceded in death by his uncles Tio Cesar Peña, Tio Jose Amarante, and his aunt Tia Iris Amarante.
Angel had a gift for making people laugh. At every family gathering, he was the person you could count on to fill the room with jokes, joy, and stories-and to leave with multiple "to-go plates," each piled as high as a mountain. His passion for music shaped much of his identity. In the 1980s, his love for hip-hop came alive through beatboxing. The Riverside community embraced him as BBK, a name that stayed with him throughout his entire life and even into his hospital room, where his sister Maria mimicked his legendary beatboxing in hopes of reconnecting him to the vibrant music and energy that defined him.
He adored his Dominican roots, his family, and especially his mother's cooking. Holidays were filled with excitement for him, and he made sure his son was surrounded with love from the family.
He will be remembered for his phrases - "La Baca" and "Whatever man, whatever" whenever he was agitated or angry - and the simple prayer he shared with his sisters when asked how he prayed to God: "Dear God, help me. Amen. Good night."
The family will forever cherish memories like the day when he became upset because his mother did not add enough meat to his plate, and to make light of the situation his sister Jessica quoted Scarface - "¿Qué más carne? ¿Qué más carne? ¡Así viene el sándwich, man!" - sending everyone into laughter.
Angel will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Paterson community who loved his spirit, his talent, and his enormous heart.
Let the family know you care by leaving your condolences, favorite memories and thoughts and prayers on the Tribute Wall.