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Paul Chester Obituary
PAUL CHESTER
PAUL LAMAR CHESTER, an inspiring, gentle young man of 16 years, died at eight in the morning on October 16, 2003 from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident a week earlier. Paul was a wonderful son and brother, a true friend and classmate, and the object of deep and unending love from a myriad of extended family members.
Paul was a junior at Georgetown Preparatory School where he excelled in academics, varsity football, rugby, debate, drama, and chorus. His classmates and friends admired him for his wit, intelligence, and even temperament. While Paul's 6'7" height assured that he would stand out in a crowd, his effortless brilliance and his gentle, embracing heart are what truly defined him. Paul's unassuming nature belied an Intelligence and depth of soul that profoundly touched all who met him.
Travel was very much at the center of Paul's life with his family. In his sixteen years, Paul traveled from Africa to Europe, throughout South and Central America, around the Caribbean and North America. These many experiences fueled Paul's innate openness to diverse cultures, ideas, and an intangible spirituality. Paul possessed a wisdom and maturity that far exceeded his years.
Paul is survived by his mother, Aileen Marty, a physician and professor of Emerging Infections & Pathology for the National Defense University; his father, William Chester, a physician at Shady Grove Hospital and President of Greater Washington Anesthesia, and his adored and cherished sister, Alina, an eighth grader at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. He also leaves behind legions of friends and family members that were astonished and delighted by his seemingly limitless talents and are devastated by the tragedy of his all too sudden passing.
In lieu of flowers, a trust fund is being established for a Georgetown Preparatory School Scholarship in Paul's name. Those wishing to contribute individually, may send checks made out to "Paul Chester Memorial Fund" to: Georgetown Preparatory School, 10900 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD. 20852.
On Saturday evening, October 18, 2003, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. a viewing will be held at Georgetown Preparatory School located at 10900 Rockville Pike North Bethesda, MD 20852. The following day, on Sunday October 19, Father Greg Eck will lead a service for the Rite of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of our Lady of Lourdes at Georgetown Preparatory School. All members of the Georgetown Prep community, as well as all others whose lives have been touched by this extraordinary young man are welcome to attend.
Paul will be part of us forever.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Chester
Sponsored by Tia Ileana with Love.
Chris Abell
August 12, 2025
Wow. What an amazing tribute to Paul that this memory section is still active over 20 years later. I was a classmate of Paul's at Georgetown Prep. His passing affected our entire school deeply - he was a wonderful presence there I recently started working at Prep, and our class' 20th reunion is coming up. As such, I got to thinking about Paul. Yes, I remember that he was tall. But I also remember how nice and calming and gentle he was. A truly pleasant person who made people feel good. He was all love, and that love is clearly still reaching all those he knew. God bless you, Paul.
Tia Ileana
October 14, 2024
It's almost October 16 again. So sad to have lost Paul 21 years ago. Paul would have loved his adorable nieces and nephew. We love you Paul.
Gina Marty
May 23, 2024
Happy Birthday Paul! Miss you always.. sending much love and prayers always
Tia Ileana
May 21, 2024
Its your birthday my nephew. You are always in our hearts and soul. We are missing you! Your Tia Ileana
Miryam
October 13, 2023
an outstanding human being - always in our hearts! God bless.
Gina Marty
October 13, 2023
Always remembered and missed with much love, my darling cousin!
Gina Maria Marty
The Knigge family
November 16, 2022
Paul will remain "Kufa" and thus, a living memory of a beautiful life = beautifully said by his Mom! Paul, you are always in our thoughts and prayers with much love.
Tia Ileana
November 15, 2022
Dearest Paul, you left us too soon. You are on my mind. We all miss you...wish you could meet your niece and nephew. Lots of Love, Tia Ileana
Georgina Maria Marty
October 20, 2022
Always in my heart and daily prayers. Miss you. Cousin Gina
Cousin Gina
October 13, 2021
Dearest Paul. You are forever in my heart and in my daily prayer intentions. How you would have loved playing with all of your beautiful nieces and nephews ! Te quiero ... GMM
Ileana M
October 13, 2021
Good morning my sweet Paul, I sure wish you were here with us. You are missed so much. Gone but not forgotten, always in our hearts. Your Tia Ileana.
Tia Ileana
July 6, 2021
How wonderful you have a new beautiful baby niece. She is fantastic. Now you have Leo and Naomi. Here are Angela's children, we wish you were with us. Always in our hearts. I love you my precious nephew. Tia Ileana.
Aileen M Marty
July 5, 2021
Hi Paul, well you have a new niece and she is gorgeous! You would have loved her. Here she is at only 4 days old. Alert and enjoying the world just as you did at her age. Miss you, Mamma
Ileana Minervino
October 13, 2020
Paul is loved and never forgotten, he lives on in our hearts and soul.
Your nephew, Leo
Aileen Marty
October 14, 2019
Hi Paul: You would love your little nephew, Leo. He reminds me of you. You would love Angie's four cuties too. I wish they could have known you in person. Love you always,
Tia Ileana M
October 13, 2019
Dear Paul, after so many years, you remain in our hearts and soul.
Francys Milian
October 17, 2018
Familia Chester Marty mis oraciones con todos ustedes yo se que es perdida muy grande para todos ustedes Paul fue U.N. nino ejemplar EDUCADO,,TENIA BUENAS NOTAS, Y ERA HERMOSO DE CARACTER .... YO SIEMPRE LO RECUERDO COMO A U.N. NINO DE 8 ANOS ,PORQUE DIOS ME PERMITIO SER SU NINERA POR 1 ANO Y YO SIEMPRE RECUERDO QUE EL ME DECIA FRANCYS VAMOS A VER PELICULA MASK Y VEIAMOS ESA PELICULAS MUCHAS VECES Y YO LE PREPARABA POP CORN PARA TODOS FUE U.N. NINO MUY TRANQUILO Y DIVERTIDO Y LOS RECUERDO MUCHOS A TODOS USTEDES BENDICIONES PARA SU HOGAR SOY FRANCYS
Your Grandfather has joined you.
Ileana, Aileen, Elena, Frank Marty
November 18, 2017
VINCENT MINERVINO
August 9, 2017
Hi Paul, its your cousin Vinnie. I was watching a documentary on the apostle paul and the thought and spirit of you came over my body in a heavy way. Not burdensome but mournful. you once came to me in a dream and comforted me in a very real way, you said it was okay, you appeared in a angelic form. The second dream you were silent in a room of light, it appeared you were waiting to be released. Ill see you again, till then, the pain of not going through this life with you by my side will continue to sting my heart. LOVE ALWAYS FOREVER AND EVER. VINNIE
Johnny Minervino
December 9, 2016
I Love you Paul, forever in our hearts!
Paul with his Mom...forever young
A Marty
May 21, 2016
Happy Birthday Paul...you would have been 29 today. You would have loved to have been here in Mpumalanga...you would have loved to see how beautifully your sister has grown up spiritually, intellectually, and physically. You are so loved and so very missed. XOXO
Ileana Minervino
May 21, 2016
Although our sweet wonderful Paul has been gone from this earth for thirteen years, he is still in our hearts and in our souls, Today we remember Pauls' birthday... His laughter and joy will make us smile as we shed a tear that he is no longer with us. Happy Birthday Paul... R.I.P. I love you. Tia Ileana, Read this Washington Post obituary about Paul...
ileana
December 17, 2015
How nice to see new message...we will always love you Paul...eternally with us in our hearts...xoxo Tia Ileana...
The Knigge Family
December 15, 2015
Always in our hearts!
Ileana Minervino
November 30, 2015
This guest book remains a permanent place to remember our beloved Paul...
Phoenix Ricks
October 16, 2013
Dear Paul,
I woke up this morning thinking about you, so I prayed for your family and friends. I remember October 10th and the days that followed with such clarity that sometimes it feels as if it all happened only yesterday. When I walked into the party, you were the first person I saw. Even in Heaven, no matter how crowded the room, I'm pretty sure it's hard for any girl to see any other face but yours. You remembered that my 16th birthday had been on Tuesday; you wished me another happy birthday, and told me that you were looking forward to my party at the end of the month. In the years before Facebook reminders, we could be pretty awful at remembering friends' birthdays, but you remembered mine without me ever telling you when it was, and I will never forget that. At the end of the night, I was alone in a room watching Will & Grace while waiting for my ride home. You walked in smiling and told me that you were on your way upstairs to leave. You insisted that I give you one more hug goodbye, and you told me that we would chat later that weekend. I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for that last smile and final hug goodbye, but I would give anything for your family to have that hug instead of me. I only knew you for a few months shy of a year, but I can honestly say, in that short period of time you changed my life. You were different from other teenagers; you lacked classic adolescent selfishness and you were always kind. You were an angel on earth long before you got your wings in Heaven, and those words cannot be said of many. You are one of those rare souls that people read about but few have the honor and privilege of meeting. I am eternally grateful that God made sure that we crossed paths.
Xx,
Phoenix
Aileen and Paul
Ileana Minervino
October 15, 2013
Well Paul today October 16, 2013 is ten years since you left this earth, but you never left our hearts and souls. We love you eternally...your enduring kindness lives on... Lots of Love Tia Ileana...
Dean Minervino
October 6, 2013
Never forgotten, perpetually alive in the minds of those who knew his tender soul. Sweet and smart young man. A great loss to his family, friends, and society.
Debbie Zimmermann
October 5, 2013
~You live as long as you are remembered ~
Aileen Marty
October 3, 2013
Thank you for loving and thinking about Paul…remember the Swahili word “Kufa” for those who are dead but live on in the hearts and minds of those who walked the earth with him. As long as all of us who loved him keep him in our hearts, Paul will remain “Kufa” and thus, a living memory of a beautiful life; of the ideal son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandchild, and friend. I adore you Paul and miss you always; and I love and thank all of you who love and remember him.
Knigge Family
October 2, 2013
God's Perpetual Light is shining upon him! R.I.P. we will never forget this outstanding young man.
Rose McVeigh
October 2, 2013
Dear Paul,
Read this lovely message from an old friend of yours. It made me cry thinking about you, but it feels good knowing you are in heaven watching over us. We need great hearts and minds to help us get through difficult moments on Earth. You are so very much missed and loved here. Being a believer, I feel assured we will meet again, it may be reincarnation, but I will ask God above when I am reborn, to send a person you like you and your mother and sister to cross my path again. There is so much to solve here, so many issues, your mother and sister are working so hard to resolve big troubles, and they are succeeding. I know you would have been a light for us all. Love to you my handsome boy forever 16, Rose
Paul with Angie, Vinnie and Johnny
Ileana Marty-Minervino
October 1, 2013
Dear Alison, thank You for the kind words and memories of Paul. We sure do miss him. For ten years he has been gone from our lives but not from our hearts... Thank you for sharing... Tia Ileana
Alison Bullock
September 29, 2013
you have been on my mind so much recently. I am out at my dad's house where we had my birthday party and I think of you every time I'm here. I think of the last image I have of you standing at the top of my basement steps before you left my house that night. I can't believe it's been 10 years. I often wonder where you would be and what you would be doing at this point in your life, you were destined for great things. I still miss you so much.
Knigge
May 30, 2011
Always in our hearts!
Alina Chester
May 23, 2011
Thank you Rose, Thank you Ileana, Thank you Gina, and Thank you Pepe...It is good to hear from all of you. We all miss Paul so much! I am very happy Rod has graduated. I am so glad you all remember Paul. I am so very glad that Pepe has three children of his own. I love you for remembering. XOXO
Rose McVeigh
May 23, 2011
Dear Paul,
Rodrigo just graduated from UofM and we were looking at old movies, and there you were. Probably about 7 or 8, piloting the plane and showing us all around Darby, with your lil sis in tow. Those were the days!
Love,
Rose McVeigh
Georgina Marty Gonzalez
May 22, 2011
Darling Paul, I remember you always in my prayers, but especially today. You live on in our hearts and memories. Love your cousins Gina, Gigi, Alex and JJ
Ileana Minervino
May 21, 2011
Dear Paul, Happy Birthday, forever Sixteen... today is your 24th Birthday. You have never been forgotten. In our hearts and in our souls you always live...We love you...Your Tia...Ileana
Ileana Minervino
March 3, 2011
Thank you Jose "Pepe" Lacayo, for your touching memories of Paul. He was beloved by all of us and is truly missed. Many Blessings to you and your family. Tia Ileana
Jose "Pepe" Lacayo
March 2, 2011
Dear Chester-Marty family,
A lawyer who knows Elena Marty told me Just yesterday 3/1/11, about Paul's passing... My heart is broken...
I have dozens of great memories of Paul. I remember we would wrestle every weekend back in your old house in the early nineties... Playing "where is Carmen San Diego," watching cartoons in spanish.
He taught me many things that eventually helped me become a good father to my 3 kids...
I also remember I was the one who fed Alina her first Gerber.
As I write this with a heavy heart, I think back at all the moments we shared together...
I will never forget the Chester-Marty family.
god bless...
Gina Marty Gonzalez
February 17, 2010
Such a sweet young man....I miss him terribly. I have your picture here in front of me and I see it everyday when I sit at my computer. I love you...Gina I look at my sons and remember you fondly.
Ileana Minervino
February 16, 2010
Dear sweet Paul, you have been so prevelent in my thoughts since we lost your cousin Scott Wilson last Friday. Scott's grandfather Rodolfo, is your great-granfather Mario's brother, making him your second cousin once removed. Paul you are so sweet and wonderful, and forever in my heart...I love you, Tia Ileana
April 17, 2009
My Dear Paul, I sure hope you saw your sister's plea and helped her out in her dreams and gave her some advice. I miss you my darling and you are forever young and in my memories... Tia Ileana
Alina Chester
April 16, 2009
Paul, I need your advice, your gentle voice of reason. Hope to see you in my dreams tonight. I miss you.
Love from your baby sister.
Wayne & Esther Meyers
October 17, 2008
Remembering you all with love and prayers as the anniversary date comes around. Wayne returns from IAP Athens tomorrow.
Love,
Esther (and Wayne)
Rose McVeigh
October 17, 2008
Thanks to the updates I get by email I'm able to see how your friends and family talk to you. It is a wonderful experience, sharing.
I want you to know that Rod is finishing his first documentary and it is about a place we all hold dear in our hearts, Cuba. I know that if you were around you would have been experiencing this with us.
Your kind dark eyes and easy smile coupled with your intellect and piano, would have made our lives so much richer. But we have felt your goodness in our lives and have taken that impression and brought that into today. We do really need you here on earth, and I'll never get over your loss, but you are in our hearts forever. Your mother is a remarkable woman, who is trying to save the world in her mad scientist way...and your beautiful sister Alina is plowing down in the great state of Florida...trailblazing her own path.
What a great family!
We miss you on your bday and know that you are in God's hands and God is good at taking care of all of us.
A big kiss from,
Rose, Manolo, Tammy and Rod
Ileana Minervino
October 16, 2008
Dear Sweet Paul: You are always in our hearts and minds, and we truly miss you dearly. This year you would be 21 years old and loving life even more... My darling you brought a few tears to my eyes as I looked at your kind and lovely face. You know that I will love you forever. Your favorite Tia...Ileana...
Mom
October 16, 2008
Dearest Paul: Your little sister is now at University getting a dual degree (Bachelors in Anthropology and a Masters in Public Health). She is having a wonderful experience and doing very well…well she could use a bit of help in Inorganic Chemistry. Perhaps you could whisper in her ear. You would have graduated this year, if you were still with us. The years pass and you stay forever young. And we all miss you. Love always,
your cousin Gina.
October 23, 2007
My thoughts are with you as they are always, but especially on the anniversary of Paul's passing. I keep his picture always by my desk and kiss him every day. I love you,
Diane, Lottie, and Molly
October 18, 2007
Dear Aileen and Alina,
Another year passes by...again, with love, we think of you on this day (16 Oct).
With warmest good wishes,
Terri Emory
October 17, 2007
Paul has made such an impact on all that knew him. Even in tragedy he has made an impact. Our son, Kyle, knew Paul and now is 17. He is constantly educating other kids about the risks of driving. He has forced a driver to pull over and let him out of his car and he often refers to Paul. I know it does not diminish pain, but it is true that Paul has impacted and continues to impact us. We miss and love Paul and ache for his sister and parents.
Consuelo and Cain
October 16, 2007
Tomorrow is going to be 4 years of the passing of a wonderful human being. A young man that excelled in every endeavor. Loved by his family, admired by his peers. A respecful and bright young man that everybody looked up to. I remenber, how attentive he was, when an older person spoke to him. It was like one was the center of his attention.
He was practicing Spanish, because he knew how important it was to keep his roots.
We miss him and he is and always be, in our prayers.
God bless him, and his memory, always.
Angela
October 16, 2007
Not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. I think of you every day. You shall never be forgotten. I love you very much.
love your favorite cousin (self-proclaimed)
Judith Marty
October 15, 2007
My dear Paul
You are always with me. I think of your brilliant mind and your easy smile. I love you my wonderful grandson and I know that you are in a better place with Baito and Mimi and saving me a space.
Tata
Mark Milian
October 15, 2007
I never got to know Paul personally, but I've heard so many wonderful things about him. His untimely passing is a terrible thorn in the hearts of our family and those he touched throughout his life. Paul may be gone from this world, but he will certainly not be forgotten.
Tina Camejo
October 15, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with all Family and Friends during this troubled time. I remember when he was a little toddler running around and knew his full name, address and phone number. What a genious he was at such a young age. He is now in such a better place and as Ileana would say "Hugging Jesus all Day".
Rose McVeigh
October 15, 2007
Dear Aileen,
I often wonder what life would be like if Paul were here. Deep in my heart I know that he would have made a great impact on the world,and most importantly on our world and most significantly on yours. I miss him dearly because he represented the hope of tomorrow, being a gentle, kind, and just young man, unique beyond measure.
Four years have gone by and his face, his smile, his penetrating look, his kindness, lives within us, teaching us every day what it means to be a citizen of earth.
I am so grateful to have known him while he shared this planet with us. You are an extraordinary mother! My love to Alina and hope to see you both soon.
Besos,
Rose y Manolo
Ileana Minervino
October 15, 2007
Well its now been 4 long years (10/16/2003) that our beloved kind sweet and wonderful Paul was taken from us. The loss is always prevalent. Our souls are forever touched with his passing. He remains in our hearts and in our minds and in our love. Paul you are truly remarkable and we will always remember you and treasure the moments that you were on this earth. The moments that took our breath away.
Your favorite Tia (self-proclaimed) Ileana
AMM Milian
September 21, 2007
Where have you gone?
Why can’t I follow?
I walk forward
…nothing happens
I walk backward,
I haven’t moved
You rode with open joy
The future in your eyes
Now you are gone
I cannot follow
Not yet
It is not my time
They say it was yours
I don’t know
It makes no sense
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
Why do we suffer?
Why do we cry?
We travel sometimes along a wasteland,
Our hearts ripped open
Our souls in pain
My wounds are fresh
My blood pours out
Without you
…the future
Makes no sense
Yet I go on
A part of me gone
A part of me shattered
Yet I go on
Careening in the forest of my mind
Walking forward then backward
Going nowhere,
And yet…somewhere
Somewhere I see love
Somewhere I see hope
Remembering the lips I’ve kissed
The smiles you gave me
The hope you brought
And I remember
There is always sadness
There is always ugliness
But that is only
the backside of joy
The backside of beauty
Another sun will rise
Another dawn will come
I wish you could be here
As you once were
Yet I know your spirit
Does remain
Always in my heart
Thank you for having lived
And shared your life
With me
Ileana Minervino
July 5, 2007
Sweet Paul was just remembered by little Johnny. What a sweet sentiment. Paul will always be remembered.
Johnny Minervino
July 4, 2007
Hey Paul. I love you man.
Ileana Minervino
May 21, 2007
Happy 20th Birthday Paul. We love you forever. You will always be in our hearts and in our minds and in our inner soul. We wish so much that you were here with us. I love you my darling nephew.
Angela Minervino
October 16, 2006
Tia Aileen,
I just wanted you to know that you and Alina are in my heart and prayers and that i've been thinking about you guys. I love you soooo much! I wish there was a way to send a giant hug over the internet, but unfortunetely technology hasn't advanced that far yet, lol jk...hope you have a lot of happy memories...i miss him too! :(
hugs and kisses
Gina Marty Gonzalez
October 16, 2006
Querida Aileen: Tanto que te quiero y tanto que te anoro....hoy mas que nuncamis pensamientos, y lagrimas estan contigo. Siempre rezo y pienso en Paul. Siempre tengo su foto conmigo. Nunca olvidaremos ese espiritu tan bello del cual tu fuistes parte de desarollar. te quiero....muchos besos Gina Maria.
Georgina (Yoyi) Marty
October 13, 2006
Although Paul is not with us in this world, I know that he is still with us. Especially when I pray, I feel that he is very much with us. God's angels are around us although we cannot see them. I ask Paul to intercede for God's mercy for his Mom and sister.
Much love,
Uncle Julio and Tia Yoyi
smiling in the sun
October 12, 2006
wonderful family
October 12, 2006
always loved the ladies
October 12, 2006
Mom, Sister, and Paul
October 12, 2006
Safe and Happy
October 12, 2006
My hero
October 12, 2006
Mary
October 12, 2006
My Dearest Ileana and Aileen,
I know this is a date that evokes sad and painful memories. While you are always in my thoughts and prayers you are especially so today.
Your are loved,
Mary
Ileana Minervino
October 11, 2006
Dear sweet Paul, it's been 3 years now and your memories are as vivid as ever. I love you my darling kind and charming nephew. Tu Tia Ileana
Vincent Minervino
February 26, 2006
As i read these entrees a tear streams down my face, my face a tear streams, i do not cry, but today i due. It is not my pain but the pain of your mother that make me feel the way i due. If only the hands of time were in the hands of mine. love your cousin.
Noreen Ahmed
December 5, 2005
I know I shouldn't sign this if I am at such a loss of words to be able to say what I mean. Yet, I need to explain just how sorry I am to Paul's family two years later. I hope you know that no matter how long it is from now you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. It occurred to me that moving on is a much more difficult process than I was hoping it would be. Still I hope that you are doing so to the best of your ability. I don't know what to tell you other than that your son has changed my life and I wish you all the best. None of his friends will ever be able to forget how incredible of a person he was.
Angela Minervino
October 24, 2005
Hey Paul...everytime i write in this, i talk directly to you...i like it better that way...it makes me feel more comfortable..well i just wanted to say that i still really can't believe you're gone and i was wondering if you can come into my dreams as i haven't seen u in a while and i reallllly reallllly miss you soo much. I was reading all the entries ppl have put in this thing for you and mannn...are you a hit..i love it! You're the best Paul and i cherish all the memories we made together and i feel so honored when i can say that i am related to you. I want you to know that even though you are younger than me, i look up to you (literally and figuratively..lol) a lot. You are and always have been such an inspiration to me, i would always brag about you even when you were alive...i loved it. And you would make me laugh sooo hard Paul...I think back to all the memories we made and they were all filled with laughter and fun. That is what i keep in my heart. Ok well i g2g...i love you cousin forever and always. Remember...i would like to see you sometime soon...I love when i dream of you, it's as if you never left us. I hope Heaven is all it's hyped up to be...well you're there...so it has got to be!! :)
Ann Nelson
October 18, 2005
As I celebrated another birthday on Sunday, I also thought of the anniversary of Paul's departure. His loss has left a large hole in the world and in many hearts.
Ileana Minervino
October 18, 2005
My dear sweet Paul: For two years now your spirit has lived in my heart. I carry your love with me wherever I go. You will always be remembered until the end of time. May your memory always bring comfort to those that adore you. Your Tia Ileana
Terri Emory
October 16, 2005
We have been thinking so much about Paul and cannot believe that 2 years have passed. Kyle and I were looking at photos today and remembered a fun, yet turbulent rafting trip down the Potomac river and a fun Haloween party we shared with Bill, Aileen, Paul and Alina.
Our hearts remain with you all always and we will forever cherish the memories of fun times together.
Love, Terri, Roger and Kyle
Lourdes Collazo-Harris
September 13, 2005
I never had the opportunity to meet Paul, but his mother Aileen is an old high school friend of mine. What a terrible pain to experience...the loss of a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean & Angelika Minervino
May 23, 2005
Family,
Your loss is ours. Paul's spirit was a brightening, positive force which continues to enlighten and shine upon all who've known him. With love, Dean and Angelika
Claus Kleber
May 22, 2005
When a beloved human leaves our world, we often say that he or she will always live with us in our memories. It's a beautiful thought, spoken and written so frequently that it may have turned into a clichè. Today, when we should have celebrated the 18th birthday of a very promising young man, it is clear to all of us, how much living truth rests in that statement when it comes to Paul. Yes, indeed, not only our families, the world is poorer without him. His strength, his eagerness to learn, his tender, friendly ways are a challenge to all of us to work on ourselves and to use ours strengths gently. No one will ever be able to fill this void in our heart, but it may - over time -become a little less painful, because we know: It is what Paul wants us to do.
In loving memory of a precious boy in a wonderful chapter of our lifes.
Claus for Renate, Catharina and Alexandra
Ana Portela de Carder
May 21, 2005
Dear Paul, You are greatly missed by all who knew you and loved you during your brief life on earth. You impressed even our young sons, Philip and Andrew, with your grace, wisdom, and kindness, which is something I am forever grateful for. Thinking of you brings a smile and joy to the hearts of all those you touched. Love, Ana, John and the boys
Ileana Minervino
May 21, 2005
Dear Sweet Paul: Today is your 18th Birthday. What a special time. We sure miss you so very much, and we keep you now in our hearts. You will stay with us forever, eternally young. I Love you Paul.. Your Tia Ileana
Johnny Minervino
March 25, 2005
Paul,you are the greatest cousin a kid could ever have.I remember all the times you made me laugh, and you never got tired of playing video games with me, it was probably because you kicked my BUT but we both enjoyed it. Well you'LL allways be in my heart a HUGE part of my heart. Well there are so many things that I loved about you and love and will love (in heaven) LOVE YOUR LOVING COUSIN JOHNNY
Ileana Minervino
March 24, 2005
My Darling Paul: Mimi has gone to join you and she will now sing you those funny spanish songs. You can play dots and all kinds of games with Mimi. Her mind is now refreshed in the spirit world. We will miss you forever sweet Paul. Love your Tia Ileana
Paul, Alina, and Dad. Wish we could do this again. I love you. Dad
February 25, 2005
My son, Kauai, March 2003. I miss you more than you can imagine. Dad.
February 25, 2005
Judy Marty
January 14, 2005
Paul
You are my love and always will be. This week I saw a photo of Alina, you and me a few years back and I felt your presence in my heart as usual. You are always in my mind I see you as you were the day I held you for the first time as a new born to the times I pray by your side in the hospital .You are and always will be the love of your grandmother's heart. I know that I will see you again
Tata
Bernie Cueto
January 6, 2005
Dear Bill, Aileen, and Alina
It is with a deep sense of regret and frustration that I pray for God’s consolation to comfort you. Although a year has gone by from Paul’s passing, I am certain that the pain remains. May the God of love and peace continue to sustain you. May you find strength in He who shepherds our souls in life and in death through Jesus Christ. “In the end, it is not death that comes for our souls but God” (St. Teresa of Avila). May you never forget to love and laugh and live in such a way that makes Paul proud and glorifies God, the Shepherd of our Souls.
With Love,
Bernie, Ana, and Bernard Enrique Cueto
Paul Summer of 2002 on Cruise on the SS Norway
Ileana Minervino
January 3, 2005
Dearest Paul, another year passes and you are still missed.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. 18 So comfort and encourage each other with these words.
So sweet Paul I will see you again.
"Another year passes in the Garden of Stone". I love you forever,
Tia Ileana
debbie zimmermann
December 26, 2004
Dr. Marty, Dr. Chester and Alina,
I was so saddened to hear about your tremendous loss, please know that I am praying for you....God Bless.
Paul in intense conversation at Alina's 12th Birthday Party in Davie, Florida
I Love you Paul, Your Mom
October 17, 2004
THANK YOU ALL FOR REMEMBERING PAUL
Goodbye my son please pray for me
You were the darling of my family
You came and filled my world with song
Hope I helped to make you strong
Wonder how I’ll get along
Gave you stories & lullabies
Watched you laugh in summer skies
You were wise beyond your years
Little left now but the tears
Now that the winter is in the air
I see sadness everywhere
It’s so hard to say Goodbye
I can’t believe they let you die
I watched you learn your ABC's
Helped you climb those rocks and trees
Soothed you when you’d skin your knees
You were my hope you were my dream
Better than I had foreseen
There is so little I can say
Now the years will slip away
No idea how I will fare
But in my heart you’ll still be there
Amy Lieberman
October 16, 2004
Dear Dr. Marty, Dr. Chester and Alina~
I knew Paul for seven years of my life, and words cannot describe how fortunate I was to know him and how lucky I am that he considered me his friend. The few times that I was able to visit your beautiful home, I was touched by the deep love that is apparent in your family. I know that Paul was raised to be a kind, gentle and wonderful person, and he displayed those characteristics in every aspect of his life. I will never forget Paul and, to be quite honest, I don't see how anyone who knew him ever could.
All my love to your whole family,
Lola, Santi, y Cristina
October 15, 2004
Querida Aileen:
Desde lo mas profundo de nuestros corazones, te enviamos un fortísimo abrazo y al menos unas palabras para expresarte nuestros sentimientos, pues nunca olvidaremos a Paul, siempre estara presente en nuestros recuerdos, y nuestros pensamientos. Que su vida nos sirva de ejemplo a muchos de nosotros. En este dia tan especial os expresamos nuestro cariño a ti, y a toda tu familia, por tan dolorasa perdida.
Esperamos poder volver a estar juntos contigo este proximo Diciembre en Valencia con motivo de tu nueva visita por el Master y poder disfrutar de nuestra amistad unos dias mas. Muchisimos besos para todos.
Leilani Caraballo
October 15, 2004
Aileen and family:
I only met Paul twice and am truly grateful for the little moments I got to spend with him. Although I never had an opportunity to get to know him on a personal level, through Angela and her family's sadness, I realized what an impact he had on so many lives, including mine. I was amazed to see how the life of one could change the life of so many. You are all in my prayers. God bless you.
Rashida Mammujee
October 15, 2004
Dear Aileen,
Yes, it is almost a year for Paul. Would you believe it, but Frank still has his picture in his closet next to ours. I believe he is in a better place, probably watching over us.
You take care and our thoughts are as usual with you. I have fond memories of our trip to Kenya and sharing space with him as an "adult". Love,
Rashi
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