I wish to express my deepest condolences to the entire family of Mr. William Wadi. May God give you the strength and fortitude to bear your grief today and in the days to come.

With love,

Eroita López

If you were fortunate enough to have known my Uncle Willie, you were among a chosen group. The dude had wit, smarts, and charisma. He was a Cool Cat.

In his earlier years, he had a stride I recognized as The Newark Walk; deliberate, focused, confident with a Puerto Rican lean. He wasn't a large guy, not at all, but you were aware of his big presence. When he saw you, he would light up, making you feel as if you were the most important person in the world. You knew you were loved. He would ask, "What's going on in your life?" You'd share, and he would assure you, "You're doing the right thing." or "To hell what they think. Do what you think is best." Always great advice.

He had a joyful spirit that was infectious. His love of life and his fun-loving ways touched many. You couldn't help but feel joy when you were in his presence.

He was a man who loved God, his family, and he knew they loved him right back.

No doubt, memories of him will pop up when you least expect it and bring a big smile to your face.

I may be biased, but...

I believe all who spent time with him are better individuals for having known him.

Until we meet again, MY Uncle Willie. ❤️

This is from our best little helper, cousin, nephew, son a family can ask for, Joshua Aquino (My wife's (Myla aka LaLa) cousin...

First, I just want to say condolences to you, Ate Lala and Kuya Mike. Secondly, I want to thank you, Grandpa Willie, for always being so cheerful and full of joy. Thank you for making me laugh, you've always had a loving heart. But most importantly, thank you for showing me how to properly play pool. I'm glad that you're with Nana now, and that you don't have to suffer anymore. You will always have a special place in my heart...I love you so much, Grandpa! Ate LaLa and Kuya Mike, I will always pray for you guys. Thank you for everything, honestly. I love you guys.

-Joshua

This is from my sweetie pie, Shanyce Aquino (My wife's (Myla aka LaLa) cousin)...

Dear Uncle/Grandpa Wille!

I'm glad to have met you and we became family. I lost my grandparents when I was very young. But, you and Aunt/Grandma Carmen reminded me of the feeling of having grandparents again. I loved every single time we hung out cause you would always make me laugh and joke around. I'll miss our hangouts, our dinners, you mistaking me for Ate Lala, the holidays we spent together, and now, I'll forever miss the feeling of having grandparents. I know you're now with Aunt/Grandma Carmen, and I know you both are in a great place. I'll miss you!!! Please, say hi to Aunt/Grandma Carmen for me...and for the last time, bendicion.

Love Always,

Shanyce ❤️

This was posted by my wife, Myla...

Oh, Willie from North Philly!

But no, he was not from North Philly. It was one of the jokes he made while he was at the hospital when he could still speak...and when the nurse said, "Oh yeah, how is North Philly? I’ve never been." He replied with a tongue-in-cheek, “me neither!" Can you imagine the look on the nurse’s face? That is the kind of person he was; funny and witty, the way he spoke, laughed and moved would make you burst out laughing. But my most favorite characteristic trait from him was his gratefulness and sweetness.

I’ll miss your daily texts of appreciation and life affirmations, blessings, and love. There was never a single time that he didn't express how grateful he was for Mike and I.

I’ll miss cooking for you and receiving your kind words, even though I knew the food was not that great.

I’ll miss you defending me to Mike and at the same time, not siding with me 100% because you just looove Mike.

I’ll miss seeing you and Mike spending time together until wee hours of the night playing pool or dominoes. That bond between the two of you will always be special.

I’ll miss you calling me your favorite daughter, beautiful butterfly, precious, Myla my love, and amongst others. This little ol’ guy was a charmer!

I’ll miss our conversations when it’s just the two of us. You better believe our secrets will stay with us.

It was my honor to have spent almost everyday of the last year and a half of your life. Dinners and car rides won’t be the same without you. Thank you for treating me as your own daughter. I told you this before as you always say you were so blessed to have us but it has always been the other way around. Thank you MOST of all for showing my Mike what it was like to have a great father. That alone was the best blessing you gave our family. Rest in peace, Pops. Tonight, I’m making your favorite, fried pork chop. ❤️

Love always,

Your "favorite" daughter,

Myla

A message posted by my sister, Jasmine...

Dear Willie,(The King of Dominoes, Poker and Pool)

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and love for everything you’ve done for me and my family. You came at a time when we needed you most. From the very beginning, you stepped up and embraced the role of a father and grandfather with such grace and kindness. You were full of love and laughter. You were always there, providing guidance, support, and love, and you made such a profound impact on my life. Your unwavering dedication and the bond we shared will always hold a special place in my heart.

I’m truly grateful for the memories we created together, and I’ll carry them with me always. Your love and selfless nature have shaped who I am, and I will continue to honor your legacy every day.

Willie you were so brave and strong until the end. You were so selfless because you wanted to end the fight long ago but you chose to stay on this earth for the family. You knew how much we needed you . That is pure love. You loved us like your own.

Blood does not define fatherhood. It is the dedication, selflessness and unconditional love and that was you Willie to us. You chose us! ❤️

Thank you for being the father figure I needed and for loving me as your own. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will always be with me.

You are with your true love now. Mom waited long enough and with a heavy heart, I had to let you go home to mom...you will never be forgotten.❤️

With all my love,

Your daughter Jasmine

Uncle Willie, you’ll be truly missed. You were my “cool”

uncle - charming, witty, compassionate, and so much fun to be around.

You enjoyed life on your own terms, and were single for many years…but God had other plans for you. About 14 yrs. ago, you married the love of your life, Aunt Carmen.

Her family welcomed you with open arms and you became a much loved part of their family. Those who cared about you, couldn’t have been happier for you. As Aunt Carmen would say, “ ours is a beautiful love story” …and by everyone’s standards, it was.

I’ll miss hearing you call me ( and your other nieces), your “angels here on earth”. It always made us feel so special. I hope you knew that you were special to us.

And now you are one of our angels in heaven. Please say hi to all of our other angels like Mama, your siblings and Aunt Carmen and tell them you will all be in our hearts forever.

Uncle Willie…it’s strange to think I won’t be saying that again..my last living uncle. I’m going to another funeral and you won’t be there to lighten the mood and get people in trouble for laughing too much or too loud. I was so happy at your wedding because you finally seemed complete…you did good when you reconnected with Carmen…you were truly soulmates. Thank you for your phone calls of support. They got me through a lot. Thank you for being uniquely you and so easy to love. Hope you’re having a party in heaven with Uncle Tommy, Tio Jose, Noel and everyone else you met along the way. I can just imagine Mama and Carmen making sure you aren’t misbehaving. Love you. Until we meet again.

May Jehovah God and his loving son Jesus, give all the family serenity and peace in these moments of pain and sorrow. May he give all the strength and endurance to move on. God gives us a beautiful and wonderful promise for the near future. Isaiah 26:19 and Acts 24:15. My condolences are with you all. Amen.