Omar was born and raised in Arecibo, Puerto Rico on June 17th, 1982. He was not born alone. His twin brother, Alexis, followed him just a few minutes later to join their siblings: Rosie, Yesy and Bengie. He always told Alexis he needed to listen to him because he was older than him. He also bragged he was taller, by one inch.
Omar was a dedicated student and loved reading books. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) and a Masters of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
After graduating from the UPRM, he moved to Texas where he worked at Texas Instrument. It was in Texas where he met the love of his life, Jennie. He saw her dancing and said “I want to dance with that girl”, and so he did. Fast forward a few years later, they got married in an intimate and beautiful ceremony in Punta Cana and later their only daughter Penélope was born, completing their beautiful family.
Jennie taught Omar passion to travel. They had many adventures together. He conquered Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro. They visited India, Costa Rica, Mexico, Switzerland, Spain, Italy among many other beautiful destinations.
Family was very important for him. He was not only close to his wife and daughter, but also to his parents, Anita and Benjamin, his siblings (Rosa, Yesenia and Benjamin), nieces and nephew (Yelena, Sebastián, Alejandra, Elaia and Lucia). He never hesitated to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed it. We all knew we could count on him, unconditionally.
Omar’s hypnotizing smile brightened any room. He was somewhat shy, but everyone enjoyed talking with him. He was fun and always had something smart and wise to say.
We’ll mourn the man who’s gone, whom we lost so tragically and suddenly, but we’ll remember him, and remember that above all, he will always be by our side. In the last months before his passing, he kept mentioning how important family is…And how important it is to actually be present. He also taught us to PAY attention to the little joys of life…and to love hard. We do just that… Say “I love you” when you feel it and remember to hold your loved one tight… Hug them often. Be present.
Omar, you will be forever loved. Until we meet again.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
By: Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.
