Our beloved son and brother, Jerry Perez Justiniano, was born on a beautiful spring evening at Fairfax Hospital. He was raised in Arlington, Virginia, the place he called home. Where he grew up, formed lifelong friendships, and dreamed about his future.

From the beginning, Jerry brought joy into our lives. He was a loving baby, a playful child, and an outgoing teenager who was always looking for his next adventure. Jerry attended Key Elementary School, where he discovered his love for soccer and proudly played for the Lightning Soccer Team, an undefeated team for many seasons. He continued at Gunston Middle School, playing travel soccer with CFC United in Washington, D.C., and later graduated from Washington-Liberty High School, where he played Varsity Soccer.

Soccer was not just something Jerry played. It was who he was. He knew he wasn’t always the most naturally talented player, but he believed deeply that hard work could make him great. He lived by the words “Never Give Up,” training relentlessly and pushing himself every day. One of his proudest moments was winning a championship with Alexandria Soccer FC at the age of 20.

Like many young people, Jerry’s life was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. His senior year ended with virtual graduation, canceled games, and lost soccer seasons where he had hoped to shine. During that time, he quietly struggled with depression in ways we, as parents, did not see coming. Still, Jerry showed strength and resilience. He found his way forward, returned to college, began working, and found happiness again. Especially through the love and support of his girlfriend, Jenny.

Jerry loved the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed watching anime and UFC, spending late nights catching up on shows, and he was always craving Orange chicken. As brothers, some of our favorite memories are from childhood—searching couch cushions for nickels and dimes just to scrape together enough money to split a five-dollar steak and cheese down the street at El Charrito Caminante. We competed in everything, always pushing each other to be better. Yet will forever miss those long nights lying on the couch or in bed, glued to the screen, eating pizza and just being brothers. As the middle child, Jerry liked to say he never did anything wrong—it was always one of his brothers’ fault, a family joke that followed him his entire life. 

Jerry loved to travel and treasured beach days, the seasonal Shenandoah mountain trips, and especially visits to Bolivia, where family welcomed him with deep love. 

As parents, we thank God for the blessing of having Jerry in our lives. If we were given the chance to do it all again, it would be an honor to be his parents once more. We have no regrets—only gratitude for 23 years together, for every birthday, every soccer season, and every family moment we were blessed to share.

Jerry passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 23. Dear son and brother, this is not goodbye. We love you deeply, and we will see you again.

Always Pray

& Never give up

Luke 18:1