Nino Nicholai Porteria

Nino Nicholai Porteria on November 10, 2022.

Nino to his friends and teachers, Colai to his family, he was only 16 years old. His Dad, Tim, Mom, Nestlie, brother, Dom, and sisters Francheska and Nathalia will

forever remember and miss Colai.

Colai brought so much love and joy into our lives and to those who were around. May we always remember him for his gentleness, grace, and kindness toward others. He always looked after others, put others before himself and was always patient with his younger sister Nathalia and cousin Naliya. Colai was kindness personified.

He is also lovingly remembered by his aunts, Joy, Jasmine, Jeraldine, Normel,

Darlene, Cheryl, Jo, Tere and Atche; his uncles Rhaddie, Juan Jose, Jicoy, Jeff,

Adrian, Derek, Gearyl and Ryan; his Lola's Imelda, Claire, Nenette, Mafel, and

Violeta, Lolos Jesse, Jaime, Rolly, and Arnel, and his cousins, Mae, Jun, April,

Miguel, Martin, Matthew, Anamika, Dylan, Jayden, Naliya and Ezra, Cherlynne,

Santino, Chermaine and Cheraine, Gab, Cj and Avryl, Jella, Jamie, Jaan, and Jerome. Colai's Lolos Domingo and Timoteo Sr. predeceased him. His girlfriend Liv and many friends, including Nimmi and Miguel, will miss him dearly.

What can we say when there are no words? What can we do when nothing takes away the hurt? We are lost and devastated. Colai's passing left our spirits and hearts broken but our faith intact. Losing Nino, a vibrant young man with much to live for defies understanding. There will always be emptiness in our hearts that can never be filled. Yet, through our faith, we find comfort, as Nathalia said, "My brother Colai is now with God. He is helping God look after our family."

In Colai's last moments, his thoughts were of others. So, to us whom he left behind, let his legacy be not how he passed but how Colai lived. He lived a life rich with good friends, a loving family, and compassion for others. Colai loved art and was a gifted artist.

Colai or Nino's memories will be forever engraved on our hearts. His shy, quiet smile and loving gaze are etched into our minds and hearts. Together, let us cherish our time with him even more. We were all blessed to have him touch our lives. Colai now rests in God's arms.

If you feel a soft breeze around you, stay still, it's Colai's spirit passing by.

The Garden of Promise

There is a place, I have been told,

Beyond an open gate

All have been invited

Where friends and loved ones wait

It holds eternal promise

Of everlasting peace

No pain or sorrow ever comes

And teardrops there have ceased

Abundant life is evident

Constant, fresh and new

A garden of provision

With eternity in view

The promise is awaiting

A place we can abide

Fulfilled for all who answer

The call to come inside