Hey, Gil. It’s been a year and a day since what happened. It sounds like such a long time. But it really isn’t. Not for any of us. 

You were my best friend. Someone who I knew that even if I hadn’t seen in years, I could call, and you’d make me laugh. Even if I was balling my eyes out, you would find a way to lighten the mood. Whether it was by arguing about are dogs, abut which comedian is the best, playing geometry dash, or playing broken bone simulator on Roblox, I always had so my fun hanging out with you. 

Our last time seeing each other in person at Disneyland is genuinely one of the happiest memories I have. We went on every single ride, Matan made sure of that. He ran so much and so fast that I’m surprised his feat didn’t fall off. The BEST moment of my whole life was when we went on the millennium falcon abut ten times before we left, as the park was closing. It was such a happy time, and im glad that that’s the last memory I have of being with you.

I always think, “what could I have done”? If I called one more time, would you still be here? Could I have helped you get through it? Lessened your pain? But, sadly, there is nothing I can do about it now. All I can do is remember. Remember you, and how happy you made everyone around you. And that’s what I’ll do. There won’t be a single day in my life where I forget you. A single day where I don’t remember the impact you had on me and so many others. And I’ll make sure that everyone else remembers you and how great you were also.

I miss you so much, Gil. We all do. And we all love you.

-Gabriel Mantuano

I’m thinking of all who loved Gil and what a joy he was to have in our lives. May his memory be a blessing.

The letter I wrote is too long to be posted so this is a shortened version,

Hey Gil, its been a year hasn't it...? A lot has changed, my heart is missing a fraction...it's no longer complete. I'm missing my best friend.

Everywhere I go I tell people about you, but instead of talking about your absence, I talk about your memory, I talk about how lucky I was to know you even for the short time we had together.

It never feels right when people say, "sorry for your loss" because I didn't lose YOU, I only lost your presence.
I know you are still with me and you always will be, you've sent me many signs over the last year, and I smile at every single one.

Theres one thought that has not left my mind since that day : "What could I have done?"
I wish so badly that I could’ve carried some of your pain just to keep you here a little longer. Could I have done anything? That thought will stay with me forever.

But I like to think you’re somewhere where the pain can’t reach you anymore, somewhere free. I know you are rocking with those angels unburdened and full of light and joy again, Everytime I think of you, I whisper to myself "Gil is happier and free from pain." I say, and the tears stop and turn into a smile. 

Everytime I listen to music you liked, I hear your youthful, and joyous laugh. I see your big smile in the melodies, and I hear you drumming along in the chorus, 

It still feels heavy for me to walk into School of Rock every week without you, its like the band is incomplete.

I will continue to keep playing music for you, and I will always be reminded by the countless, amazing memories I have of you.
 Rest in peace sweet soul, 

I love you Gil, I always will.
Keep rocking with those angels for me.
🥁
To Gil’s family,
I know that nothing I say can ever ease the pain of such a heartbreaking loss, but I hope it brings you even a small measure of comfort to hear about the memories I shared with him, and to know just how deeply he is loved by everyone who knew him.

Dear Gil, 6 months ago today you made a decision that you would never be given a chance to change. 182 days and yet at the end of every day when I should be asleep, I think of how you dont get to do the same, 6 months ago, you took your last rest, your last bite your last sip, your last word, your last text, your last breath. You saw your last sunset, your last night sky, you saw your family for the last time. What do you see now? 

You were one of the nicest guys I have ever met, you had a rare soul and heart, something that I dont come across often. 
You were someone that could instantly bring anyone to immense joy no matter how broken or upset they were, you cared so much for the people and the world around you. You had a heart bigger than space. Your presence is one the happiest memories that I hold, and even thought you are far away somewhere in peace I still feel your presence within me. I always know that you're here. I see your reflection in every sight that brings me joy. I hope you know, you have so many people who love you and who miss you. Your a soul which can never be forgotten. May your legacy live on through every riff, everu lyric, every chord, and every beat beating on a drum.

I hope you had the time of your life.

Love you friend
-Ava Oldenburg

Hey Gil,
I don't think I've fully processed what happened yet, and I miss you. We all miss you.
I miss you so much. In the short time we had together, even if there were years between each meeting, I always looked forward to seeing you. I looked forward to seeing how you'd grown, how you'd changed.
I remember how I always wanted to come visit you, but we couldn’t, so I waited for you to come to us, and every time, I was excited all over again. No matter how much time had passed without seeing you, I always felt connected to you—like one big family.
I remember how talented you were. Whether it was with the drums or music, or soccer, where you would always beat me. And your long hair, which always made you unique.
I hope it's good for you up there, and know that I will always remember you and miss you. I love you, my cousin ❤️

My Gilgul, The last summer of your life, August 2024, your visit to Disney was one to remember. You and your brother Matan, joined the Mantuano's on their CA visit and spent the day at the Disney site. You both came back so happy and excited from a fun day like you haven't had in a long time. It was so good to see a genuine smile on your face, and hear how much fun you had. I will never forget how happy it made me to see your happiness - your happiness was my happy moment.
I miss you, I love you - for ever!
Aba

My son, Gil, I will forever remember your amazing talent, your love for music, your perfect performances. You started playing the piano at the age of 5 and your instructor was stunned with how quickly you picked up on the instrument and how perfect your hearing was. You switched to drums and excelled as well. You performed so well at the Black Keys, Nirvana, Green Day, and House Band concerts. I'll never forget how proud you made me.
I miss you and love you so much!

Gil was a gifted musician and astute student. His humble and reserved nature only served to highlight his already bright talent. These attributes made teaching him a genuine pleasure, as they opened up opportunities to exploring musical concepts with him that were beyond his years. I honestly only ever saw Gil contribute positively and constructively to everyone he interacted with. 

Rest in peace, friend. 

Walker

It has been such an honor to be able to get to know Gil this past year. It feels like just yesterday I was signing him up at the school. Gil was such a talented, kind, and funny kid. He really does have a heart of gold. He never failed to light up any room he walked into. I am so grateful I was able to see him grow as a musician and a person. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace. 

I send my deepest sympathies.
- Mackenzie B.

I had the honor of listening to his musical talent and watched in amazement as he solved the Rubik’s cube in seconds. I feel grateful to have met him and to get a glimpse of his brilliance. His kindness and talent made him uniquely special. I’ll remember his joy when we played Mario Bros. games together and the excitement he had for performing. I hope he knows how loved he was to so many.

It is with great honor I am able to say I got the chance of knowing Gil and taking the stage with him. 

Gil truly was a total ball of energy with the biggest heart for those surrounding him. Not only was he an amazing person, but an incredible musician, And I would give anything to get to play one more song alongside him as he truly poured his heart and soul into everything he did. His energy was infectious, the second he hit the drums everyone was super pumped up and ready to rock! 

I remember me and Gil would compare who had longer hair and of course Gil would always win, Gil would always make silly little jokes that instantly filled the room with laughter.

 I remember the last time I spoke to Gil we were backstage at the green day show and everyone was asking Gil what show he was doing next season, most of us were assigned to different shows, but we all said "well let us know how pink Floyd goes and keep in touch when you pick the next season!" Because, we all just wanted to be around Gil he truly brought everyone together.

I will forever cherish the many memories I got to share with gil, even though they are just a glimpse of the extrordinary person he was.

My deepest condolences 
-Ava O

So honored to have been given the opportunity to take the stage with Gil 🥁🎸

This was tooken on one of the first days I met Gil this is a memory I'll never forget

Coming to visit you and aba was always the best time.  Now for the first time i’m in vegas but we’re not laughing together, we’re crying instead. I miss you Gilgul. May you rest in peace.

Gil was an adorable, sweet boy who was fun to have at Nathaniel’s parties. He had a good sense of humor. Words fail me on the loss of your young son…sending you all the strength in the world, and the comfort and light from your memories with him. —Michelle Olveira

Me, Matan and Gil, on their visit to Israel in 2022.

To be friends with Shlomi meant you were given the gift of a friendship with Gil- you see the two were inseparable. I had the pleasure of getting to know Gil through Shlomi by phone. We would often tell daddy jokes and lovingly, jokingly make fun of the way Shlomi said, “eel and beach.” 
I remember being excited when Gil said he was starting algebra because I mistakenly thought I would be able to help him. I couldn't have been more wrong! Gil was so smart so he patiently taught me. He taught me many things. He was wise beyond his years and always made me laugh. Gil was so easy to love. 
I’m deeply sorry for all. Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead.
Those we love never truly leave us, but rather remain a song that will forever be carried in the wind..
Liz 

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Me and Gil about 2 years ago. Rest easy brother.

ברוך דיין האמת 
It was a great pleasure meeting this talented, smart, kind, funny boy. It is impossible to believe that Gil is no longer with us. He would shine light everywhere he went. Gil will always be in my heart. May he rest in peace. 
יהי זכרו ברוך

Gil and Oliver exploring the rocky shoreline of Faria Beach in Ventura, CA. We all had such a great time on that camping trip! (June 2022)

Camping with Gil was such a joy.  I have never met a child who loved Mexican food more than me.  I remember my husband had made chorizo and egg burritos, handed Gil 2, turned around for less than a minute and the burritos were gone.  I thought for sure he had dropped them.  Nope!  Somehow he had inhaled two burritos in less than a minute and was ready for more.  

Gil, I love you.  I remember at the end of your three week stay with us I didn’t want to send you home.  I wanted to keep you here with us, as a second son and mostly as a brother to Oliver.  You and him got along so easily.  The laughter between the two of you still plays in my head. Thank you for the memories.  I will see you in my dreams.  Xoxo

I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss of beautiful Gil. He touched my sister and me both. May your memories be a blessing to you all. Jennifer Honig

OBITUARY

Gil Avraham

March 8, 2009 – November 6, 2024

King David Memorial Chapel & Cemetery

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