

Laurelio “JR” Mallari Macaraeg, Jr., age 48, passed away on March 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a courageous and determined fight through a difficult medical recovery. Born in San Jose, California, on March 20, 1977, JR was known for his vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and natural ability to connect with people.
Though his given name was Laurelio Jr., he was affectionately known to family and friends as JR, Junebug, and Larry. He brought energy, humor, and charm into every room he entered and left a lasting impression on those who knew him. JR was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and a big admirer of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
JR took pride in his well-groomed appearance, whether in business-casual work attire or his everyday style. Even his most relaxed look was carefully put together, often matching his caps with his well-kept sneakers — frequently a favorite pair of Air Jordans.
JR built a career doing what he loved most — engaging with people and rising to a challenge. A gifted communicator and salesman, he worked in sales and customer engagement for many years, including timeshare promotions on the Las Vegas Strip and later as a top-performing telephone opinion survey interviewer. He took pride in his work and was frequently recognized for his dedication and performance.
Beyond his professional life, JR had a deep interest in financial markets and day trading. He began his mornings early studying market trends and following the East Coast trading day. He enjoyed learning from top sales and business mentors such as Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, and Grant Cardone and loved conversations about success, strategy, and personal growth.
JR enjoyed watching programs such as Shark Tank, CNBC’s Fast Money, and Squawk on the Street, often sharing his thoughts on business and stock portfolios with family and friends. His favorite television shows and movies also included Game of Thrones, Braveheart, Billions, The Voice, and Jersey Shore, which he enjoyed discussing and quoting with those around him.
He will be remembered for his enthusiasm, loyalty, sharp mind, and the determination he brought to everything he pursued.
JR is survived by his loving mother Marian Dulce, his sister Sheryl, his sister-in-law Stephanie, and brother-in-law Miguel. He was a proud and beloved uncle to Gabriel, Marissa, Joseph Vanessa, Katelyn, Kyle, and Alyssa, and great-uncle to Athena and Monroe. He is also lovingly remembered by extended family members Rainer, Liam, Melanie, Colton, and Curren, along with many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Pallbearers will include childhood friends Karloff, Alfonso, and Rod, who shared over 40 years of friendship with JR.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary medical team who cared for JR during his time in the ICU, including Dr. Chow, Dr. Ashraf, Dr. Adam, Raphi, Asmaa, Lakeitha, Janice, Lu, Lou, Britzi, Sherrie, Kyle, Brian, Anthony, and the many dedicated nurses and caregivers who supported him throughout his recovery.
One member of the care team shared the following reflection:
“Caring for Larry was an honor. He was such a kind patient, always patient with us while we worked through his care and treatments. He never forgot to express gratitude and always managed to smile despite everything he was going through.”
Their compassion and dedication brought comfort to JR and his family during an incredibly difficult time.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at
Palm Northwest Mortuary
6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at:
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2575 W El Campo Grande Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89031
A committal service will immediately follow at:
Bunker Memory Gardens Cemetery
7251 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89129
Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception luncheon at:
Olive Garden
6191 Centennial Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89149
JR will be remembered for his strong will, fierce loyalty, and the unmistakable energy he brought to life.
JR’s energy, laughter, and spirited conversations filled the lives of those closest to him, especially his mother Marian, his sister Sheryl, and nephew Gabriel.
Gone too soon, until we meet again.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0