I wish I knew about this website sooner I met Jared in December of 2021 and we didn’t like eachother , but later in the week we started to grow on each other ,and became the closest friend I ever had , and ever will have , my best friend. he was the only one who was there for me whenever times go tough and vice versa , I remember Jared as the friend  I could always call at any time of day or night if I was going through something and so many nights he would call me for the same thing , I wish his mom didn’t kick me out of his memorial and alienate me from everything because she blames me for everything he did. That’s besides the point though, I love him and will never forget the memories we shared together , my heart broke the night I found out he died and hasn’t healed much since , you’re loved and missed Jarebear , I’ll never forget you - Logan

Jared was there for me since day one. I didn’t know him for long but when I got out of placement and was going through one of the hardest things I’ve been through in my whole life he was there. He gave me humor and light in a dark place, he told me the thing I needed to hear when nobody would take the time to listen let alone speak to me or give me advice. He was the person I could call at 3AM knowing he’d stay on the phone with me until I was okay to be alone. He was the person I knew I could trust with some of my worst secrets, things I’ve only told him are still only known by him. I love Jared I miss him I still reach for my phone in the mornings to text him Goodmorning. I’m grateful that my last time seeing him he was happy, he was excited to have a full life he wanted to do better, be better. I saw him doing great things, helping countless people. He kept everyone’s hopes up. There was never a dull night/day when he was around. I feel him watching over me every minute and I’ve seen how many people’s lives he’s touched.

I will always remember Julian as the creative, funny and intelligent boy who was my son James' first best friend. Pirates, legos, running around at Hardberger park--so many vivid memories. They played countless hours in the garden at Julian's house, created together and went to so many birthday parties together. I remember the two of them playing soccer on the team at the JCC--Julian was not a fan but his devotion to his friendship with James made him put on his cleats and run up and down the field every game. I remember Julian introducing James to the movie Jaws on their first sleepover. Gretchen, thank you for the gift of Julian. James and the rest of our family will never forget him. He was a beautiful light in the world and completely himself as a child in a way that is still so admirable to me, even now, as an adult. All my love and support to you and Matilde at this time. You always have a friend in us.

Remembering when Jim and I first saw Julian when he was a newborn. Jim shared a great trick to help with an issue Julian was having. We laughed and celebrated! Another memory I have of Julian is his love for animals. He was always intent on their actions and reactions and loved sharing anything they did as if they were his children.

Julian would not have known me if he saw me, but I knew him from the beginning. I followed his interests on Facebook and through Gretchen's many stories. She was amazed by his insights and compassion. He did not have too much of a choice as to his incessant love for humanity and for the world around him that could sometimes be less than humane...he was, after all, his mother's son.  And although he did not know my face or the faces of many who loved him, I hope he felt the huge circle of love that surrounded him. Honestly, I hope he is still aware...even now. 

Although there might always be wonderings...the what if's and perhaps whys, there will never be any doubt that Julian was adored, and there is no doubt that his voice will continue to whisper in memory's ear all that is good, all that brings laughter, and that which brings peace when needed. 

And Matilde...you only have to see the look on Julian's face when he is near you to know the admiration he had for you. Take care of yourself and your mama.  

Much love to you all.

No specific memory of Julian except how happy you were to have a brother for Mathilde. You and all of your family have my sincere and deepest sympathy.

I am just so profoundly sorry for this loss. I loved Julian and am so thankful that I got to spend time with him. One of my favorite memories is taking him to the mall. We laughed so hard at people doing strange things, and he laughed so hard at me being old and out of touch. He would explain how “things are different now.” We had a great time that day.

Julian will remain a bright, beautiful little boy in my eyes and heart forever.  I remember several of us going to the coast with pregnant Gretchen and having a surprise party to celebrate him before he was born!  

Our visits were sporadic at best, but I have several treasured memories of just sitting with Julian by ourselves, mesmerized that this little guy was such a game master.  He excitedly and patiently tried to teach me how to play Mine Craft.  I even downloaded it at home, hoping to be less of a dunce the next time we played.  I remember Gretchen telling me I was the only adult who actually sat down and played with him.

I cannot begin to fathom the depth of grief for Gretchen, Matilde, and all his Ponce and Bernabei relatives.  Love and prayers for comfort and peace at heart are sent your way.  Julian will be sorely missed but eternally in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.  Becky Hoag

No words can express my sympathy for your tragic loss. My last memory was at your house full of Trailers and Julian who was caring for a kitten. The kitten was lovingly in his arms or around his neck. His compassion, dedication and care for that kitten was evident to all. He was full of love and his love will live on in forever memories.

I remember him as a sweet little boy, age 5, who loved being a pirate! I gifted him a silly patch and toy hand hook; I learned from his parents that he attempted to sleep with them on. Wonderful imagination and a loving, kind heart. My heart breaks for family and friends who will miss him forever. Wishing you comfort in memories of happier days ~

Hugs and love to you all. I remember Julian coming out to eat the nuggets we made for him...surprised that we made them from scratch. I loved the way he'd take the cats, wrap them in blankets, and snuggle them close and talk to them gently.

When Julian was about 8 months old, Miguel and I were left alone with him for the first time.
He was eating dinner while sitting in his high chair.
We were joking around with him, doing silly things to keep him eating and entertained. He was such a happy baby. So cute! 
We will always love Julian! ❤️🙏🏾
-Miguel & Christella Reyna

Nine years ago, on our way to spend Christmas w/ Ray Lagpacan in KS, my two daughters and I spent a few hours w/Gretchen and her son, Julian.  Julian was such a trooper, playing host to a couple of older girls whom he had never met before.
You could see Julian's bewilderment as he showed patience and exuberated so much joy which he gladly shared w/my two girls.  I still remember how Gretchen and I got a laugh watching them play together, as if they had known each other forever.
And so it was with a heavy heart that I learned that Julian was killed in an auto accident last week.  What a tragic event, and my sincerest condolences go to Gretchen and her husband.  RIP Julian.
For the rest of us, perhaps we can use this holiday season to be thankful for the friends and family who wll surround us, and to remember the good times we shared with loved ones who are no longer w/us.
And in keeping with the spirit of Christmas, perhaps we could invite those who are alone during the holidays. or are less fortunate, into our homes and share the joy that this holiday represents, and do so to honor Julian.

My condolences to his mother, sister, grandparents and family. I cared and loved Julian like one of my own sons.
“ Julian, I will work hard in keeping Popeye’s in business.”
Always in my heart ♥️ Rest In Peace

OBITUARY

Julian Bernabei Ponce

February 9, 2006 – December 8, 2023

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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