Gerardo Miguel Valdivia

February 16, 1975 – September 3, 2026

Gerardo Valdivia, lovingly known as Jerry to his nieces, was born on February 16, 1975, in Lima, Peru, and passed away on September 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Gerardo spent much of his childhood near the beach in Chimbote, Peru, a place that remained forever in his heart. He carried those memories with him throughout his life, especially the memories of Tortugas Beach, which he loved telling his two sons about.

Gerardo was a devoted husband to Rochi, his wife and partner of 20 years. They were just weeks away from celebrating another anniversary on October 10. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

He was the proud father of Nicolas, 13, and Benjamin, 9, who were the center of his world. He was a true family man who would do anything for his boys and for the people he loved. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest reason to keep fighting.

Gerardo was loyal, hardworking, positive, and, perhaps most importantly, funny without even trying. He had a way of making people laugh simply by being himself. His family will forever remember his stories, his expressions, his jokes, and all the little moments that made being around him so special. He was a man of faith who believed in God. His faith, his family, and his love for the people around him carried him through life's most difficult moments.

Gerardo was a passionate soccer fan and played soccer for many years. He could happily spend an entire Sunday sitting on the couch watching soccer matches.

He also loved building with LEGO. One of his most treasured projects was the Bernabéu Stadium, a gift from a friend. He spent hours working on it after work, completely absorbed in the process. It was another reflection of the patience, dedication, and joy he brought to the things he loved.

Professionally, Gerardo worked as a software developer. His final years of work were especially meaningful to him. He was incredibly proud of his team and the work they accomplished together. He talked about them often and with genuine pride. His work was not simply a job to him—it was something he cared about deeply, and the people he worked with became an important part of his life.

Gerardo was also a cancer fighter. For almost three years, he faced an incredibly difficult battle with courage and determination. He did everything he could to continue being there for his family. He fought hard, not because it was easy, but because his family was worth fighting for. He gave everything he had until the very last second.

And when that last moment came, Gerardo was not alone. He was surrounded by love.

Family and friends filled the room—nearly 30 people gathered around him. There were tears, but there was also laughter as everyone shared the incredible stories that made Gerardo who he was. Stories so unforgettable that his family is wearing T-shirts today with the titles of those stories, each one representing a memory that will make them laugh for years to come.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rochi, his sons Nicolas and Benjamin, his family, friends, and his one beloved fur babies, Kusy. Pez, our fur girl, must be next to Gerardo right now.

He was a husband. A father. A son. A friend. A brother. A teammate. A soccer player. A storyteller. A LEGO builder. A believer. A fighter.

But above all, he was home.

And now, Gerardo has begun a new trip—a trip to Heaven. We know that somewhere along that road, his grandparents are waiting for him, just as he always said they would be, especially Mama Oli with a pudding in her hand.

So, just as he always said to his boys before a trip:

ROAD TRIP!!!!!

And this time, it’s your turn Gordis.

Have a good trip.

We love you.

We will see you again.