Jimmy “Cheo” Vazquez, 61, of the Bronx, New York, passed away on June 23, 2024, at his home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
Jimmy was born on Jan. 26, 1963, to Aurea LaPorte and Jose Vazquez in the Bronx, New York. In his childhood, Jimmy spent time in Puerto Rico, where he lived and was raised with close family.
Jimmy went on to enlist in the United States Army, where he proudly served as a 91A10 Combat Medic. Throughout his life, Jimmy was an avid practitioner of Martial Arts, where he practiced various styles. Using skills learned from this and his time in the military, Jimmy worked as private security for various individuals, including celebrities. Later, he went on to become a self-defense and first aid instructor for the American Eagle Force Cadet Corps, where children and young adults, like his sons, learned to help and defend themselves and others.
Those close to him should recall his love for 90s freestyle music and handball, key aspects of his and his children’s lives’.
Active in his church, Jimmy devoted much of his time and effort to volunteering and assisting where needed. He never backed away from challenges and always looked towards God and the Bible for answers.
In the last few years of his life, Jimmy battled multiple surgeries and powered through to recovery, following his motto of “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.” Those who were along for this journey know that he disliked being in the hospital and was always eager to return home to his family.
Jimmy was a proud father, grandfather, Christian, New Yorker, veteran, and American. He was proud of all his children, even those not related to him by blood who called him ‘Dad,’ and was absolutely in love with his grandchildren.
At the end, he expressed this pride and joy, and he was at peace, ready to journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. The world lost an amazing man who will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
