Sergio Omar Ochoa, Jr.

Sergio Omar Ochoa, Jr., died during the early morning hours of Monday, May 23, 2016, at his home in Gilbert, Arizona following a long, and courageous, battle with bone cancer.  He was 17 years old.  Arriving nearly 12 weeks early, Sergio was born on Thursday, December 31, 1998, weighing in at 2 lbs., 4 ounces and was 14.5 inches long.  Truly a miracle baby, he was blessed with a fighting spirit.  The first 3 months of his life were spent in the hospital, where a ventilator did 80% of his breathing.  It made him strong and turned him into one tough kid, with an unbreakable spirit!Sergio was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  At the age of 8, he was baptized and always looked forward to his church meetings.  When he turned 12, Sergio received the Aaronic Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Deacon.  At the age of 14, he advanced in the Priesthood and was ordained to the office of Teacher by the hands of his father.  Throughout his life, albeit brief, Sergio possessed a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.  He truly felt that he was protected by the love that the Savior had for him.  Even throughout his illness, he never doubted that, whatever happened, all would be well.  Sergio began his schooling at Crismon Elementary in Mesa, where he attended pre-K through the 1st grade.  From the 2nd grade through the 4th, he attended Walker Butte Elementary in San Tan Valley.  From the 5th through the 7th grade, Sergio was a student at Eduprize Charter School, also in San Tan Valley.  While in junior high school, his family moved to Gilbert where he graduated the 8th grade from Greenfield Junior High School.  In whichever school he attended, Sergio made a plethora of friends, many of whom, were lifelong buddies.  During his high school years, Sergio was an excellent student.  During his freshman year of high school, he joined the Culinary Arts Club at Gilbert High School.  He loved to cook and could make a couple of really good meals.  Although not physically able to attend his commencement exercises, Sergio was a Graduating Member of Gilbert High School's Class of 2016 and had his diploma hand delivered to his home the day before the rest of his class walked.  He was very excited to receive his diploma and was able to call all of his friends and let them know of his good news.  During high school, Sergio worked as a food preparer and server at McDonald's.  He loved working there and making new friends along the way.  Everyone appreciated his warm smile and friendship.  Sergio was a young man who loved outdoor activities.  He loved to go camping with his family and friends as well as hiking.  Too, Sergio enjoyed biking and swimming.  He was a regular participant of the Boy Scouts of America Varsity Scouts' Triathalon and was always a good sport.  Sergio was an avid Batman fan and had scene every "Batman" episode from the 1960s television show as well as every "Batman" movie ever made!  He was an expert gamer and conquered every level of the "Batman" game series.  As his bone cancer progressed, the Children's Cancer Network was able to surprise him with a visit to go and tour "The Bat Cave" in Phoenix.  He loved that trip.  Also, because of the generosity of others, The Make-A-Wish Foundation was able to send Sergio and his family on a special trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  He appreciated the simple things of life that so many others took for granted.  Most recently, Sergio was able to go on his first, and only, date with his dear friend, Catalina Lopez.  The two enjoyed a wonderful evening eating at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Phoenix.  Everyone whom had the privilege to know him loved him.  Truly all will miss his mild and gentle ways, however, non will miss him more than those whom loved him the most...his family.  Sergio Omar Ochoa, Jr. is survived by his parents, Nanette (Moya) and Sergio Omar Ochoa, Sr. of Gilbert, Arizona; his brother, Eros Jordan Ochoa of Gilbert, Arizona; his sister, Kasinda Idali Ochoa of Gilbert, Arizona; his grandparents:  Samuel Moya of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Robert and Leyla (Bravo) Ochoa of Sonora, Mexico.  He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ana Awilda Lopez.  Sergio is also survived by his best friend (since the 7th grade), Tucker "Tucky" Candland. The public visitation and viewing for Sergio will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, May 30, 2016, at the Crossroads Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1155 E. Ray Road in Gilbert, Arizona.  The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the church where additional visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M.  The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms, 22425 E. Cloud Road in Queen Creek, Arizona.Memorial contributions to:  The Children's Cancer Network, 6150 W. Chandler Boulevard, Suite #1, Chandler, Arizona 85226 or to:  The Make-A-Wish Foundation, 4742 N. 24th Street, Suite #400, Phoenix, Arizona 85016, have been suggested by his family.  Sergio's family is thankful for all of the acts of kindness they have received during this difficult season and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf.