With profound sadness we announce the passing of Ernesto "EJ", "Baby" Ayala, Jr. Ej was a loving and devoted father and friend to all whose lives he touched. Ej or "Baby" (as he was known to his family), was born on November 26, 1970, in Boston, MA to the late Ernesto Ayala and Rosa Mercado. Ej was 51 years old.
Ej loved life. Ej loved to laugh but, most importantly, Ej loved to make people smile. No matter what would be happening, Ej always found a way to turn the moment into a party of joy.
Ej and his family moved to Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico when he was still a young boy and was raised in the town of Guanica. Ej attended and graduated High School at the Franklin D. Roosevelt in Guanica, Puerto Rico in 1990. Ej was always an athletic person. In 1988, he was voted Most Valuable Player in basketball for the city league. His last years of life, Ej devoted himself to playing softball which brought him a new family within the players.
At the age of 18 years old, EJ decided to move back to Boston to live with his family in Clinton, MA to try and make a better life for himself but, Ej never forgot about his homeland of Puerto Rico that he loved.
Ej loved going to the beach and catching a “tan’ so he can always look “sexy” according to him. He loved going to the gym and working out making sure his body remained “sexy”.
Ej loved being a father. Ej was blessed to have had 6 children that were the center of his world. Ej would often say that each one of his children “gives me life for how they love me and that’s what matters”. Ej often found himself watching movies, playing dominoes or just enjoying a walk near the water with his children and wife, Helena, whom he married in November 29, 2007. Ej loved music especially, reggaeton. Whenever he heard his favorite song rest assure you will see EJ moving and grooving to the beat. Ej also served as a personal bouncer for concert crowd control and often was able to meet and greet celebrities and looked forward to telling stories about his adventure.
During the last 2 years, Ej worked for the City of Lynn Housing. Ej lived in Lynn, MA at the time of his transition.
Ej will be missed. His smile, his hugs, his kind words will never be forgotten.
Ej was predeceased by his father, Ernesto Ayala, Survivors include his mother, Rosa Mercado of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico; her husband, Sergio Mercado of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico.; his wife, Helena DosSantos Ayala of Beverly, MA; Christopher Lee Ayala (son), 32, of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico; Damien Mariano Garcia (son), 32, of Lynn, MA; James Alexander Ayala (son), 29, of Lynn, MA; Krysten Nicole Ayala (daughter), 28, of Lynn, MA; Mikayla Armani Perryman (daughter), 22, of Beverly, MA; Ernesto Ayala III (son), 14, of Beverly, MA; Grandson, James Alexander Ayala II and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren.
EJ was an avid domino player to fierce opponents Maria and Freddy Palmerin. He was also a diehard Boston Red Sox Fan. He was a talented artist in a variety of styles such as cartoons, realism, calligraphy ect. He loved music from heavy metal to Sala and merengue. He was the life of the party. The main character in every story. If you knew him you knew his energy was infectious. You couldn't help but to love him. But what he loved most was his children and grandson. He was a devoted dad. That was the job he took most seriously. EJ proved to be the best dad and best friend his kids could ever have asked for. They will cherish every single memory in their hearts for the rest of their lives.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS, Friday, August 5th from 5 to 7 P.M. To share a member or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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