Julian Thaddius Harley
April 30, 1988 - December 13, 2014

"My Dearest Julian, I remember the first time we met the summer of 2007, after I grauduated from Miramar High School, at a Carribean music festival in Miami. We made eye contact and the music drew us together for what became the beginning of a great night of dancing and the beginning of our relationship. Unbeknownst to me, you always had a crush on me, which you later divulged, and I remember many times that we spent eating, laughing, arguing and talking to one another for a few months whilst we dated. You were such a passionate person, trying to find your way at that time in your life and we went separate ways, as life tends to go. It wasn't until years later that we reconnected and I found out you joined the navy and I was so proud of you, that you got out of Miramar and you made an effort to expand your horizons and evolve from a boy to a man. Again, time passed and the next thing I know, you're in NY, and we meet after 7 years of not seeing one another, a few experiences stronger and with a few 'battle wounds'... It was a blast from the past, but again we went dancing and it felt like no time had passed by. You were entranced by Japanese culture and you seemingly had a free and open heart; I could see your eyes sparkle behind those beautiful eyelashes and life paused for a moment. We spent the whole night talking about our adventures and our aspirations and confessing to one another things that were never healed when we were teenagers. The last time I saw Julian was two days before my 26th birthday. I went with him to up state NY and attempted to find decent fish in his neighborhood to make me authentic sushi but didn't find any to his standards and instead we comprised over store bought sushi, edamame, Texas toast and homemade ribs and we spoke about the possibilities that NYC has to offer over sparkling rose and how much he wanted to continue to evolve and grow. We listened to blues and jazz and spoke about everything under the sun and fell asleep in each other's arms. We sent a few messages to one another and I didn't hear from him again. I loved Julian, I saw him progress within his own limitations and attempt a fresh start in a new city. He tried to make his wrongs' right and to become a better man, but grief got the best of him. I hate that he's not with us anymore, but we all have choices in life and he made his. His memory will always be alive in me and he is one the few people who have seen my evolution and he believed in me; I won't let you down Julian, I will keep fighting for the both of us because you are a part of me, and that will always be alive. "

"I have so many memories of Julian :) I remember going to visit him in the hospital when he was first born (Jacobi Hospital ) . I remember graduating from 8th grade and he was 1 month old and was there. He was a gorgeous baby . I remember how he and my son JJ were like brothers. My last memories of him were here in NY. We hung out went out to dinner laughed so much and he was such a gentleman . I will always remember how easy going intelligent and how Much of a gentleman he was . I will remember his smile his eyelashes love for sushi and he will always remain in my memories and heart ❤️. Trudy you raised a phenomenal man . I will miss him but knowing he is in peace puts me at ease . "

"All my children are so special however the one thing he did that none of my other children do is call me mommy my other children just call me mom. He always called me mommy I miss that.... "

"I cant count the memories we shared. Julian was my first boyfriend when we were 13. Puppy love at its best. I moved an hour away and we were too young with no cars . We remained friends throughout the years. When we were 23 we reconnected and gave it a second shot as adults. We had a beautiful relationship together. It became long distance due to him entering his navy term. I loved when I got the chance to see him at all hia different locations, I was always there. I think back on the trip to San Diego and what an amazing time we had. His smile was beautiful. His eyes were dark and sincere. Distance turned our relationship into a friendship....which he always was my best friend. 14 years of a beautiful friendship/relationship and memories I will cherish as long as im alive. I love you juelz. Your love and friendship was priceless. My heart aches. Be an angel to look over us who loved you dearly. Rest in peace beautiful soul. Ill think of your love and smile every day. God, take care of our julian..."

"When the enemy death strikes your grief can be great. It's never the right time to say goodbye to a loved one. Death too to many seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 ~ "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". Only God's (Psalms 83:18) Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life. "

"I served with Harley on the USS George Washington. No matter how busy our days were or how overworked and stressed we felt we always managed to smile at the little things. Thats one of the things I always remembered about him, his smile. He had/has a beautiful smile. Im still in shock but your smile is forever embedded in my memory. "

"I remember Julian as a little boy with his beautiful brown eyes and long eyelashes. He was always happy with an infectious smile from ear to ear. Now, the Lord has called him home and I'm sure he is watching over us with that beautiful smile:)"

"I met Julian in high school and initially thought he was so full of himself. As I really got to know him I learned I was wrong and he was such a sweetheart; so friendly, so caring, and full of life. After we graduated, we kept in touch. We would talk regularly even up to a couple weeks ago. You could never suspect anything wrong with how happy he always was, but then again you never know what someone is really struggling with. I'm happy knowing you're now in a peaceful place and I'll pray for your family and friends to help them get through this tough time. You were a special person and a great friend to me. You will always be missed by everyone who caught your contagious smile, laughter and friendship. R.I.P. Julian. "

"Julian and I met on Facebook almost five years ago. We would talk occasionally and get to know each other very well. Eventually, we learned that we had similar interests. When he came to NYC for the first time, I was in awe. Julian reminded me of his father John. It was exciting for me finally have a cousin who was close in age to me and talk to. Afterward he had left to Japan to continue to serve in the Navy. When he left the Navy, he decided to stay in New York. This summer, our bond became stronger as the days went by. Whenever he came to the city, I made sure that he had a great time. One of the things I've told him that I'll always remember was that even though we've known each other years, I felt like I've known him forever. He had the biggest smile on his face. The last time we spoke was on December 10 @ 1:03 am. The last thing he said to me was "Indeed". If only I knew what he was feeling at the time. I'm still trying to put the pieces together but I'm glad that he's not suffering anymore. Our relationship reminds me so much of our father's Jimmy and John. My father won't be able to see his cousin for years but I won't see mine for the rest of my lifetime. He will always be in my heart and I never forget how he changed my life."

"I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one in death is heartbreaking to say the least. It's my sincere hope that you find a measure of comfort in the promise found at John 5:28,29 which says, "All those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus) voice and come out." This future promise gives us a real hope of being reunited with our dead lives ones."

"I can't remember the name of the hurricane, but I remember spending that night at Cliff and Trudy's (yes it was a long time ago). And I remember all of us sleeping in the living room and little Julian asking if it was over because it was too much rain. You made me proud when you joined the Navy just like I did. Fair Winds and Following Seas, I love you Primo"