Jose "Pepe" Lorza passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2026, just two days after celebrating his 16th birthday.

Pepe's life was far too short, but the joy, love, and lessons he gave to those around him will last a lifetime. From the moment he entered this world, Pepe was a fighter. He and his twin sister, Sophia, were born prematurely at just 26 weeks. During his time in the NICU, Pepe developed meningitis, which resulted in cerebral palsy and brought many health challenges throughout his life. Yet Pepe never allowed those challenges to define him.

What defined Pepe was his smile.

Pepe was one of the happiest boys you could ever meet. He had an incredible ability to brighten a room without saying a word. In fact, Pepe could often express more with a smile, a laugh, or one of his unmistakable crazy sounds than most people could express with a thousand words. His laugh was contagious, and those sounds were unmistakably Pepe. They became part of the soundtrack of the lives of everyone who loved him.

Pepe taught those around him lessons that cannot be learned from a book. He showed people what strength really looks like. He showed them how to find joy despite hardship, how to celebrate the moment, and how much a person can touch the lives of others without ever saying a word. He faced challenges throughout his life with a strength and determination that inspired everyone who knew him.

Pepe loved music and had an infectious joy for the things that made him happy. He loved milkshakes, and he loved superheroes—especially the Hulk. Both his mom's and dad's homes reflected that love, with his rooms filled with Spider-Man, Hulk, Avengers posters, figures, and all the things that brought his favorite heroes to life. In his own way, Pepe was a superhero, too. He fought battles every day that most people could never understand, and he did it while continuing to smile.

Pepe was a student at Richmond Hill High School, where he was known and loved by those around him. He loved being around people, making friends of all ages and connecting with people in a way that went far beyond words. Throughout the years, he participated in the Special Kicks program at Pooler Karate, where he continued to show the determination and spirit that defined him.

Those who knew Pepe will remember his smile. They will remember his laugh. They will remember his crazy sounds, his love of superheroes, his music, his milkshakes, and the happiness he brought wherever he went. Most of all, they will remember a young man who endured more than most people ever have to endure and somehow remained one of the happiest people they knew.

Pepe leaves behind a family who loved him beyond words: his twin sister, Sophia; his mother, Mary (Tony); his father, Jose, (Amy); his grandmothers, Marie and Flerida; his 'auntie' Dawn; his uncle Todd; his cousins Mackenzie and Taylor; and many other cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know him.

Although Pepe was with us for only 16 years, he left an imprint that will never fade. His life reminds us that strength is not measured by what a person can do, but by the love and joy they bring into the lives of others.

Pepe fought hard. Pepe loved deeply. Pepe smiled often.

And wherever Pepe was, there was a little more happiness.

He will be loved forever, missed beyond words, and remembered every time someone smiles through a difficult day.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2026 at Richmond Hill Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until funeral time.

The family wants everyone to feel free to wear casual clothes or something that reminds you of Pepe.