Jay Distrito Jr's Obituary
Jay Distrito was born on July 23, 1971 and left us unexpectedly on Friday January 20, 2023 at the age of 51. Jay leaves behind his mom, dad, 3 sisters, and the light of his life - his 3 beloved children Enzo, Savannah, and Waylon, his wife Darya and of course his extended family of colleagues, classmates, friends, and his patients.
He had been sick recently with respiratory issues and some other underlying medical issues that likely compounded his already weakened immune system. Thereby creating a perfect storm which ended with the ultimate tragedy.
Jay was surely a handful growing up. He was always active and hyper and too smart at every point in his life . Jay attended a private Christian school, Dade Christian School from K-12 grade with a small class size. Therefore, he would end up going through school with the same classmates pretty much his entire primary level education. He was described by all of our classmates with the same description repeatedly as “a good friend who was very funny”. He had the most wickedly hearty laugh that seemed to come from his toes and before you knew it, you were laughing along with him and possibly getting a demerit too. Not surprisingly, he had the lead in the high school play. He was a natural talent.
As irony would have it the reluctant student in those early years went on to pursue higher level education and got his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. His soft spot for working with fellow Veteran’s would have him go on to work at the VA where his old soul, gift of gab and wit made him a perfect compassionate nurse to work with that group of patients. They would surely not be offended by this man who didn't necessarily fit the picture of what we imagine a nurse to look like. They were not going to be nervous when they saw a bulky bald and heavily tattoo’d nurse providing them with care during their vulnerable moments.
Sadly, Jay had been burning the candle at both ends. He had just completed his final clinical rotation and completed his APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) program. Jay maintained straight A’s throughout his educational pursuits. He worked full time too, often overtime to support his family. He was always a hard worker and the stress of all these things he was juggling at once was probably a factor in the tragedy he suffered far too young.
Jay always lived a hardcore life. He was always an intellectual person and I would easily say often the smartest person in any gathering. Some would say he was too smart for his own good at times in his life If Jay’s life teaches us anything as a parting gift it would be this. It may be cliche but let his life serve as a cautionary tale. Take care of your health as we are not promised tomorrow. Live each moment as it’s your last. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Find a reasonable work life balance because stress is a leading cause of many cardiac events and can trigger negative effects on our mental health.
Please keep Jay’s family and especially his heart and soul, his three children who will have to face life with the void of a loving father to see them grow and achieve life’s milestones that I know he will miss being physically present for. Thank you so much for all of the thoughts and prayers and the donations to help support them during this difficult time.
What’s your fondest memory of Jay?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jay?
Share a story where Jay's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jay you’ll never forget.
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