Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.
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Cristobal "Anthony" Encarnacion

October 24, 2002 - July 24, 2017
Jenison, MI

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Visitation

Friday, July 28, 2017
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Friday, July 28, 2017
7:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

To family to help with funeral expenses.
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When words fail us and our hearts feel heavy, it is in remembering those we have loved and lost that we come to realize how truly precious life is. In remembering Anthony Encarnacion, we celebrate a life that brought so much joy to those around him. A genuine and caring soul, he truly valued his family and friends. Anthony strived to be the best he could be despite the trials of a young man leaving his boyhood behind and entering the world of manhood. Those who knew Anthony best would agree that it was his lighthearted ways and sense of kindness that made him so well loved and liked. May his legacy live on through the tears shed for him yet most importantly, the remembrance of smiles he so lovingly brought to those around him.

Anthony’s story began in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan on a typical autumn day as the leaves cast dazzling hues in the sunlight’s bright array. Born on October 24, 2002, Cristobal “Anthony” Encarnacion was the son of Jose Luis Encarnacion and Jeannette DeJesus, and he delighted his parents in every way. A time of heavy concern throughout the nation, the U.S. continued to recover from the World Trade Center disaster as “Homeland Security” was beginning to become a daily phrase. While Eminem, Creed and Linkin Park were hitting the music charts, American Idol had crowned its’ first award winning winner. One of five children, Anthony’s siblings included Jose, Jr., Xiomara, Luis, and Jennial. From his earliest years and beyond, Anthony shared a close bond with his sisters. He looked up to his big brother with pride, and he so wanted to be just like him - working, independent, and the fine example of a good and real man. Anthony shared a special bond with his sister, they argued as brothers and sisters do, but they always parted ways with a calm assurance that everything would be okay.

While growing up, Anthony often spent the holidays with his family, cousins and extended family where the best of memories were shared. During his childhood, Anthony learned the value of family and the meaning of always being there for one another. As a youngster he liked riding his bikes and scooters, and walks to the store for snacks. He loved being outdoors in the fresh open spaces where he found his share of adventure with friends.

Anthony excelled in his studies and was always a good student which came naturally for him. He took his education seriously, and it showed in his amazing grades. Although he was just beginning his high school years, while attending Valleywood Middle School with Kentwood Public Schools he was a member of the Falcon’s wrestling team. Anthony was very ambitious in school.

One of the things Anthony was especially looking forward to and was excited about was spending the summer with his grandfather in Florida. In his free time, some of his hobbies included dancing and listening to music. He liked a variety of music, but it mainly depended on the type of mood he was in. More than anything, he really liked just hanging out with his family and friends. Talented in many respects, Anthony was quite good at drawing, was known for his great dance moves and of course, telling jokes with his uncanny sense of humor. One of the things he loved most was sharing laughter and a smile with those he encountered.

Anthony had an upbeat, easygoing style and was just coming into his own. And with ways all his own, he looked for the good in everyone. His kind and caring concern for those he called family was without end. Always fun-loving, Anthony’s smile will continue to be etched in the memories he leaves behind. With so much life yet to live, experiences to realize and dreams to fulfill, Anthony has gone much too soon. Although he will be dearly missed, it gives us pause to find the words from the heaviness of our hearts to celebrate the life he lived and shared with loving, heartfelt kindness and compassion.

Cristobal “Anthony” Encarnacion, age 14 of Jenison, MI passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 24, 2017. Anthony will be forever remembered for his upbeat love for music and dance, and his easy going style. He is survived by his parents; his siblings, Jose Encarnacion, Jr. of Jenison, Xiomara Encarnacion of Grand Rapids, Luis Encarnacion of Texas, Jennial Encarnacion of Grand Rapids; grandfather, Ruben DeJesus of Florida; uncles, Joel DeJesus of Holland, Ruben E. DeJesus of Grand Rapids, Jeffery DeJesus of Boston, MA; several cousins; and many friends. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017, 7:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with his family from 5-7 PM. Memorials may be directed to the family to help with funeral expenses. Please visit Anthony's personal web page to read more of his life story, sign his online guest book and to leave a memory or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.

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