A Tribute to Julio Clotter

My father, Julio Clotter, passed away on January 24, 2013, at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. He was 74, and I was 14. Though our ages differed by 60 years, he was my best friend and a source of endless joy.

I still cry when I think about his laughter and his infectious personality. I miss my nickname “Julio Jaramillo” to this day no one quite says it like he did. He was a shining star, and I miss him dearly. However, my mother reminds me that it's okay to miss people; it shows how much of a difference they made in your life. And for me, my life would not be the same without him.

The same man who taught me to respect everyone at work was also the same person who told me to never put work over family. My father taught me the importance of balance, often without even realizing it.

His obituary reads, "Julio Clotter was born in San Rose Juan, Honduras on May 22, 1937. He arrived in the United States in 1978 to New Orleans, LA. He was employed by Schegmann Supermarket for 17 years, he was a Merchant Marine for 15 years and worked at Rouses Supermarket for 3 1/2 years. Julio loved to dance, cook, watch soccer and loved being around his family and friends."

It was a tough experience being selected to speak at my father's funeral. At only 14 years old, I had to deliver the toughest speech I've ever had to make. But it also taught me that I have the ability to perform under pressure and that I can handle difficult situations with ease. Maybe thats the reason I want to start a nonprofit, either way it goes, nothing has been harder than laying my father to rest.

From your son, I love you “Papi”