Syd Sotillo
MEMORIAL
Syd Sotillo, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on April 20, 2012, as a result of medical conditions, including sickle cell anemia and heart complications. He was born on June 2, 1981, to Merlene and Molino Sotillo. He attended Hillcrest High School and Interboro Institute. Syd Sotillo was the owner of Fortune Millionaire Inc. He was not only a businessman, but also a devoted son, brother, and, above all, a friend to many. He will be deeply missed. The Sotillo family requests your presence in honoring the life of Syd Sotillo.
My friend has said goodbye to this life—the life we knew as our everyday existence. But, my friend, you and I understood that we were always just visitors here. You left before your time in years, yet we both knew that this daily life was only a fleeting moment. You departed too soon, but we understood that age was merely a number, and years were never a true measure of knowledge or wisdom. You were my friend from the beginning, and now, at the end—beyond what my eyes can see and my ears can hear—your earthly presence has moved on to the streets of Fortune Millionaire, paved with the gold we so often spoke of. Heaven’s gates have welcomed your spirit, whole and unchanged, with the character of a strong and gentle giant who believed his fortune was always safely kept for the day he would be called home. I will hold on until my own dawn arrives, when I can meet you again, renewed in a friendship without end. I will miss you—and the “us” we shared, my friend.
C. Alvarez
Syd was the eighth child born to Merlene and Molino Sotillo in San Juan, Trinidad. He attended Chinapoo Government School in Morvant before immigrating to the United States in 1995, where he continued his education at I.S. 8. He later graduated from Hillcrest High School. Syd had a deep passion for education and pursued studies in both Law and Medicine. At the time of his passing, he was completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at Interborough Institute.
Upon arriving in the United States, Syd began his professional career with McDonald’s, where he served as a manager. Seeking greater independence and opportunity, he eventually left to pursue entrepreneurship. He founded his own company, Fortune Millionaire, through which he provided prepaid legal services and supported nonprofit organizations and small businesses with grants, proposals, business plans, and related initiatives.
Syd was born with sickle cell anemia, a hereditary condition that affects individuals worldwide and is especially prevalent among African Americans, as well as those of Hispanic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent. In the United States, sickle cell disease occurs in approximately 1 in 300 African American births, 1 in 36,000 Hispanic births, and 1 in 80,000 Caucasian births. More than 2.5 million Americans carry the sickle cell trait. The disease is debilitating and can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, including infections, seizures, strokes, and severe episodes of pain caused by reduced oxygen flow to vital organs.
As an adult, Syd worked closely with his mother, Mrs. Merlene Smith-Sotillo, in establishing The Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corporation International (SCAFCI). Inspired by her children, Syd and Cathyann, who both lived with sickle cell anemia, Mrs. Smith-Sotillo founded the organization to support individuals and families affected by the disease and to raise public awareness of its impact. Drawing from her personal experiences and her children’s courage, she dedicated herself to educating others about sickle cell anemia and promoting proper health management.
The foundation, which has supported many children and families, has lost a central figure in Syd. Despite their profound loss, Mr. and Mrs. Molino Sotillo remain committed to continuing this important work—helping families affected by sickle cell anemia live full and meaningful lives.
Syd’s life was defined by his desire to help others; he would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was health-conscious, kind, caring, and generous. He also took great pride in his appearance, always well-groomed and impeccably dressed—even for the simplest tasks.
Syd possessed a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor and brought joy to those around him. If one word could describe him, it would be “entertainer,” as he had a remarkable ability to make others laugh—often turning even the most difficult moments into something lighter through his humor.
