Damien Elias Ponce, beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, student, teammate, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the age of 6.

Damien was a bright and beautiful light whose presence brought joy to everyone who knew him. To know Damien was to love him. He knew no stranger and had a heart that was truly out of this world. He was always willing to help others and had a special way of making the people around him feel loved and welcomed with his hugs.

Damien was smart, funny, talented, and full of personality. He loved the color blue and was a fan of Gojo. He enjoyed getting haircuts with his barber, Cruz, at HOF, where he would share the latest updates about his uncles, Jorge and Jesus - usually adding a little exaggeration to make the stories even better. 

He was a member of the Strikers soccer team and The Works, where he trained on becoming a boxer. Damien was known by many nicknames, including "Famine," "George Little," "Ponce," and "Young Sheldon." Each name holds a special memory that his family and friends will treasure forever. 

Some of Damien's favorite moments were the simple ones - stopping for coffee or matcha and donuts with his mom before school, going on walks, sharing meals, getting ice cream, and spending time in the kitchen baking cakes. He especially loved his mom's albondigas, biscochos, fried fish, and homemade Taco Bell tacos. 

Damien leaves behind family and friends who loved him more than words could ever express. He is survived by his Mother Yesenia Flores and Father Ramon Ponce (Maylin); his grandparents, Leticia Gutierrez (Wela), Patricia (Ama) and Ramon Ponce (Apa); and his beloved aunts and uncles; Jennifer, Jessica, Jesus, and Jorge Flores and German, Uriel, Fatima, Rocio, Ulysses, and Magaly Ponce. 

He will also be lovingly remembered by his baby sister: Kalliope, step brother Axel; his special cousins Uriel, Eriya, Izayah, and Adriel; as well as extended family, and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing him. 

Among the many treasured moments shared between Damien and his mom were the sayings that became part of their everyday lives:

"The sun will rise and we will try again." 

"Make good choices or choices make you."

"You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."

These words now hold an even deeper meaning and will remain precious reminders of their special bond.

Damien's family is grateful that God entrusted him to them, even for far too short of a time. His life was a gift, and although his passing has left an unimaginable emptiness, the love, laughter, kindness, and joy he gave will remain forever. 

He will be remembered for his beautiful heart, personality, contagious laughter, and the light he brought into every room. His journey on earth ended far too soon, but his memory will live on in everyone blessed to know and love him.

Damien's family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped love, guide, teach, support, and raise him.

Thank you all for helping raise him and for loving him so much. Damien loves you all.

Until we meet again, sweet boy.

"The sun will rise and we will try again."