Jonny was born in New York City in 1955 and like many New Yorker's before him, lived his entire life in the city.

He was a joker, a prankster and wherever there was music, he was sure to be there ready to dance and spread joy with his smile that always made you feel like everything was going to be okay, no matter what.

He died in 1986 when I was 9 years old. His short yet full life and his untimely death at the hands of a disease that even the US President would not mention in public for another year has been one of the most profound influences in my life. 

It was through his death that I learned the ignorance of man and the damage it could do. It was through his life and the light that shone from within him that I faced ignorance and the trials in my life with humour and optimism.

It is my wish and hope that through this page and donations, the spirit of Jonny Lugo can live on here in this country that his only son has now called home for over 18 years.

I know had he lived he would have visited often to see myself and his son in law, David.