He's remembered as a kind, loving, peaceful man.
Monday night dozens gathered to honor Jose Araujo, known as the "gentle giant," at the place he died.
"I love you and thanks for always being there when I needed someone," said 15-year-old Milani Gray.
Candles brightened a small corner of Bridgeport at Pond Street and Chopsey Hill Road as friends and family mourned Araujo's death and tried to make sense of the senseless.
Last week, 33-year-old Gregory Weathers asked for a job at a construction site where Araujo was working. According to police, Weathers left when the foreman directed him to the company office, then came back shooting.
"I hope one day I will find it in my heart to forgive [Weathers], but right now I'm just dealing with the loss," said Milani's mom and Araujo's girlfriend, Analia Gray.
Gray broke down as she laid down candles and flowers at Monday night's vigil. She described 30-year-old Araujo as the love of her life and said his 5-year-old son is still asking for his dad.
"He was such a good person. He didn't deserve to go that way," said Gray. "We're just trying to put the pieces together and figure out how we're going to go on."
It's a question no one knows how to answer, and although Araujo himself is now just a memory, that memory will live on.
"I would have enjoyed a lifetime with him, but he will forever live in my heart," said Gray.
"I'm going to miss him a lot, and he's always going to be in my heart. He was a very kind man," said Araujo's 10-year-old niece, Nikki Dagraca.
Calling hours will be held 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home in Bridgeport at 559 Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Augustine Cathedral at 359 Washington Avenue.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for funeral costs and help Araujo's 5-year-old son.
