Jose A. Escobales

A story of survival from a determined young man whose battle in staying alive has finally come to an end! Meet Jose Antonio Escobalesa miracle baby. A native of New Britain, born in New Britain General Hospital. Jose was born with very complex congenital heart disease. Diagnosed with dextrocardia with L-transposition of the great arteries, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary atresia. In other words, he was born with half a heart on the right side, major arteries backwards; a hole between the bottom two pumping chambers and no pulmonary valve to the lungs-- Life expectancy was to be less than 72 hours. But with the help of evolving medical advances he surpassed the time allotted to him and today at the age of 44 he finally has come to rest. Even though he has had a hard time with all types of illnesses, at the age of 14 he began to teach himself the art of Disc Jockey by watching others and reaching down into his innate artistic abilities. He very quickly became the neighborhood favorite DJ at local parties. During his teens, his passion for music also leads him to express in his own words in which he accomplished his goals in writing and singing his own songs. With confidence he continued to follow his long journey to become a professional recording artist. During the free style era he wrote "I Wonder" and "There is no way" under Sacred Passion. Following his roots, he decided to give himself a chance and try his luck with the Spanish language. This lead Jose to create and write "El Chiqui Chi;" "Oye Como Va"; "Guayapillo"; "Tus Besos"; and the last song he was working with but truly never finished "Le-Lo-Lie" all under Tombales. Jose was becoming a nationally distributed recording artist sharing the stage with the likes of Tito Puente Jr., TKA, Reinaldo, K7, George Lamond, and Luis Damon among many others. He had the privilege of performing LIVE at the worlds famous Sugar Bar in NYC owned and operated by the legendary r+b pop duo Ashford and Simpson and became (in their eyes "a hit artiest with amazing stage charm "). In recent months, Jose's congenital heart diseases together with pulmonary conditions have reached the point of no return. At the request of Jose, his family has established a fundraising campaign at Yale-New Haven Hospital to honor his legacy. Contributions in memory of Jose A. Escobales can be made to Pediatric Cardiology Patient Support Funds at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Secure on-line donations can be made at www.ynhh.org Giving. Proceeds will go towards helping Yale Hospital expand the life span for those children who are born and diagnosed with complex congenital heart diseases. Yale-New Haven Hospital was a haven for Jose and it was the place he spent most of his 44 years of his life. There was never a day that did not go by that all doctors, nurses, and other staff members did not brighten his days. The family honors each one of them and thanks them for all they have done to make his life on earth easier. Although we close the book of Jose's brave battle, his indomitable spirit will remain with us, in our hearts for all of eternity. Jose is survived by his mother, Cruz Escobales, of Plainville; sisters and brothers, Rosa Ahmad of Farmington, Angela Chambers of Hialeah FL, Maria Santiago, Plainville, Mirna Williams, Plainville, Ana McHugh, North Branford, Carmen MacArthur, Burlington, Minervino Escobales, of CT; his step-daughter, Shanise Mariani, of Hartford; seven nieces, five nephews, three uncles, one aunt and many cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:00 am at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main Street, New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary Church, 544 Main St., New Britain. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Thursday, from 6 - 9 pm.