By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

MIAMI | Deacon Jose “Pepe” Chirinos died Jan. 3, 2025, in his native Peru. He was 74 and served at St. Augustine Parish in Coral Gables. The parish announced his death via social media, noting his loss as a shock and one that has left the community in mourning.

“Deacon Pepe was not only a personal friend and huge support to Father (Richard) Vigoa, but a pillar of our community and a beacon of faith, holiness and kindness,” they wrote on the parish’s Instagram page.

Over 778 people reacted on the platform, leaving comments that recognized the deacon as “an example of servitude and friendship,” a “remarkable pillar of faith and kindness,” and “a beautiful soul, a lovely and holy man.”

Deacon Chirinos also served as chaplain and spiritual director to several ministries in the Archdiocese of Miami, including Matrimonios en Victoria, Stella Maris at Seafarers’ House, and Renovación Carismática Hispana de Miami.

Matrimonios en Victoria shared the news via social media, writing on their Instagram page that “His life was a testament of love, faith and tireless service to God, his family and our Church. Our beloved Deacon José “Pepe” Chirinos leaves a profound mark on each of the marriages that make up our movement. In our hearts, we will forever carry his life’s testimony, teachings, advice, wisdom, joy, humility, and his eternal, kind smile.”

Stella Maris maritime ministry at Seafarers’ House, a multifaith community for mariners at Port Everglades, also thanked and recognized his service via Facebook for the maritime ministry he provided.

“His constant dedication to our Port community, the seafarers and the maritime community in Port Everglades was truly inspiring. He worked tirelessly to provide love, support, and understanding to those who needed it most,” the group wrote.

Born Oct. 28, 1950, in Cayme, Arequipa, Peru, Jose was the 12th of 16 children born to the Chirinos family. He grew up and studied at the Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria in Arequipa, and GUE San Miguel de Piura. Later moving to the United States, he attained an associate of arts in international business from Miami Dade College, and a master of business administration in international business, trade, and commerce from Nova Southeastern University.

Chirinos was the director of business development at Crowley Maritime and dedicated 39 years to the company.

For his diaconate formation, he attended St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. He was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Miami Dec. 4, 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Zulay, their three children, and several grandchildren.