Houston mourns loss of Uncle Paul, advocate for missing persons

Paul Vasquez, lovingly known as ‘Uncle Paul,’ dedicated his life to fighting for missing loved ones, starting with his nephew A.J.’s mysterious disappearance in 2021.

His advocacy left a lasting impact on the Houston community before his untimely passing on Thanksgiving Day, leaving behind a legacy of love, determination, and community support.

Paul’s sister, Connie Moreno, shared her brother’s relentless fight to uncover the truth about A.J.’s disappearance in April 2021.

BACKGROUND: Family still searching for answers after 20-year-old old, who was wearing ankle monitor, disappeared last year

A.J., then 19 years old, went missing under mysterious circumstances, and Paul became the family’s spokesperson, organizing searches, gathering evidence, and sharing emotional TikToks and Facebook posts to raise awareness.

“He made people feel heard,” Moreno said. “He fought not just for A.J., but for other families needing justice.”

Paul’s passing has left a profound void in his family, particularly for Moreno, who now bears the weight of advocating for her son while grieving her brother.

“It doesn’t feel real,” she said, describing the strength she must summon daily to support her grieving mother and continue her brother’s mission.

Paul’s journey of redemption and advocacy made him a beacon of hope for families searching for missing loved ones, leaving a lasting legacy.

“He showed the world that anyone can change if given the time and support. I’m so happy and blessed that he’s my brother. He fought hard to get clean and sober, and he was leaving this world sober, which makes me happy. I’m happy that everybody got to experience my brother the way I did.”

• Still no sign of missing 19-year-old AJ Silvia

A.J.’s case remains unsolved, filled with unanswered questions. Conception recalls Paul’s frustration with law enforcement’s handling of the case, initially dismissed as a runaway situation despite evidence suggesting foul play.

“Paul’s fight for justice didn’t end with A.J.; he wanted to help others find closure and justice,” she said.

Paul was working on a book and leaving behind a legacy of compassion and determination, as seen in the heartfelt tributes following his passing.

A.J.’s disappearance will be the focus of Monday’s Missing in Houston series.