Kelviz Parra

Our union is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kelviz Parra, a Housekeeper at the New York Hilton for 34 years and union member for 31. Kelviz’ favorite thing in the world was his family. “He was the best dad a daughter could ask for. He worked hard to make sure everyone in his family was good,” said his daughter Jazmine. “He had a really big heart, like a big teddy bear full of love, laughter, jokes, and songs. I’m a very proud daughter.”

His wife Iris also described how loving Kelviz was, and fondly remembers her husband playing video games after work. “He would play with the younger kids, so they never felt left out,” said his daughter.

Jazmine also shared, “I knew my dad went to work every day, but I didn’t know he had a whole second life there.” According to Kelviz’ coworker and friend, Rafael Coss, “everyone at the hotel loved him.” Bernardo Rosa, who worked with Kelviz for 30 years, says “he was a real special guy: a great friend, a great coworker, and a great leader.” Kelviz’ wife sends her thanks to the workers at the Hilton and the union for being so supportive of her and her family, throughout the years but especially now.

Kelviz’s family jokingly called him “the president, pope, and mayor” because, wherever he went, he was going to make friends and help anyone–family, friends, strangers, animals– who needed it.

“In 2012, my family all wrote wishes and sealed them into Christmas ornaments. This Christmas, we opened them, and learned my dad had wished to get married,” his daughter also shared. “His wish came true last July, when he and my mom finally got married in court.”

Kelviz leaves behind his wife Iris, his daughter Jazmine, his sons Michael and Carlos, his brother and sister, two nieces, and nephew. For his family, this isn’t goodbye, it’s until we meet again.