Neil Robert Estrella of Oak Bluffs died on Oct. 17 2018 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, surrounded by family. The cause was pancreatic cancer. He was 44.

He was born June 11, 1974, in Oak Bluffs, the eldest child of Kayla Parkhurst and Frank Estrella Jr.

Throughout his life he nourished those around him with love, music, food and football. He was a beloved father, son and friend, and an extraordinary big brother to all.

His siblings recall the challenge of growing up with him as an older brother — because he was fond of teasing, practicing wrestling moves, and shooting blowdarts and BB guns — but also their gratitude at his fierce loyalty, quick to defend his siblings to anyone else.

His passion for sports developed in grade school, when he played for the Dodgers in Little League baseball and took part in youth soccer. He went on to play football and baseball at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and later worked for several years as an assistant coach for MVRHS football.

He loved fishing and said that Coop taught him all he knew and gave him his first rod, was a gifted bicycle mechanic who rode his bike everywhere around the Island, and had a mean green thumb that could help everything he touched flourish. His greatest accomplishment was becoming a father, and his greatest joy was being with his children, Taybor, Ian and Ryan.

The impact he had on those around him, from family to friends, teammates to players, was reflected in the messages and pictures shared on Facebook from those whose lives were deeply touched and changed by his contagious faith in everyone, his unfathomable enthusiasm, his unmatched energy and love, his roaring laugh and relentless sense of humor. He had a big heart, a sharp mind and an encompassing soul and was generous with his attention, making people feel that he had all the time in the world for them, their lives and their stories.

He will be remembered as a wonderful brother, great friend and generous uncle, cousin and coach, and as a grill master chef, baby whisperer and friendly face in town, who might swerve into your traffic lane with a long beep of the horn, a twinkle in his eyes and a repressed giggle.

He is survived by his wife Angela Estrella (Fullin); his three children, Taybor, Ian and Ryan; his mother, Kayla Parkhurst (Gault); father Frank Estrella Jr.; brother Dylan Estrella; sister Marisa Mello; stepfather Robert Parkhust; stepsisters Caitlyn Parkhurst and Amy Rossignol; grandmother, Priscilla Estrella and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandfathers (Papa) Frank Estrella Sr. and Robert Gault; grandmother Mildred Gault, and aunt Debra Lothian.

The Estrella/Parkhurst family extends its sincere thanks for the exceptional care Neil received from the staff of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, as well as to Neil’s extended family, friends and the community at large.

A special sendoff and service will take place on Saturday, July 27 at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs from 1 to 4 p.m. All are invited and welcomed, as he would want.

Donations can be made to the Neil Estrella Fund through deposits at any MV Savings Bank branches in honor of his wishes for his three children to further their education. Additionally, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help his children with daily needs: gofundme.com/WeBleedPurple76.