Aaron Vidales Jr.

Aaron Lee Vidales Jr., known affectionately as “AJ” by his friends and family, unexpectedly departed this life on May 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois, at the age of 31.

AJ was a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois, born on February 22, 1995, to his loving and devoted mother, Tarra Travis, and father, Aaron Vidales. He will be remembered for his kind heart, loving spirit, and the joy he brought to all who knew and loved him. 

Aaron graduated from Joliet West High School and discovered his passion high above the ground as a cell tower technician. In his late teens and twenties he worked alongside side his uncle Kenny, at WCC Tower and TNT Communication. 

Working at heights that offered breathtaking views from hundreds even thousands of feet up, he embraced both the challenge and the beauty of his work. His work took him across the country, including Florida, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Mississippi. 

Aaron installed, replaced and repaired communication towers.  

Helping to connect people across miles making it possible for others to communicate, work, and stay connected. 

A true free spirit, Aaron was known for his fearless determination, and unwavering commitment to the job. He brought a sense of purpose and pride to every climb and every day he spent doing what he love.

Although Aaron cherished his time traveling as a tower technician, family was his top priority. Seeking to be closer to his family, he joined Stockton Construction Group LLC,  in wireless services company in Romeoville, Illinois where he was instrumental in building new sites, upgrading towers, and tower maintenance.

Aaron’s career focus shifted over time, as he found fulfillment in work that kept him closer to the ground and connected to everyday people. He worked as a forklift driver and operator before joining Lazer Logistics in Joliet as a Yard Management Specialist with his Dad. Over the past year, he became a valued and respected member of the team, known for his dedication, strong work ethic, and reliability. He remained with the company until his passing.

While Aaron never had children of his own, he was a devoted uncle to seven nephews and four nieces, embracing them with all the love of a father. He found his greatest joy in spending time with them, whether at family gatherings, cheering them on from the sidelines, or sharing quiet moments of wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unshakable commitment to them. 

Aaron is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Willie and Margaret Travis, Edward and Vernice Matthews, Arie Lee and Haymon Wilson, and Rose Vidales, paternal grandfather, Robert Vidales Sr. 

Aaron’s journey ended far too early, leaving us with a void that can never be filled. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in the cherished memories he left behind. He will be missed beyond measure.

Aaron is survived by his loving parents, Tarra Travis-Vann and Aaron Vidales Sr. (Amikio); his grandparents, Willie and Mary Travis and Dorothy Vidales; aunt, Octavia Travis, Brenda and Glenda Cobb of Detroit, MI and uncles, Kenny (Lesia) Santee, Micheal Travis and Robert Vidales Jr.; his siblings, Tavion Watkins, Amber Vann, Adjshamia Vidales, Erin Vidales, Araniyah Vidales, Addyson Vidales, and Noah Vidales all of Joliet; his devoted cousin, Dareonna Franklin with whom he shared a special bond, along with a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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