Lesandro "Junior" Guzman Feliz would have celebrated his 17th birthday on Monday.

Instead of a birthday party for Junior, there was a memorial mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Leandra Feliz, his mother, says her last birthday memory of Junior was at Dave and Buster's when he turned 15.

Junior's memory shined bright Monday night inside the famous church. The community came together and released balloons at his grave site, clad with Yankee decorations.

MORE: Justice for Junior

One of Junior's former teachers left a heartfelt note saying, "Happy Birthday Junior. We all miss and love you." A big birthday card was also left resting on his headstone with all of his favorite things, including an NYPD badge.

He aspired to be a police officer, but that dream was cut short when he was killed by the Trinitarios gang in June of 2018. Junior's mother says faith continues to help deal with the loss.

Five men have been convicted of Junior's murder. Jury selection is tentatively set to begin later this week for the next two defendants.

Six others are scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday.