Widow Frames Late Husband’s Tattoo as Unique Tribute

When Angelica Radevski lost her husband unexpectedly in March 2023, she made a striking choice to honor his memory. The West Virginia nurse preserved a tattooed piece of her late husband’s skin, framing it as a personal tribute that has captured significant attention online.

Angelica, 35, and her husband, TJ Radevski, had been lifelong friends before marrying in 2021 and welcoming their son, Preston, into the world. Following TJ’s sudden death at age 55, Angelica sought a unique way to commemorate him, opting against traditional keepsakes. Instead, she decided to frame a tattoo that holds special meaning for both her and her son.

In a now-viral TikTok video, Angelica shared that she and TJ had discussed this idea before his passing. From his extensive collection of over 70 tattoos, they chose to preserve the design of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet, a favorite for both TJ and Preston. After the funeral, Angelica outlined the tattoo on TJ’s right arm with a marker. A mortician subsequently removed the skin and sent it to Save My Ink Forever, an Ohio-based company specializing in tattoo preservation.

The process took approximately 90 days. When the framed tattoo was returned, encased in glass and set in a dark wooden frame, the emotional moment was profound for Angelica and Preston. “When he handed it to us, I was shocked,” Angelica recalled in an interview with People. “It was a good shock — so many things you didn’t know you were missing instantly felt better.”

The tattoo retained not only its vibrant ink but also the texture of TJ’s skin, the fine details of his wrinkles, and even stray hairs. “This isn’t a replica. You can see his hair, his wrinkles, the ink I kissed goodnight,” she expressed on TikTok. For Angelica and Preston, this framed piece provides a tangible connection to their loved one that they felt was more meaningful than an urn.

The public response to Angelica’s decision has been mixed. Her video has drawn nearly 30 million views, with many viewers expressing admiration and support. Yet some have criticized her choice, drawing unsettling comparisons to notorious figures.

Regardless of the reactions, Angelica remains resolute. “Just because it’s not what you want, you don’t have to make me feel bad about it,” she stated. She believes the tattoo serves as a spiritual and emotional anchor for her family. “When we want to know he’s here, we can hold the frame, and it does so much more than a picture,” she added.

Angelica’s experience has also propelled her to advocate for open discussions about death and end-of-life wishes. Following TJ’s unexpected passing and the absence of life insurance, her family faced significant financial challenges. She is now using her platform to encourage others to prepare for the unthinkable.

“Instead of planning for a wedding for a year, why don’t we start planning and making it normal to talk about death?” she suggested. “You can be prepared — both financially and with what you want for your body.”

Through her story, Angelica not only honors her husband but also aims to inspire others to confront difficult topics surrounding loss and legacy.