Gabrielle Union mourns father's death after dementia battle

Gabrielle Union announced that her father, Sylvester "Cully" Union Jr., has passed away after fighting dementia.

The actress posted the news on Instagram along with a video having photo collage celebrating his life, legacy and time with his grandchildren.

Union wrote, "No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one." 

She continued, "First it's repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can't swallow or walk.

The them that you know gets smaller and smaller... It's brutal and it's what he experienced, but it wasn't who he was."

She termed her dad as a "perfectly imperfect man" who grew up and admitted his flaws and repented.

Noting, "He made it his business to look after everyone. He loved our friends too and treated them like his sons and daughters. No one was ever left behind or unseen."

Union also applauded the colorful spirit of her father. "My Dad also loved to party, ALWAYS the life of EVERY party. He loved music, traveling the world, and spending time with extended family and friends."

She appreciated the medical staff that took care of him and her sisters who came as heroes.

Union ended by inviting people who knew her father to leave remembrances in the comments as she wrote, "Our family will cherish" them.

It is important to mention that the 53-year-old did not reveal his age or his date of demise.