In Memory of Al

On our wedding day

Cousin Big Al on the left, Christopher center, and brother Steve on right.

We lost a beautiful soul on Valentine's Day 2008. It could never be fitting that someone dies unexpectedly at only age 45. But some how the fact that he passed away on Valentine's day was appropriate, for he had the biggest heart and biggest love for his family and friends.

The funeral service was Tuesday. We left at 3:30 and got home at almost 11:00 pm. There was so many people there. Al was a postal carrier and people really turned out for him. A lot of the mail men and women showed up in their uniforms straight from work.

I'm almost in tears thinking about it again.

The priest called him "Big Al" during the whole service. Most of the family just started bawling when he did that. That was our nickname for him. His brother Tom did the eulogy and started off saying Al was even bigger than his 6 ft 5 inch frame. His heart was so big. He was bigger than life. Loved his friends and family so much. He lived life and enjoyed it to it's fullest. And that Al had the best job for him where he delivered mail and got to visit 500 of his friends every day.

I never met a happier guy than Al. He was his mom's full time caretaker for the past year or so since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It hasn't been an easy year for him.

We had a private reception after the service at the Downtowner Saloon and Steakhouse. Al would have loved it! It was right on the intercoastal waterway. Right in front of the restaurant, there were huge beautiful boats and small yachts moored up.

Chris said he was going to drink a beer to Al and then he said, "Al's a big guy, I'm drinking at least two for him!" LOL

Dude. That was Al's favorite salutation. Dude, you're missed. You were one of a kind and will never be replaced.

Chris sent this to his cousins.

Here is a link to a song that I think BEST describes BIG AL pretty much to a T. It was a song written by Bruce Springsteen for his long time friend Terry Magovern, called TERRY'S SONG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avi4ucNc4FY&feature=related

Terry's Song

Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seasThey built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they pleaseTaj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I supposeBut when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sunAnd sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only oneThe Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and JoeAnd when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

When they built you, brother, they turned dust into goldWhen they built you, brother, they broke the mold

They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was goneGone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and coldJust like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold

[harmonica bridge]

Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earthAnd I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursedBut love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories toldAnd when she built you, brother, she broke the mold

That attitude's a power stronger than death, alive and burning her stone coldWhen they built you, brother