It's a sad day in our family. Alphonse, my brother in law, 83, passed away this morning. It was not unexpected, as he has been ill for months, but it's still a shock when the inevitable occurs. It's like walking on egg shells. I've known him since I was five, probably younger. I was in the wedding party, doing whatever someone does at that age. I don't know what year he emigrated to America, but, barely speaking English, he was drafted into the Army almost immediately, served his time, and received an honorable discharge. Since our personalities are so different, we often did not see eye to eye, but he had many good qualities. He was an excellent draftsman and spent most of his adult life in the trade, leaving it for a while to sell insurance. He was excellent with his hands. I will always remember the wonder I experienced as a child at the elaborate nativity scenes, called presepio in our home, he created. He was an excellent gardener, perhaps learned from the time he spent in Japan while in the service. He was terrific at home repair and was still at it well into his seventies when his oldest daughter moved into an apartment upstairs in our three-family home. He worked hard and played by the rules. He fell twice in the street the past few years, injuring himself, and did not look to sue anyone. Of course, his greatest accomplishment was bringing his four wonderful daughters into the world. His grandchildren Onofrio and Carmen got to see him during his last days. His oldest grand-daughter, Tanina, and her family are flying in Tuesday from Italy, just in time for the wake. Unfortunately, Onofrio and his family had to return last week. I offer condolences to my sister Carmela and her four children: Isabella, Tanya, Luciana and Sandra and her husband Ron and their children Ronnie and Danielle, and to the great grandchildren: Valentino, Yuri and Tanina's son, who I will be meeting for the first time. The hardest part for me is seeing the pain in their eyes.
Rest in Peace, Al.
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