Our hearts go out to you and your family, Brian. You always spoke so highly of your dad. The first time we met him, he made such a positive impression. Our deepest condolences to you.

My dad was a "great guy". People would always come up to me and say things like, "your father is a great guyUncle Tony is a great guyPapa is great". The adjective "great" is probably over- used, as people throw it around to describe their favorite athlete or TV show or breakfast cereal. I want to tell you about what made my father so great.Dad did not have an easy childhood. His mother passed away when he was a young boy and he bounced around between a Boys Home and foster care, never feeling parental love. Despite a tough childhood, he excelled at All Hallows', one of the top high schools in the City, where he was even elected Class President. After high school, it was off to the Army, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Dad credited his military experience for providing structure and sense of accomplishment in his life. When he returned from the Army, he found a career in the Insurance industry. I guess his attention to details and always being prepared, served him well in this field. Despite success in business, there was a void in his life. When he met my mother, everything changed. He quickly fell deeply in love. She was beautiful, caring, funny, but most importantly, she provided a love that my father never felt before. Once he won over my protective uncles Victor, Danny, and Tommy, it was clear they would marry and be together forever. From the moment they were married, Dad wanted to expand that love and start a family. In fact, my brother Chris was born just 10 months after their wedding. Two years later, Michele arrived and I followed about two years after Michele. Dad worked very hard to be sure his children had the happy childhood that he never had. Whether it was putting in long nights at the office to climb the corporate ladder, planning family vacations, driving me around early Sunday mornings to help me with my paper route, listening to Chris loudly practice drums each night, or chasing boys away that were after my sister, he always put his family first. While Dad provided security and care for the family, Mom was the ever-present love and glue that held everything together. Dad loved her with all his heart. In 1997, the unthinkable happened: Mom was diagnosed with in-curable cancer. She battled for a few years, as dad was right by her side for every treatment, every pain, and every scary night. He even retired early to be with her each moment of her final journey. When Mom passed, I was devastated, as were so many that knew her, and we were also concerned about Dad. His love for Mom was so strong and we wondered how he would go on without his soulmate. We were foolish to worry about him, because even though his world was shattered, he possessed an inner strength unmatched by anyone I've ever met. His love for family grew even more. The bonds he had with Chris and Elena, Michele and Gerrit, me and Josephine and his brother Lou, became even stronger. But nothing brought him greater joy in the later years of his life, than spending time with his grandsons Connor, Liam, Aidan and Dylan. They are all amazing boys and will live their lives inspired by their Papa. In his 70's, Dad suffered a massive stroke. The kind that usually kills a person or leaves them severely disabled. He couldn't walk and his speech was slurred. Through arduous physical therapy and determination, Dad regained his speech and most of his physical capabilities. But the stroke lead to other ailments and he would be limited the past few years of his life. He rarely complained and my sister provided the same level of care to him, as he once provided Mom. Thank You, Michele!Of course other family members also provided love and support. We want you to know that we appreciate your support and how much you all loved this great man. Just over a year ag, something else almost happened that we thought would kill Dad: It appeared Hilary Clinton would be elected President. Luckily, that didn't happen and Dad lived on. But seriously, after long visits at the hospitals, we'd sit around and wonder how the hell Dad could fight through a failing heart and kidneys, digestive tract issues, broken bones, pneumonia...all with courage and still managing to make those around him smile. His inner strength and love for his family kept him going. His biggest worry was that he didn't want to be a burden on his family. Even on New Years Eve, the last time I had with Dad, he chased me from his hospital room and told me to go celebrate New Years with the family. "Have fun, but be careful", he whispered. I could not go have fun that night, as I knew the end was near. With a heavy heart, I stopped into the chapel on my way out of the hospital. I prayed that the suffering end soon and that he quickly be received into the Kingdom of Heaven and be reunited with Mom. I take comfort today in knowing that he is at peace and with Mom. Dad was a great man. Please remember his greatness and celebrate his life with us.

So sorry for your lossDeepest condolences

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.