Sunday, September 25, 2011
My dear friend, aka Uncle Ralph, I've known you for 41 years. I will truly miss those talks about current events, sports (especially about the Red Sox), and life in general... I remember being your little neighbor in Burlington, I hurt my knee as a little boy and you picked me up and held me all the way to the emergency room. And calmed my mom down because she was having a nervous breakdown from the entire incident. Or when I ran down the hill from my house to your backyard and slapped you right on your butt and asked if "Rosa had any cookies". Of course my mom yelled at me for slapping you on the butt and to apologize immediately, you would just tell her "it's ok Lorraine". We shared memories every year for over 30 years when you and Rosa would drive down every March to Orlando. My Mom (God rest her soul) enjoyed those visits and the stories about the "the good ole days"... Or the time you were teaching me how to shave. I will also miss hearing you call me "Joe the Tiger", for as long as I can rememeber you would call me by that title. I was lucky to have spent some time with you these past few years and a visit to Fenway Park in 2006 to finally watch a Red Sox game together. My visit with you in 2008 was also a memorable time when we drove to Gloucester for fried clams. Ralphie, words can't totally express what you've meant to me but you were truly a special person to me and my mom. Although my last visit in June of this year was ever so brief, you were able to meet my daughter. God I am so greatful for that!!! Please forgive me for not being able to attend your sevice as I know you are aware of my situation. If anything you have been my counselor or therapist these past few years to say the least. Always an ear to listen to all my trials and tribulations. I will miss you so much and will never forget you for as long as I live! My Paisan, I Love you!!
