My Godfather (uncle), was a complicated man.  Strong, opinionated, and passionate about what he believed in.  Like others of his generation, he believed in hard work and family.

Growing up, I remember living just a few blocks from him.  Riding my bike to go visit. Thanksgiving at our house, Christmas at Nana's house, New Year's eve playing Uno with family, which graduated to Blackjack with penny bets.  Birthdays, Sunday cookouts, hanging with my cousins Alex & Angelic.  

Since I was the oldest child in the family and my Nino was the youngest of my aunts & uncles, we were the closest in age.  I always felt connected to him.  It wasn't until later in life that we saw things differently.  But I never doubted he loved me.  I think he was proud of me for standing up for myself even if it wasn't what he believed. 

He had an attitude of " Whats mine is mine. You go work for yours, just like I did." He'd applaud your successes, as long as you applauded his too.

What I remember most is watching him raise his family.  His kids, my younger cousins, were his world.  He may have fought with them, but he always fought FOR them. 

His love for his children manifested in three ways.  He let them find out what hard work was, offered advice along the way, then congratulated them on their successes.  His love for his son and daughter created two amazing, caring people...... and he claimed that success too!

Eventually, his love extended to his grandchildren.  You could see the pride in his eyes when he talked about Dallas, Dylan, MJ, and Rubi.  He loved having them all in the room so he could tell stories of growing up. Some were tall tales, of course, but others were real.  It wasn't about the story, it was about spending time with his grandkids.

Having always lived for his children, he wanted to leave them a legacy.  His time with his family may have been cut short by illnesses, but the years he spent in health showed where his heart was, his plan, and intentions.  I hope his faith and trust in the process and people bears the fruit he communicated while he was well.

His family loved him and always did their best to do right by him.  He will be missed.

My condolences to my extended family.

My sorrow goes to the Family of Al I knew him for a long time an we played golf a lot We will miss him ..Now he’s with God  in a better place with no pain

As he lived his life, Al lived his final months on his own terms. Those last months, weeks, days were spent in the care and company of his loving wife PJ and the amazing hospice and caregiving team. Frequent family visits from Rachel & Nick, as well as grandchildren Juliana, Wyatt, Eric and Charlotte lightened his heart. His ride or die golf crew also visited often for walks, outings and occasional viewing parties for Cats and World Series games. Despite all the stages he was going through, Al remained every bit as feisty as always. 

 These last month’s allowed these friends and family to celebrate both Al’s 75th birthday as well as Al and PJ’s 23rd anniversary. The six months after his diagnosis were far too short, but the time allowed for the important, loving conversations that are so important for family and friends during this journey home. 

Al chose a beautiful fall day to take his leave. His home was quiet, cozy and filled with love. Incredibly, Amazing Grace was the song being played at the very moment he passed.