To my family, relatives and friends who knew Joseph, may the grace and peace of Almighty God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Although I can not be here today physically, I am here with you in spirit. I would like to share a few words about my grandfather, whom I loved very dearly. He was a man who loved his family very much and made the best of what he had to provide for them. During my lifetime, I observed how diligently my grandfather worked in the barbershop, in the garden and around the house. He would also go out to cut hair for those who were in the hospital, house bound and in the nursing home. I also observed his generosity when he would give friends and relatives food from his garden. He always had a kind word and gentle smile towards those whom he encountered. His charity, I am convinced, is an effect of his strong Catholic faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Charity towards others is the greatest sign of God's presence in our lives. His charity overflowed into his family. He truly loved his wife, his children and grandchildren. Even when there would be disagreements in the family, he would be the first one to put end to them. He always made it a point that peace should remain in the family no matter what would happen. These words of wisdom were made manifest by the 65 years of marriage he enjoyed.
From the time I was born until the day I left for Rome last August, my grandfather had always cut my hair. As he cut my hair, he would tell me stories about Westerly, family matters, tending the garden and, of course, his birthplace Acri, which is situated in the center of Calabria, Italy. He would tell the same stories over and over to me, my father, my aunt and uncle and my cousins. He never tired of telling these stories and they always seem to bring a smile to his face. Now when I look back, these are the memories I have of him, of who he was, of what he did, and how he lived. In April of this year, I had the unique opportunity of traveling to Acri on a day trip.
