by Sam Juliano
Our 89 year-old Dad was laid to rest Friday morning amidst pomp and pageantry, taps, nearly 2000 visitors to Macagna’s Funeral Home, a staggering number of floral arrangements, a massive contingent of motorcycle escorts from around the state, visits from Governor Murphy and his wife, Attorney General Grewal, State Democratic Chairman John Curry and in the church former Governor Richard Cody, a devout Catholic. I was deeply honored and heartbroken to deliver the church eulogy at Our Lady of Grace which ran nearly 20 minutes. Ironically, unlike our Mom, our Dad was always mortified at attention throughout his life as he was mainly reserved, quiet and gentle. The Rev. Peter Sticco’s beautiful mass was witnessed by a fully packed house, the Madonna Mausoleum was overflowing and the repast at Villa Amalfi yielded an unusually formidable gathering. What we always knew about our Dad through his long life was confirmed in the most spectacular of terms. I will now evoke our Dad’s favorite movie of all-time, John Ford’s 1941 How Green Was My Valley, specifically the ultimate death-defying tribute by young Hew Morgan: “Men like my father cannot die. They are with me still -real in memory as they were in flesh, loving and beloved forever.” (from my church eulogy)
I want to thank the many, many people who have expressed condolences in the most heartfelt terms on FB, those who registered, likes, loves and broken heart icons, those who sent flowers and mass cards, those who attended mass at Our Lady of Grace, those who waited over an hour on lines into the funeral home (I was overwhelmed to see my beloved high school English teacher and mentor Patrick Shelley who drove down from northern Connecticut to attend, and was deeply moved to see our old dear friend Patty Albino who defied her own health issues to brave the long lines. But there are so so many more too numerous to mention.
I am suspending movie reports and all other arts-related news, but will post Jamie Uhler’s horror fest capsules of this week on a separate post on Wednesday or Thursday.
My daughter Melanie’s extraordinarily beautiful and deeply moving four-and-a-half minute video, which ran continuously on the back wall of the funeral home room where my father was waked is posted above. It is set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
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Renewed sympathies, Sam. I hope the healing has begun.
Once again I thank you and Pam deeply for the kind regards our great friends.
Melanie’s video had me in tears. So beautiful. My heart goes out to you all.
Thank you so much our very good friend. Yes that video will move us for the rest of our lives.
My deepest sympathies, Sam. I lost my father, Amore V. Juliano, a little more than 8 years ago, and while it seems like that should be a long enough time to accept, I still find myself thinking “I’ll check with Dad and see what he thinks.” This happens particularly on financial and government issues, where even at 65, I would still be considered the child. It seems your namesake (and by extension, mine) was quite an accomplished and loved fellow. My thoughts are with you and your family.
My Texan friend, an astonishing namesake and a longtime follower of this site, I thank you many times over for your exceeding kindness. Not only do we share the same name, the loss of our Dads and similar taste in film, I see now you are the exact same age as me (65). It is almost like I have a doppelganger living in a different part of the country. I am so sorry that you lost your Dad Amore eight years ago and now well understand the depth of the grief which I did endure when we lost our mom at age 72 in 2003. We too conferred with our Dad on those matters and some others intrinsic to our family and common interests. And then we shared family patriarchs who were commonly loved. Having you around to share these priceless memories and comparisons is something I never want to lose. Thank you for this beautiful comment and tribute Sam!!!
I am so sorry to read of your loss. What an amazing tribute. Wishing you and your family comfort in the days and months ahead.
Thank you so very much my blogging colleague, site manager, and good friend. Your kindness here is appreciated more than you know.
Oh Sam, I am so very sorry to read this awful news. My heart goes out to you and the rest of your family. You take things real steady and look after yourself. Know that I’m here if you need to talk. Lovely tribute/memorial video to your dad. Maddy x ❤💐
Maddy, though we are both busy and don’t always get a chance to connect, I want to tell you that you are one of the loveliest persons I’ve ever met online. I am deeply moved by your compassionate, kindness and generosity and can only say I certainly would like to keep better contact through our sites and wherever else we connect. Oh how beautiful, I am so moved.
That is so very kind of you to say, Sam, especially at such a terrible time. I’m certainly going to try and drop by your site more often. You are lovely too, and I love your passion for film.
I’m so sorry to learn of your sad news. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video in celebration of a life well lived. Sending much love to you and your family.
Sophia, my very dear online friend thank you so very much for your exceeding kindness which does mean everything. Yes Melanie’s beautiful video will be remembered and cherished for the remainder of our days.
Your daughter has such a talent Sam. Plenty of tears watching that video of your Dad and family. Such a lovely relationship and a rich life. My condolences to all. I know it will take some time to get past such an indescribable loss. Truth is I know you never will.
Thank you so much my exceedingly kind and loyal friend. It is for sure a tearful remembrance and my Dad did indeed live and unusually rich life. Alas you are right, we can heal, but nothing will ever be the same.
Deepest condolences to all. Your Dad was among the greatest of men and that amazing send-off he received was deserved and appropriate. Melanie’s video will be cherished for the rest of everyone’s lives.
Larry, your extraordinary words will be forever cherished my longtime friend.
Sam was an incredible human being. While I know you are all grateful to have had him for so long, this loss is no less terrible for you all. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Karen, thank you many times over for those beautiful words my great friend.
Thinking of you, Sam. You have my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.
Duane my very dear friend I thank you many times over for that.
Please accept my deepest condolences Sam. I was present at the church for your eulogy. I’ve never witnessed anything quite like it in my life. The writing, voice and booming delivery had me enthralled and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Jennifer, thank you so much! Your kind words are deeply appreciated. I wish I had gotten a chance to see you after the mass, but I’m sure we will run into each other in the near future.
Sam, I’ve just got back from a trip abroad recently and being off-line whilst my PC was fixed. I’m so sorry to hear about your lose, I know how it feels. M y deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.
Bobby thank you many times over my longtime friend!!!