The Passing of a Good Man

We had never met this gentleman, but we knew he must be a good man. We received a called from our stake president telling us that his father had passed away. He got permission from our mission president to ask us if we would play and lead three hymns at the Friday night wake (viewing). We took one of the portable keyboards I use to teach keyboard classes in the church and found our way to the funeral home. This is the third funeral we have participated in for a person we did not know.

President De Rosa's immediate family, all members of the Church, recalled fond memories of their dad and grandpa. The family and congregation sang a patriotic hymn - "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and two Primany songs - "I Am a Child of God" and "Families Can Be Together Forever." Anthony De Rosa was a WWII veteran, a caring husband and father, respected business leader, author, athlete, and life-long Catholic. There was a beautiful feeling of love, respect and camaraderie in that funeral home in Queens, New York that evening. We were thankful for the invitation to serve in such a small way and feel the love of this close family.