Thanks to all for being here
Joan Ferroni, Msgr. Barry, Maryl SJB & Chuck
Brother priests – calls from Card Dolan, Bishop Dominick & Bishop Tim 2nd most favorite priest.
First? Dad would go to daily Mass after he retired – who has Mass – the Saint (Father O'Toole)
Little church has meant so much to so many of us – where Maureen, Susan & Thomas were baptized.
Last time we were together here – celebrated Dad’s 80th Birthday with a Mass.
Faith was always important to Dad & Mom.
For Dad, helped him face life’s many challenges.
We had dad for 87 years – his own father died when he was two.
Because of their poverty – he left home at 14 & went to work
Sally Gap, Coal mines, ships in Newry – lived with Aunt Roseann & Uncle Terry RIP
Their son, our cousin Sean is here from Vancouver Thank you Sean!
His mother Alice worried – spoke to brother in America – Imagine faith needed to leave home and country - not to return for over 50 years?! Uncle Mylie called him “Big Sheridan”
Sister Pat’s dad – put him to work at Sheridan’s Food Store in the village.
Spent time off in Bronx & Manhattan – would meet a girl from Drumahair, Co. Leitrim – and began a life together.
How can you sum up a life? Chose 3 areas:
Hard work – both worked so hard – a man with 6th grade education put 4 children through college. We were not just his children but also his employees! We all worked with him and learned the value of good, honest work.
Family –after mom died, we all naturally began to look out for dad – to the point – my brother said – we all became his best friend and he ours. Love divided is actually love multiplied!
Faith – Mass – Prayer – mom her rosary – dad on his knees.
Faith would be tested – mom’s illness – then his own. Once he questioned : is there something I did? The mystery of the cross!
Tommy Harris once visiting Tom – dad was at work, as usual, fixing or building something – carrying a large piece of wood – Tommy said: "pop-pop, you look like Jesus carrying the cross. Little did we know. Evidence of cross all over house – walker, commode, wheelchairs, medicines, oxygen machine.
Day after he died – We moved it all out of the house – he is done with the cross!!!
He shares in the joy of the resurrection.
He suffers no more
He is with mom again
Thanks to all who cared for him – Ann Marie – special word to NWHC – Dr. Catanese
Thanks to my brother & sisters – you were amazing – no regrets
Final word to his grandchildren – John, Kev, Hayley & Alice – you know how much he loved you.
He was so proud of you - keep in your hearts: hard work, family & faith.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. . .
