Saturday, February 13, 2021
/public-file/504/Ultra/c86a30c9-99c9-4523-b378-0ab912e0f4f5.jpeg
/public-file/505/Ultra/6e0477ed-e7c3-4f88-ac39-e941d78bcc33.jpeg
/public-file/506/Ultra/7235240a-4a98-4944-86a9-6ede09cebfd6.png
Words really cannot describe what Pat, Lisa and Maria are going through right now. Losing a child and a brother at such a young age is unbearable. It makes you question so many things, and those questions just seem to always linger unanswered, but I hope you all can find solace knowing Anthony is now in peace.
I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Anthony as he reminded me in so many ways of Matt. He was a special soul, a good soul, with a big heart. Anthony had a kind face with a shy yet mysterious smile that always had you wonder what he was thinking behind those big brown eyes. In his short life, he encountered many obstacles and at times made the wrong choices. I wanted so badly for him to be able to forgive himself and to find the strength to be resilient and persevere along the difficult journey of life God led him down. He was loved and valued more than he ever allowed himself to believe.
To me, Anthony was a loving, supportive and loyal cousin. I will always cherish the time when Anthony and a friend flew out to come visit me and Elli in Arizona for a week back in 2015. We road tripped to the Grand Canyon and Sedona and had so much fun slipping down Slide Rock. Or the times when the whole family would be together here in NJ and I would text and call and text and call Ant to get his ass over there so I could hang with him and see his face. And he would always come.
These are the memories that I will hold on too. So I look to all of you to find those moments that you cherish and to remember Anthony as the kind, quiet, and loving man that he was. I feel truly blessed that in these past couple of months I was able to communicate with him on various occasions and let him know how much I loved him and appreciated his support.
Matt and Peter are on the other side embracing and welcoming Anthony on his next journey in heaven. Even though we have lost our son, brother, nephew, cousin, we have gained an angel who will still remain loyal by our sides while we complete our life’s journeys. May he Rest In Peace.
Love, Lauren
