The Eulogy That Never Was...for Dad

Dad passed away on December 11, 2009 after a 10 month battle with lung cancer. He knew it was hopeless but kept a brave face throughout his ordeal. He spent his last three months with an ungrateful wife (not my mother) who cared only about what money she would get after he died. She was not kind to him and withheld my phone calls on several occasions.

The last time I talked to Dad was on November 12th and he sounded fairly good. That phone call will remain in my memory as I never heard his voice again.

His wife denied his family and friends the opportunity to say "farewell" and honor his life and instead chose to behave in a selfish, arrogant manner. There was no wake, no funeral, no burial. So, the only way I could show that his life was important to others, despite the behavior problems he had in his younger years, was to write and get his obituary published. The following appeared in the Quincy Patriot Ledger on December 15, 2009:

Obituary
Lawrence Vincent Solimini

"On Friday, December 11, 2009, Quincy, MA resident Lawrence Vincent Solimini, age 78, passed away.

Mr. Solimini, the 1st generation son of an Italian immigrant, was a US Army veteran who, in his younger years, loved fishing with his many brothers and playing pinochle and poker. After his stint in the Army, Mr. Solimini's employers included Old Colony Construction and General Dynamics at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy. For the past 20 years and until a few months prior to his death, he worked at C&L Autobody in Quincy, a place where many fond memories and wonderful friendships were forged.

He is survived by 4 children, Linda Johnson (Virginia), Tom Solimini (California), Julie Chmelowitz (New Jersey) and Larry Solimini (Delaware); 6 grandchildren (Holly Schaffer, Sara Johnson, Dustin Edwards, Joleen Mills and Alex and Zachary Chmelowitz; and three great-grandchildren, Zoe and Ezra Schaffer and Maelee Mills. His living sisters and brothers include: Joseph and Nofri Solimini (Quincy), Fred Solimini (Hanover), Vincent Solimini (Weymouth), Carmen Solimini (Florida), Catherine Gill (Middleboro), Lena Svizzero and Rita Brand (Bridgewater), Ann Hawker (Rockland), and Phyllis Salvaggi (Weymouth).

His children want to thank all those who gave their father support and comfort during his final months and a special thanks to Marie DiCroce for her help and kindness during his long illness."

Dad had many behavioral issues when he was younger, many surfacing with his abuse of alcohol but he was my father. I will always love him.

Rest in peace, Dad.