"To live in the hearts
we leave behind
is not to die."
~ Thomas Campbell
Frank J. Mattoni
5.27.1944 ~ 6.7.2008
love,
your 'forever' friends
xoxoxoxo
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6 comments:
Although, I did not have the distinct pleasure of knowing Frank for very long, in the time that I did know him, I found him to be such a nice man. My brother, Ray and his wife, Chris introduced me to Frank and pulled me into the "Old Saybrook Beach" family and it's been such a pleasure growing to know these fine people. I'm glad I got the chance to meet Frank and strike up some good conversation with him. My heart goes out to his family and friends, who have lost a wonderful human being. God Bless You All!
Thank you for these kind words and pictures, it made my day. Love Frank's son Chris.
I came to know the GHB folks in the summer of 1995. Frank was one of those ‘folks’ (I think he had a full beard the first day I met him). I rented Frank’s cottage one summer for my family’s annual family vaca. I’ve supped on Frank’s sausage and peppers and the best tomato sauce ever and somehow even managed to lose the contents of a bottle of his Grand Marnier. Frank was always there for the best of times and the hardest of times. He was a pallbearer for my father-in-law. He could fix it, cook it, mix it, build it, make it laugh and just make life easier. Driving by his home was my ritual upon arriving at GHB. He loved his family and was so proud of them all. Although I am very sad, I try to focus instead on our blessing ~ the blessing to have been a part of Frank’s life. I’ve had the honor of witnessing a life that gave so tirelessly to others! We love you Frank ~ there is a giant hole at GHB that can only be filled with the comfort of our memories of YOU!
Frank:
Rest assured we will all honor your memory at every gathering. You leave an empty seat, but oh-so-many far from empty hearts. We are all richer for having you in our lives. Rest well, my brother.
Roger
I had met Frank as a result of being with Linda. I liked him long before we met because of how Linda spoke of him and how he was her friend and confidant. He was friendly and charming as most people of Italian decent are but, in my perspective, he had a unique way about him. You learn a lot about a man when you work with him and I was fortunate to help him on a small project on his house. As we chased material and built the project, we talked of many things.....our kids, our family, where and how we grew up, women (and our great lack of understanding them), our histories, and how we managed to get where we were at that particular point in our lives. I'm not certain that I loved him, but I certainly was deeply in like with him. His love of his kids, family, friends, and life was a grand thing to see. It seemed he was genuinely enthusiastic about everything in and about his life....it was a tangible joy. I fully understood why people loved him and liked being around him. Circumstances caused us to lose touch, but I kept his cell phone number just in case. I knew, absolutely knew, that I could call him and he would be sincerely happy to hear from me. That was Frank's way.
When Linda contacted me via email about his passing, I remember saying out loud, "Oh no." My heart cracked as the sad emotion of great loss washed over me. My heart, prayers, and thoughts went out to Linda, his kids, his family, and his friends.
I'm keeping Frank's number in my cell phone. Strangely, I find this appropriate in an effort to keep his memory alive. It comforts me. The next line I write may seem trivial to some but I feel this is the highest compliment I can bestow on this fine individual. Frank was a good man.
God's Blessings, Mercy, and Comfort be upon all that knew and loved him. Thom
Pop's was a friend to everyone. Thanks you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Leah Mattoni
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