As Angelo's cousin I only really got to know Ange in the last few months of his life.  We were able to go on a cruise with him and other family members.  Ange was in pain much of the time but what a wonderful time we had with him.  His sense of humor was contagious and unpredictable. He was too weak to walk more that a few yards, but he would get on his scooter - exploring the ship, visiting the ports, keeping tabs on his mother and the rest of us.  And he ate and ate and ate.  It was a true gift to all of us to be able to spend 5 full days in his prescence.
Angelo was always concerned about the needs of others.  He saw Jesus in everyone he met.  Even in the last week of his life he showed more concern for others than for himself.  He wanted to be sure his mother was alright.  He always enjoyed the "dollar store" peaches she brought him each day.  He knew that made her happy, but he really liked them too.  He loved the visits of his cousin Joseph.  They would speak to each other in sign language.  Over the years Ange had taken the time to learn sign language because he had a special place in his heart for my brother Joseph.
On Christmas Day he was unbelievably weak, but with great fortitude he got on his Mother's scooter, crossed the road and visited Aunt Aggie, Uncle Sam and Joseph.
The words "thank you" were always on his lips.  How grateful he was to Teresa for making him smile, for helping him communicate with his beloved daughter Nicole, for bringing him an Arby's roast beef,  for the spiritual comfort she brought him and those around him.
Ange loved children.  In those last days he asked my grandchildren to visit. When Joseph, Sofia, and Matthew would visit his face would light up and he would give a High 5.  They would give him hugs.  Little Matthew gave him a big hug and then laid his head in Ange's lap.  Matthew knows goodness when he sees it.
 
Most of all Ange loved his daughter Nicole.  He would tell me how proud he was of her many accomplishments.  How she was excelling at D'Youville College and even working at the same time.  He told me of her independence and her intelligence, of her strength and goodness.  He told me how secure he was in her love and she in his.  On the day he died a picture of Nicole and Corey was before his eyes.  It was a very hard day, but when he gazed at that picture he smiled.

I was so saddened when I heard the news. I had just talked to you it feels like. You never gave an impression that the end was so near....I guess that was just like you. I will always remember you making me my favorite peanut butter cookies at work. You will be greatly missed, but you're with your son now. God bless you Angelo.