Unc, 

My whole existence with you was like the best jam session ever.  Whether weilding an instrument I barely knew how to play or listening to one of your stories on Uncle Dave's back porch I realized that you lived your life like a true troubadour! 

Just recently I want you to know that me (Anthony David Rasicci and Joseph Palmer Rasicci) shared a jam session listening to records in my mother's basement. As we picked through the record selections including classic 70's and 80's LPs, we spent the day jamming out to great music.  In this classic unwitnessed day, we stumbled upon Doc Palmer's finest work ever laid down on wax.  That song that we played over and over again was "Still Hot from the Last Time Baby"...honest to God Uncle Palmer was ahead of his time.  Leaving behind his golden trademark, his thick and rich voice which I constantly compare to a more soulful version of Barry White (if that's even possible), it will live on forever in my heart!!!

Beyond that record that has brought me so much joy it's his voice I will never forget!  Do you remember the time the whole family attempted to make a commercial featuring the song "Don't Worry Be Happy"  These are words that I will truly try to live by in my next thirty years!!!  The other musical memories I have of Unc include his saxophone playing at the Washington house, and the times he would sit at the Piano at Uncle Dave's and Aunt Bonnie's and scat soulful Jazz and Blues classics or anything that sounded fun.  Unc was the king of freestyle and improvisation, I'm sorry this was written so long after your passing, but I didn't know how to express these words at that time.  

Thanks for being there for my brother Dante', mother Dianna, myself, and Justina throughout all of the years, I love you so much, and I can't wait to see you and the rest of the Rasicci/Restaneo gang up in heaven again reunited someday!


Love, Peace, and most importantly Italian Grease!!!


Anthony David Rasicci, RN, BSN...soon to be MSN!!!        

Hey Bub,  

I just want to tell you Happy Fathers Day again this year!  Our daughters are amazing!  Everything has been so busy with the girls EP coming out!  The new songs they wrote are chart toppers! The media has been picking up I hope you can see all these magazines like J-14  http://www.j-14.com/2011/06/j-14-hot-band-alert-pixikill.html  and Teen Vogue.   AND Guess WHat....  AOL is featuring Pixikill on the AOL Listening Party starting tomorrow......   I am so proud of our girls!  They are still totally unaffected by media and stay true to who they are!  We have been so blessed to have children like this!  I love you Bubba and miss you so much!!! 

I just got off the phone with Aunt Annie.  We talked for an hour and she is just an incredible lady with so much insight!  She wanted me to tell you just how HAPPY Palmer was to go to Heaven.  She said he was wearing a suit.  He was dressed up and he looked very nice- very healthy- no hole in his neck.  About in his 40's, but it was the healthy, happy, and radiant Palmer she always knew.  She said he was just SO HAPPY to be with God and that she never saw such a beautiful smile in her life.  She couldn't even describe how radiant and happy he was.  He was walking on a light colored road and he didn't say anything but he was just running- rushing  to get to Heaven.  He waved and waved to her so happy.  She said he had a beautiful journey to Heaven and he wants you to know he is happy and pain free.

I'll never forget the first time I met Palmer and the rest of the family.  Baltimore, Blaire was joining the cast of Annie.  As I walked to the stage door, I noticed this rather large presence behind me, following me into the theatre.  I was like, who is this guy!!?  Not 10 minutes later we were introduced, and a lifetime of memories began.  

P and I seemed to play off of each other, and when we got started it was always a good time.  I can't believe that he has been snatched from us so soon.  I really miss him.  As loud as he could be at times, thats how soft and tender he was.  P was one of the most generous and one of the kindest souls I've known.

I'm very upset that I didn't get a chance to see P before his journey, but  I'm grateful that he came to see me before he past.  I'm standing in the kitchen making brownies and there is P!  I laughed, then cried, then told him that I loved him and that it was ok to let go. There was more, but that's between me and P!

I will miss this man deeply!  This man who, with his partner, made two of the most amazing individuals created.  Jewel and Blaire are living proof of there/his passion, drive, desires, hopes, dreams and the compassion that he possessed. We are who we are because of what we're taught.  Thank you P, for two of the most wonderful and talented kids ever!  There's a lot to be said for doing the right thing.  

P!  Tell my grandparents I send my love, and your always welcome to come and visit as long as I'm dressed appropriately! Thanks for all your love and warmth, you will be sorely missed.  See ya on the other side my brother!

xoxoxo

 This is the actual drawing Palmer made for us as we stood by his bedside.  I have several things he wrote as he went in and out of consciousness. 

 Inspired by Unc's drawing, I painted this.

Unc,

I remember when Vic and I went out to visit you guys.  Your personality was so therapeutic for him! I remember sitting in your kitchen.  Aunt Chris made us tofurkey sandwiches and we were telling you about our fun day at Universal Studios.  We were showing you the pictures Aunt Chris took that day and you cracked us up about one of them with our arms around each other.  All I remember is me and victor on the floor peeing our pants laughing so hard!  You always knew how to calm us down and get us laughing! 

I also remember when Danica and I came out to visit.  You took us to a sandwich shop to get asparagus and red pepper sandwiches and lemonade.  Jewel was getting her braces on.  After the dentist's office, we went to get Jewel a "veggie burger" at Wendy's and they gave us a bun with cheese and lettuce.  You had us cracking up because were telling the drive through guy, "This isn't a veggie burger! This is a piece of bread with cheese! What do you think this is?"  You always made sure we got the best! 

I remember when we went out to CA and I took an acting class.  On our way home, you played me all of your favorite music in the car.  You really inspired me to keep up with piano! 

I also remember sitting in my mom's old room at Nana's house.  You were on your lab top watching your church online.  You never missed a service! You had me watching it too!  You were diligently taking notes and absorbing everything the pastor was saying! You always had such a deep desire to learn about the Word! 

I remember at our house, you were in my parent's room, telling us that you knew God was healing you.  You said once you are healed you are going to speak tell your testimony to everyone!  Now, I am confident that you are doing just that-- telling everyone in Heaven of how God healed you!

Sonny,

I don't know how to begin to write this but your picture is in my heart and it will be there forever.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't have you on my mind and in my heart.  We have spent many, many days and nights together which I will always cherish.  We had our good times together.  You always had the right answer for me.  I hate to go grocery shopping anymore because you are not here to help me unload and put away and go up and down the stairs.  We were supposed to hit the casinos when you came back.  I miss massaging your head and neck.   I watched you when you were in your cradle and God sent you here to spend our last couple of years together.  Toward the end, God knew where you had to be.  I'll miss sitting on the back patio without you.  I love you so much and you will always be my "Baby Brother".  Always remember,

"I got you babe"

Love,

Cher

"What happened, Uncle Palmer

since I saw you leave that day ?"

I thought that I'd see him again

In Weirton, or L.A....

I didn't get to say "goodnight"

Like Jewel and Blaire and Chris...

But my heart is now enlightened,

'cause I know where he is !!

He's singing with Adelia !

He's dancing with his Dad !

Just imagine that reunion

when he took brother Tony's hand !

He's laughing with the angels,

and how they love him so !

With such a captive audience

He's the star of the heavenly show !!

There's no more pain or suffering,

only happiness and bliss...

so "Goodnight, Uncle Palmer"

We all know where he is......

 Thank you to whomever emailed me this picture!  It was a nice surprise to see this in my mail!  We loved walking on the beach and talking!    : )

Unc,

Palmer was very artistic and musically gifted with piano/sax/vocal.

He was innovative and a pioneer (not afraid to start new things)

He was hard-working & enthusiastic (even did dentistry in his last days)

He was very spiritual and read his Bible (food for his soul)

He was very humorous

He was very versatile (could hang out with anyone, anytime, anywhere and anyhow)

He was very family-oriented and content with his surroundings

He was very strong/brave/courageous

He had an energetic high-vibe personality (impossible to be depressed around him)

He was very inspirational (inspired me to become pharmacist and inspired his girls and myself in music)

God knew the plans he had for him...(he has a future and hope in you)

God's timing was perfect....Palmer was able to fulfill his dream of reopening his dental practice....He allowed our family in Weirton to spend precious time with him during his courageous battle...God allowed him to reunite with his family in California during his last days....God allowed him to grow very close to Him

Why did God allow the 3 things he so enjoyed to be taken away (singing, playing the saxophone and talking).....Perhaps it was to allow him to gain spiritual strength even though outwardly his flesh was failing.  This is what everyone should hope for...that our spirits become renewed..Without a doubt Palmer is in the HEAVENLY ORCHESTRA.....

Palmer's last words to his precious sister were conveyed to Ginelle.  He told her to go upstairs and kiss Nana and tell her how much he loved and missed her and that no matter what, she would always be his Precious Girl. They called each other Sonny and Cher....and Anita last told Palmer to always remember that "I Got You Babe"

Palmer's last words to me were:  GiGi...I'm OK b/c I don't know where I am.  However, I love everyone and tell God I'm ready.  God has told Palmer "Well done, good and faithful servant"....Uncle Palmer has FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT....FINISHED THE RACE....KEPT THE FAITH....

Unc, you are deeply loved and respected by all.

Dear Unc, I will never forget the last time I saw you and the important lesson that you shared with me about the impermanence of the body and how the soul is immortal. Your fight for life was remarkable as well as your positive attitude that endured unwaivering along with it. Although the absence of your presence with us here can be painful at times, it is indeed comforting to know that you are now pain free and in a better place where you will continue your voyage on another plane as you told me. Your light is still present in the hearts of many; may we never forget your lessons shared and your journey on this Earth. Give Thanks for your life well lived and those who've been touched by it.

~Anthony

Dear Unc,

I love you and have been inspired by your wisdom and faith, ever since you and Aunt Chris reached out to me during my days of anger and rebellion.  Those weekend trips were healing as you invested so much time in me and showed me a different way to view the world and my circumstances.  I am just one of the many whom you have touched and left a permanent mark upon with your charisma, passion for life, and genuine concern for people. 

A more recent memory that embodies your spirit is when we were all at the hospital standing by Grandma as she was facing her own battle with cancer and you were standing tall on the pulpit of life preaching healing with grace and humor in a way that lifted us all above the condition of our hearts and brought us to a higher perspective to see us through that difficult day. 

Your will to fight was tenacious and your battle was courageous, and the fountain of your faith was our rock and redeemer, Lord Jesus Christ.  While staying at Grandma's house over Christmas I thumbed through the tattered pages of your well worn Bible and reflected on the many conversations we have had about spiritual matters and you sharing the story of how God had transformed your life. 

When I first heard the news of your passing, my first thoughts were that a long road of suffering had ended and a new chapter of eternal Glory with our Heavenly Father had commenced.  Images of loved ones past raced to my mind's eye, as I envisioned them all standing at the Gates of Heaven with Jesus welcoming you home to an eternal paradise as I wept with joy at the thought. 

I realized that mouring is the work of the living and that your suffering is eternally in the past.  Today, hard fought tears escaped from my eyes as I reflected on your life and the beautiful words and images on this page, as our family gathered at home for a memorial service in your honor.  A small piece of you lives in all of us, who have had the fortune of being touched by your presence.  My continued prayers to Aunt Chris, Jewel, Blaire, and all who are mourning with them. 

Love,
Dante'

www.youtube.com/watch 

www.youtube.com/watch 

 www.youtube.com/watch

"Chameleon"

www.youtube.com/watch

StarsChristopher Gorham Dr. Miles McCabeAnna Belknap Eva RossiNeal McDonough Dr. Stephen ConnorTroy Winbush Frank PowellKelli Williams Dr. Natalie Durant
Blaire Restaneo Carla Beyer

www.youtube.com/watch 

vimeo.com/14624049 

To all the Restaneo family our deepest sympathy.  I often think of you and wonder what you are doing.  I have very fond memories of you when you came to Buffalo Grange and put on programs for us.  Jewel I remember how nice it was of your parents to bring you to the Grange and they wouldn't take any money.  I was the Lecturer at the time and it  was my duty to provide the program at meetings.  Everyone loved it when you came and performed for us.

Lloyd will be 92 years old next month and I will be 88 next month.  On Monday Lloyd fell on the ice and fractured his wrist and also hurt his shoulder, may need a rotor cuff repair later after his wrist heals.

Jewel I still have the video and CD you gave me. The CD was when you were 3 years old and the video is "This Country Is Rocking, Conga Cutie, Achy-Breaky Heart" and "Music Video".  I'm so pleased to have them.

We do send our deepest Sympathy.  May God Help you all through this difficult time.  Good Luck in all your future undertakings.  God Bless you all.

Would love to hear from you.

Sympathy and Love to you all

Winnie and Lloyd

Doc was a "one of a kind" dentist to me for at least 30 years.  He had a way of calming you of those "CHAIR JITTERS". Maybe it was his humor and the gold jewelry he wore.  I always checked out the chains around his neck.  I can just imagine him telling the angels "everybody need a gold necklace or two".  You left us too soon Doc, you will be missed.  Rest in peace.  My thoughts and prayers to Chris, Jewel and Blaire.  Marie Soberl

My heart is heavy as I write this.  Pallmer I had gone to you for 35 yrs, your office was in the old house yet.  Even took my two children, who are now 36 & 32 to you.  You always made them calm in a scary experience for a child.  I will always remember you with that big caring smile, big curly hair, and your gold jewelry..  The last time I saw you, you had such a positive attitude.  I was so saddened to hear of your passing.  My prayers go out to your wife and children.  You were a SPECIAL man in their lives and in the lives of many.  God bless you, and my life was blessed by knowing you.   Martha Wall

Ginelle and Unc at Universal Studios in 2006.  Unc always could light up a dark night with his smile and personality!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QICc9bCRbTM 

Beautiful song by Don Moen about Heaven

"You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

We can only hope that in a little while from now we will be walking down the streets of gold with you. 

All my love forever and always, Puntroc.  You Rock!

Gigi (Green Jeans)

I can remember sitting in the living room of our house watching you help Giana practice piano.   You really helped her perfect the piece she was working on  because you made her practice it over and over and over.  You sat there so patiently while she was practicing to make sure she got every note right.

Then, we wanted you to play the clarinet for us, but you could not because of your voice box, so you had Giana put her mouth on the clarinet and you used your fingers to play for her.  It was amazing! We have it on video :D She is still playing the clarinet thanks to your inspiration for her.  You told her that she has a lot of potential and makes a good, pure sound.  Every time she practices, I remember you inspiring her!  You also have been my inspiration with piano.  Thanks so much!

Uncle Palmer,
I think of you as a Brother not an Uncle. All my life, you were there for me, Gina, and Vic. When I was 7 years old and needed a baseball glove, you bought me and Vic red, white and blue gloves that were just too cool for 1966. When I needed a chemistry experiment for science class, you drove to Weirton and that got me an A+. As an adult, we got to rub elbow's through good and bad times. I respected you Unc and you respected me. My heart is heavier now than ever before. I know you have joined the company of the great family members that have gone before you. Heaven will never be the same with you up there because you are the Kingpin trend setter. Maybe you can start a texter phone service from heaven. If you do, text me your number when you get it because I looked forward to texting with you most days - you always knew what to say to make me feel better. I will keep an eye on all the kids and be there for them any way that I can. You left a mark on my soul that will last forever.

Love, David

To my Unc & beloved Godfather,

 David Rasicci, Palmer and Gina Ruffa at Anita's house downstairs for a Christmas gathering.

 What fun!  The girls hanging out with Palmer and Victoria !

Dear Palmer, being yur mother-in-law , has been quite an adventure.  I have traveled the states, with you and your family, your wife, Christine, my daughter, your daughters, Jewel and Blaire, my grandaughters, because they were little actresses, in dance, acting, TV, and movies.  You were always so proud of them.There are so many memories, from Ohio, W.VA., SC, NC, New York, to California. And I do have to mention this ~~~ You driving most of the time, If lost you would not ask directions,(its a man thing.)  Too many to mention in this space.  You were an excellent Dentist, Musician, and Singer.  Everyone loved when you were asked at the Holiday Innn to get up and sing.  I'm glad you stopped  in this past month and said goodbye, (me not knowing it was really goobye.)  But its not a permanent goodbye.  You will always be around for all of us.   And remember your loving Yorkies, Pookie, and Roxi, they loved you too, and the care you gave them.   You   were right, "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.) Thank you for your good lifes work!   Give them all your good up there too, they need you like we needed you, and still do.

                                                                               Love, Stella (Nana)