"Dano a Ondřeji, přijměte projev mé hluboké soustrasti nad odchodem Vašeho drahého syna.
Filipa jsem osobně neznala a jsem štastná že jsem se mohla prostřednictvím fotodokumentace a hudby přiblížit jeho jedinečné osonosti. Jsem hluboce s Vámi.

Dear Filip, what can I say? I don't think we will ever truly recover from this loss and tragedy, it is too great. I love you like a brother. I am so thankful as adults we remained close and that our children have been able to grow up in the same close extended family we did. I feel so lucky that my children had in you the BEST uncle I could ever hope for! We love your sons as our own and will keep them close with us always. We will keep our traditions and family adventures alive - skiing, hiking, camping, cabin weekends, all of it! I am so thankful that we just spent Easter weekend together and have beautiful memories of our families together hiking the Appalachian Trail and having our last dinner together in Jim Thorpe. You will forever be missed and loved.

Dear Family, There are people who touch are lives, larger than life and unforgettable. I had the honor of knowing Filip. He had me at his smile...I first met Filip at Monika's wedding in the Czech Republic. After the wedding we were at the Odalique homestead celebrating. When the realization set in we were out of libations..Filip saved the night by whipping out his guitar and manifesting a nice big bottle of Becherovka. Cheers/Ahoy to Magical Filip!- Lisa Erickson

Dear Filip, we did not know each other that well, yet we had these parallel lives, part CZ part USA. I always knew about your major life events. Your passing is a big shock and I am sad for your entire family. I remember one afternoon in Denmark, I was 7 and you 4, maybe. I insisted on teaching you how to write your name in cursive. I can still see the curly letter F written on a sheet of paper. You were a patient student. I also remember your love of dogs, German short haired pointers especially. We have one now, every time I look at her I think of you. Cau Alice

Filip, This is so hard...you touched many lives with your words and kindness selfless acts of kindness in the work place and you will be so missed. Your adorable children will know, what a great man you were not just to them but to the people around them. May you rest in peace and may God have mercy,as only He knew your heartI am so glad we were friends Vicki cox

Dear Simon Family,
I just heard from my son Rob that Fillip has passed. I can't write anything appropriate just now as my eyes are too puffed and my vision is blurry.

Filipe ,be good up there and one day we'll meet again, you ''CRAZY VOE'' .

My dear friend Filip...!
I`m sitting here trying to write this message and thinking" no this isn`t happening"...
What can I say....such an extraordinary person and an incredible human being...with such a beautiful heart and smile...
Always caring for everybody and helping people make their lives a little easier ...! I can see you coming to my house with a good bottle of wine to share with me and my husband, sitting in the kitchen talking, laughing, having such a great time together....
I`m going to miss you....
I never met someone that made people feel so special...No matter who it was you always found the best in each person to make them feel that way....!
If I star writing all the good that you are..... I`ll never finish..!
I thank God for Blessing me with your friendship my friend...!
I`ll always be grateful for everything you`ve done for me and my family,all your help and support....
We shared so many great moments that you`ll forever be in my heart...!

Filipe, in a rare moment for me, I am at a loss for words. Why does one so special and caring get called from us so early? I cannot think of a time we had together that was not rife with friendly and jocular bantering. You will be remembered in three ways to me: the young scout I knew back in Drexel Hill, the adult that cared for his family so, so much and a good friend that always remembered to say "please give my love to the Henderson Girls."  Hodně štěstí můj přítel.

Drahý můj Filípku. Diky za 40 let co jsi s námi pobyl na matičce Zemi.
Trochu krátká doba pro ty co Tě milují.Tvůj první i poslední úsměv rozdával radost, Tvůj smutek byl mým smutkem. Do nenávratna jsi odešel příliš brzy, ale v mém srdci tě pevně držím a nepustím. Šimonka a Lukiho budu ochraňovat i za Tebe co bude v mých silách.
Čau Roomi..........
Tvoje milující Máma - Roomi

Fil, our adventures began in the third grade as we started to learn the lessons of life together. Climbing the tree out front of the Albermarle house, building forts behind the garage at the Kirks lane house, or starting our love for dirt bikes, we did most things the hard way but still learning. You opened my eyes to many new things in life. Adventures to the house on dutchman mountain, giving me skiing lessons, and your dad teaching us to drive stick up at the high school were some great times. One of the best in my life was when we went to Czech for the summer and spent time with your grandparents in the countryside homes. Upon finishing high school we took separate roads through college and shortly after, until we found the next chapters in our life. We both found wives and started families. This is when the best came out of you. Simon and Luke were always put first in thought and when plans were being made they were never left out. The past few years with our children and ourselves spending time together felt like the cycle of life had started to become full circle. You and I watching our kids starting to learn the same life lessons you and I started many years ago was a great joy. Although the circle will never be completed, I am grateful that I got to have you and your family in my life. I will cherish our time together. Work your magic to save me a seat so when I meet with you in the future, I can be by your side again. Love you.

My fondest memory of Filip is playing canasta with the family and his grandmother, who loved the game. Not really understanding the game I was getting slaughtered while "everyone was helping me learn". Filip saw y frustration and said,"here little gram let me help you", and he did. That has always been a special memory to me because it opened the understanding of what a kind, caring person he was. Just a month ago I told my granddaughter this story. I said I wished I would see Filip soon so I could really learn that game fully. Filip and his kindness to me often came to mind and I will continue to remember this and many other times, Love you babe. Watch over all of us.

To Family of Filip and everyone,   Filip is not ready to "rest in peace." He has children, a mother and father, a brother and sister and tons of other family members and friends to keep watch over. Filip is very much still with us. Just in another place. We can still talk to him and he WILL hear. Be aware of the very slight shift in the wind and you will feel his presence. When in a room be aware of the change in the air. Very subtle but there. The Lord does not take our love ones and put them to sleep. He keeps them with us, we just must make ourselves aware of our presence. My brother has been gone 20 years and I can still feel and know he is with me. The same with my parents. There are instances I can share with you but the space is not large enough. But I will tell you to take a moment in your day to close your eyes and say his name and believe you will feel him and he will come. In a crowded room or on top of a mountain will make no difference to him. Do the things he loved to do with him in mind and remember a happening. Eat the food he loved and think of him. Just a quick thought is all that is needed. When my brother died it was tragic also.
I did not think I would make it. But he has helped me go on and survive. Filip will help you also if you let him. God Bless you all , my prayers are with all of you and even though I am crying I know he is in a better place then all of us.

I remember Filip came to my grandmother's house in Philly when I was in high school. I think he had just come back from Tibet; I was so impressed that he could travel like that by himself. And he had a wildly curly head of hair that I thought was super cool. What can I say - it was the 90s. Love, Christine
We're so sad.

Dear Filip, words cannot express the grief that I am feeling at your passing. You were a brother to me. As a kid I always looked up to you. Growing up you were always there for me. You took me under your wing and taught me about many of life’s important lessons. In adulthood, you showed me that kindness is the ultimate virtue. You were always caring and loving towards everybody. You always had a smile on your face. You had the rare gift of making those around you feel good. I cannot thank you enough for the love you have given me. You will truly be missed and will forever be with me in my heart. I love you.

Ahoj Filpe,
Budes nam moc chybet.Tesili jsme se na Tebe a Tvuj smich tady na Mezne.jezdi tam nahore opatrne,Jestere!Marek,Zdena a Madla

Drahý Filipe, milovaná Danielko, Ondřeji, Vernuko, Jakube, Šimonku, Luky, není hodiny, kdy by se mé myšlenky neobrátily k vám. Vždy jste pro mě byli a jste rodinou, kterou miluji, obdivuji, ke které vzhlížím a které si neskutečně vážím. Láska, něha, cit, pochopení, které chováte jeden k druhému, jsou nesmírně vzácné. Jsem si jistá, že Filip bude i nadále nedílnou součástí vašich životů. Jeho nádherný úsměv a neskutečná láska k vám všem z vašich vzpomínek a srdcí nikdy nevyprchá. Jsem s vámi celým svým srdcem!

Filip, You were by far one of the most genuine, caring, and loving people I have ever met. I will be forever grateful and honored to have met a man like you. I will always remember our coffee breaks, jokes, and our trips to the town pub. You were a great role model and an even better mentor. I will never forget the advice you gave me before my "big interview", "Don't be nervous, just be yourself man, and if you do that, you will be unstoppable."
I'll miss you buddy.
-Kris

Milý Filipe,
prožili jsme spolu s Tvými sourozenci krásné dětství na Orlîku a i když jsme se poslední roky viděli jen zřídka,Tvůj smích stále slyším...Velmi nás zasáhla zpráva o Tvém odchodu. Modlíme se za všechny, kdo Tě milovali, aby přes bolest a slzy přece dokázali uvěřit, že to rozloučení není navždy!
Upřímnou soustrast celé rodině - Blanka, Ivo a děti Flugerovi.

This letter is mainly for Lukie and Simon,

You may have feelings of being alone. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In your father’s passing we all lost someone so special to us that it is as if a part of our own lives are gone. But without being negative, I want to highlight how phenomenal your father really was. He was one of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met. I think of myself as a pretty strong person but your dad was always the hulk when it came to lifting things or opening things when we were working together. I was always in awe of his strength. To add on to this idea of strength, he had more confidence and pure passion for life than most individuals. He made me believe that I could do anything. I watched him take on challenges in life with a smile and a laugh. Challenges that a normal person wouldn’t be able to handle. When I was about to “call it in” and give up, he would always support me and convince me that issues could be resolved. Whether it be a broken pipe, a busted axle or a patio that had to be installed, he was always there. Filip would drop whatever he was doing just to help his friends. He enjoyed loving others and he showed this compassion for people through his physical efforts and time that he would spend with you. And honestly without your dad I wouldn’t have attempted half of the projects that I undertook. He’s inspired me to always try, never give up and persevere no matter what. What’s the worst that could happen…you can fail. And that is one thing that my man Filip never feared…failure. Through failure you learn and reach a successful result. This is how your father wants you to live your life. Don’t give up, never let another person make you feel like you can’t achieve a challenge and most of all love the world and everyone in it. I remember when I first met your father, he was so loving and kind to everyone he ran into. We would walk down the street and he would smile at everyone who passed and say hello. When we first met I told him my name was Brad, he said Brad or Bradley… I said Bradley. He then said well that’s your name “Bradley” not just Brad. From that day on I introduced myself as Bradley. He awakened me to many things in our world. If I were to make a list this would be to long of a letter. So, I want to end this letter not our relationship. My children love you and want to spend time with you. Therefore, it is my wish and your father’s wish that we will spend quality time together. One more thing that I learned about your dad was that he loved to spend time with you. He would always tell me “I love just hanging out playing with my boys”. He loved you so much. And one day when it is our time to pass on to our Maker…I am positive that he will be waiting. And this makes me happy. I love you and I am here for the both of you.

Love Dude

I have known Filip through his parents since he was a child, and over the decades, I was able to see him grow, mature, and gradually follow in the steps of the preceding generation. It was natural and good. The best of my memories of him come from canoeing trips in Pennsylvania and from family events in Southern Bohemia. I see his broad smile, hear his dry humor, sense his good-natured presence, expecting that they will last... and I wish that the sunny side of his nature keeps forever giving inspiration to his children, brother and sister, parents, in-laws and the rest of us who have been familiar with him.

Filip,
   You are missed so much. Your warm smile, contagious laughter & strong bear hugs leave a hole in my heart. You were always asking about my son and genuinely interested. I already miss your jokes and your happiness. Heaven has gained a new angel. Rest easy, dear friend. I am picturing you with a drink in your hand & a smile on your face. You made a difference in this world. Thank you for that.

Filip......fun loving, engaging, playful, jokster, I will miss the future times we would have had together. Since I am not be the best writer, I might not be able to express the laughter the following event provided that day.  I do remember the BB gun and related conversations that we had in Jakub's big house. I believe that Filip had flown in but Denise thinks that he drove to MI. In any case, Filip wanted to teach the boys how to shoot. Yes, but how to get the gun back home. Can it be taken across state lines? Could it be flown in a plane? Should Ron take it in his car so as to minimize the exposure to Filip and the boys? Should Jakub bring it back? How about the Post Office. Laughter highlighted this whole process of getting the BB gun back to New Jersey. We all love you Filip.
Ron

I am not ready to say much. I can't bear to think I will no longer have you in my life. I can't go minutes with out tears streaming and missing you.I grew up with you as kid. You were always there for me like my own brother. I have nothing but love, admiration,respect , and honor for you. As a woman still searching for eternal love you reflect the epitome of a loving life partner I wish to attract in my life. Devoted loving family man,kind,generous, easy going,adventurous, and selfless. You were my fun loving sweet cousin . I imagine you with me everywhere. I imagine you keeping me company and talking to me. You say " oh c'mon Sylvi cheer up. Everything will be okay. I am here for you anytime. In fact I am more available now because I am everywhere at once. Be still and listen ; you feel me touch you with love?." I see you happy , peaceful , yet a bit sad you left on short notice. You are with our grandparents. I trust you got a big smack on the bottom for owning a motorcycle. I have nothing against motorcycles and I appreciate you enjoyed the thrill of them. I hate how dangerous they are. Yet it's beautiful to follow your passion and do what you love ; I will never hold it against you. Your boys Filip ; you have the most two beautiful boys I have seen. So gentle, polite, and loving. They could only come from a father like you. Be still and know I am here with you is what I hear you say. Never allow me to forget because the pain of missing you is heartbreaking. I can't wait to join you in the heavens with the rest of our beloved. Forever missed and forever loved more!! xoxo

Miss you so much, Filipe!!! I'll never be able to drink another cup of coffee without thinking of you and I'll always toast to your life and your beautiful ways of making me smile. Here I sit in tears this morning, drinking my coffee, tears I will have for you for many more days and years to come. May you be happy and in peace. Love you! Veru

We love you, Filipe! You left us too early. Words cannot describe the pain of losing you. Your smile, your laugh, your mischievous pension for adventure. We will take care of Simon and Luke in your stead and never forget you. Love, Jakub

My dear Filip, Fildo, as I used to call you. I can't stop crying and will be crying for a long time. I will never forget you. Will always love you and will treasure the last picture of you in my head, when saying good bye, when hugging each other, kissing and wishing each other wonderful summer. That was just twelve days ago. Love you, Anna

Filipe! I will always remember your beautiful smile when you greeted me " bonjour Madame " ! I m remembering how much fun we had at Veronika & Phelps wedding ! Your sunny disposition was contagious !
You made the people around you happy . I shall miss you & your beautiful smile ! Much love , Madame ( Gisele)

Always a big smile and kind laugh..yet sweetly, mischievous. I just don't want this to be real. I sit here w/ out words for the pain your family and friends are feeling. I wish we could turn back time. All my love to you. And... to your family during this heartbreaking time. xoxo I guess I had to edit this to include how I was wondering from time to time when I would wake up at your house and my jeep would still be there : )...I think you may have taken it for a joyride or two xoxo.

A touching and warm smile that will be remembered and continued though the lives of his sons. God bless, Bevan

Drazí přátelé,
jsem s vámi v hlubokém smutku. Filipa jsem slýchal při jeho hovorech s otcem, když jsem byl v Přílepově. Obdivoval jsem jeho dva ušlechtilé syny na Ondřejově facebooku. Snad se s nimi někdy setkám a zalumpačíme si. Ivan

"Dear Filip, the first time I met you was at my sister's wedding. I was in the basement of my parent's house, slightly stressed, arranging the flowers for the wedding. In you came, with your big grin and 'Squirrel Nut Zippers'. You not only carried many buckets of water up and down the stairs for me, but you made that day one of my favorite memories with your infectious laughter and fun-loving spirit. Your smile and laughter will be remembered always! May The Lord hold you gently in His Love and Peace." Love, Natalie

Filip, I miss you terribly and I thank God for the years of friendship which we shared, you made it such a joy every " morning meeting." You were filled with so much light and grace that even know it inhabits the spaces and people you touched. You are loved and cared for greatly and you embodied what a gentleman was: gentle, unselfish and kind. Filip, there is so much I could write and say but I am satisfied in the quietude of our sacred space knowing that you know my heart. ("Wonder-Woman")

Filipe, I have known you even before you were born spending two months at Orlik with you mother, your siblings and our daughter while you were getting ready to enter this world. What a pity you left it so early! All members of your family are part of my heart and I will always miss you.

Filipe - The photos on this site capture so much of the way you could light up those around you - your tremendous laugh and smile and your devotion and loving care of Simon and Luke. We remember you coming by sometimes and knocking on our front door just to say Hi. It seems not long ago that you were playing croquet in our backyard with Simon and Luke. You had such a great rapport with them and showed so much patience in teaching the boys how to play and in trying to explain to Simone not to walk away with the croquet balls. You will be sorely missed; we were very lucky to have shared these times with you. Muriel and Clark

Ondrej and Dana, I was so sorry to learn about the loss of your son, Filipe. I know you will hug everyone in your family a little more tightly. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family at this time. Stay strong.

I will miss your warm smile and funny stories, it has been a pleasure working with you all these years!! You are in my heart

I didn't know Filip well as an adult, but I remember so well what a cute little boy he was. I first saw him in Prague and later we played together in Pennsylvania as he was growing up. Christine and I are heartbroken for Ondrej and Daniela as well as for his brother and sister and for his wife and children and other family members. May the happiest memories of his life continue to warm your hearts. Our love to all during this time reflection.

Dave and I knew Filip so briefly at the Simonova gatherings, but he always found a way to make us smile! He had such a wonderful sense of humor and was such a gifted story teller. He will be missed very much.

Filip, I'm forever grateful to have known you and will always remember everything you taught me. You were such a warm, selfless, kind person, always willing to help or just lend an ear and offer advice. I will always hear your voice telling me to trust my instincts, one of the most invaluable things you ever said to me. I'll miss you and our meetups "for beers!".

Thank you for being a great friend and mentor. I will never forget you.

Your friend,
Michael

Filip was one of the greatest Adventurers I have ever known! I had the pleasure of sharing many a great adventure with him from the time we were in Middle School through our College years! I hope the statue of Limitations has past but it was Fil and I that "liberated" the Upper Darby National School of Excellence Award Banner from the Great Auditorium. We Proudly displayed the Banner representing our High-school at a Mighty Pool Party at Fil's house. I think the folks were out of town and we conscripted Jakub to help us buy beer. The Banner was displayed in all its Glory across the bottom of the Pool. It was a great day that will stay with me forever. We also traveled many times to the Simon Cabin in the Mountains! So many great memories! The Simon family even put me up on my adventure to Czech Republic with Fil's uncle while i back packed across Europe. My sincerest condolences to the Simon's and all of the family. Filip will be missed. Love you Fil. Konowal

I didn't know Filip well -- but remember him from high school at Upper Darby when I don't remember so many others. Mainly because he always seemed to have a smile on his face, something nice to say and a spring in his step. Sorry for the loss that those close to him now feel.

Filip, you were always friendly and a pleasure to work with. We will miss you in Glen Ridge. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Ondřeji a Danielo, přijměte mou upřímnou soustrast a přeji hodně sil na zvládnutí tohoto nejhoršího období.

Drazí přátelé,
nemohli jsme uvěřit zprávě o úmrtí Filipa. Vím že prožíváte těžké chvíle, které s vámi opravdu sdílíme.
Polenovi

Filip convinced me to join the swim team during our senior year of high school because it would be "fun". Two weeks into the season a slot opened on the dive team. He filled it and left to me to suffer in the pool alone. He would always wave and smile during my flip-turns as he stood relaxing by the diving board. I can hear his laugh in my mind but I don't think anyone will ever be able to replicate it.

"... I am so sorry to hear this. Wish I knew what to say. Be strong ...
... with Love, Kamil"

Danielo a Ondřeji,
smutná zpráva, že Filip odešel tam, odkud není návratu nás nepříjemně překvapila. Je nám to moc líto. Přijměte naši upřímnou soustrast. Hluboce s Vámi i Vaší celou rodinou soucítíme. Alena a Jiří Klusáčkovi.

Filipe was one of the coolest, most down to earth guys I've ever known. He knew a little bit about everything. When we spoke it was always after a long hug and a beer accompanied by stories about riding our motorcycles. He was brave, funny and humble despite his gorgeous smile & big brain. He always made me laugh and feel like part of the family. He had a deep love for mechanical things, doodads, Spacely Sprockets. He could tinker with & fix anything. His talent for motorbike mechanics was self taught & pretty right on. He was quietly brilliant and outwardly amazing. He will always be loved & equally missed. Thanks for sharing Filipe with us.

It is with such a heavy heart that I share some thoughts about my friend Filip. We worked together for many years at the Glen Ridge Board of Education. I could write about the intelligent, highly committed, diligent and extraordinarily capable Filip, in his role as the Director of the Before and Aftercare Program. But it’s the compassionate, kind spirited, graceful man with that infectious laugh and sweet disposition that all of his colleagues, students and their parents in Glen Ridge will forever miss. Filip was a friend to all the McMahons and we loved being a part of your family too. 
Dan and I will miss you very much. Rest in peace my dear friend.