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People we remember
Biographies are where we share about family & friends to connect with others who remember them.
Stephen Sardi:
"I've mentioned before that Paul and I were in Boy Scouts together (Cub Scout Pack 14, Boy Scout Troop 71 in Milford). During our time in the troop, we were encouraged to earn the highest rank -- Eagle Scout.
At the time, a scout needed to earn (something like) 21 merit badges, and there were many to choose from. Some were mandatory, but the rest were discretionary. You tended to select those you felt most comfortable learning about. The traditional badges were earned by almost all scouts (Camping, First Aid, Cooking, etc.)
For some reason -- Paul wanted to go after Corn Farming merit badge. It was so unusual for our geographic area that the counsel didn't have an adult to review performance and sign off, a necessary step to actually receiving the badge. That didn't stop Paul -- he told our Scoutmaster (Mr. Gourdier) that he planned to do it, and got it approved. I think Mr. Gourdier wasn't 100% sure Paul *wasn't* kidding, but since he treated us all like adults, he assumed Paul meant it and told Paul he would find the right person to sign off on the badge
Where we lived, our house had no real property on which to grow a crop like corn. But behind us on Fairview Street, our neighbor Mr. Lauridsen and his wife had a large plot of land they used for farming and growing flowers. Paul went over there and discussed his plan with Mr. Lauridsen -- who was very happy to try this experiment with Paul and was very encouraging.
So -- from around May until late summer, Paul went over there and learned how to grow corn. It was exciting and fun to see, and he never lost confidence that it would happen. When the time came, the man required to sign-off on the badge visited and reviewed the 3 rows of corn my brother had planted and nurtured all summer long. The man asked many questions, but the end result was -- Paul received the badge.
I remember looking at Paul's sash (where Scouts are required to sew their actual badges when received) in order to display them at more formal events. You could see all of Paul's 'regular' badges, but then you'd see the unusual one with three ears of corn on it as well. He was proud of that badge -- nobody ever asked him about it, but I remember Mr. Gourdier being very pleased to see it be awarded to him. I remember his astonishment at the choice, and more importantly, that Paul had followed it through to success.
Neither Paul nor I made it to Eagle Scout. Generally, those that achieve that lofty goal do it with the motivational and enabling support of their parents. We didn't have that, so we hobbled along doing what we could until we ran out of time. My brother taught me something very important -- to be motivated and do what you want to do, even if everyone else thinks it strange. You might not even get any help in achieving the goal -- but just stay with it. My brother was fortunate to have adults who really cared in his life.
Both Mr. Lauridsen and Mr. Gourdier are both long gone, but they were key figures in my brother's short life. I'll always remember them, and thank them for treating my brother with respect and giving him the mentoring support he deserved."
Stephen Sardi:
Dreams - My brother and I would share our dreams, especially if they seemed funny, or if something unusual happened in them. But mostly, they were wishful thinking on our part about what our futures held, things we eventually hoped we would own, or places we might visit that we had learned about in school.
We learned about the Caribbean, the deep blue waters, the white sands -- and the pirate's treasure we were sure we would find if only we could get there. Our interest was heightened when we learned that Charles Island, off the coast of Milford, CT, had been a stopping point for Captain Kidd and that he may have buried treasure there, according to local legend.
My brother had a dream about how one day, when he got older, he would buy Charles Island -- and he and I would go out there and find the treasure we were sure was hidden there. In his dream, he told me, the evidence was there because he found a sand dollar seashell at Silver Sands, the nearby beach. I was so caught up in his dream that I felt sure he HAD to be right, and I looked forward to it eventually happening.
Of course, that could not happen. The legends were real, but we didn't stand a chance of finding anything, not even the sand dollar shell that are native to tropical waters.
Charles Island has an interesting feature -- at low tide, there is a tombolo (sandbar) that allows people to walk over to the island and stay for a short while until the tide starts coming in again. We knew about this, but it's hard to be an explorer when your life is tied up in school and work. Although I've walked there in recent years, Paul and I never did, so the best he could do was admire the island from afar -- and settle for dreams of pirate gold.
I don't know if we perceive when our last days and nights are upon us. I can only hope that the night before he died, my brother had a dream where his wishes came true -- where he found the buried treasure, and enjoyed the rest of his life knowing he had achieved a great accomplishment.
As an adult, I've been to where he and I dreamed of going -- it is as beautiful as we both imagined. The palm trees, the white sand, the blue water -- all there. I hope his dreams that night -- April 24, 1981 -- matched the reality of the beautiful things he missed out on.
During one of my trips there, I found his sand dollar on the beach -- and thought of him. Wherever he is, I hope his dreams come true.
David Kasmier-Milburn:
Jack was an insurance agent and spent his entire career from 1941-1977 with the Prudential Insurance Company in Toledo, Ohio. He was a dedicated agent with a large client list. Jack won numerous awards during his time at Prudential as a top agent in his region. A little known fact about Jack is that whenever one of his clients was unable to make their monthly insurance payment, rather than having the policy lapse, he would make the premium payment himself out of his own pocket. He was that dedicated to his clients.
Judas Chappell:
Charles Konieckzi was an amazing man. He was a great father, husband, and even grandfather. Charles had two children named Charles and Tony, twins, both going on to have multiple kids. Charles wouldn’t meet his great grandchildren, but they honor him anyway, keeping him close in their hearts. Charles was a happy man with an average life. He argued with his wife and loved his boys dearly. Charles was the funniest man you could have met.
Lydia Steedman:
Grandpa Lyckholm - Melvin Lyckholm was my Grandfather. He was the Father of my Mom (Darlene June Lyckholm) and my Aunt (Betty Lyckholm)
I remember Grandpa and Grandma (Mae Elida Tackala) Lyckholm came to live with us when I was a young teenager. I loved them both very much. We had a 50th wedding anniversary party for them and shortly thereafter they took off for Minnesota to visit friends and family. After visiting Minnesota for only a few weeks, Grandpa became sick and was admitted to the hospital where he passed away from cancer a very short time later. So I never got to see him again. I was 16 1/2 by then. I was so sad. And I remember Grandma coming back from Minnesota without him. I remember hearing her cry at night and it broke my heart. What a sad time for all of us. Grandpa Lyckholm was a good man. I loved him and I still miss him and I am turning 65 this month. You never stop missing people we loved.
Thanks for letting me share,
Lydia June (Hackley) Steedman
06/11/2025
Curtis Beitans:
The Age. Melbourne. 15th December 1908.
ANSTEY. - On the 14th December, at the residence
of her son, Jack Anstey, 45 Foote-street, Albert Park,
Isabella, the dearly beloved mother of J. W. Anstey,
Barbara Costello, Phoebe Ferguson, Catherine Armstrong,,
Eduard Anstey, and Agnes Mahle.
Aged 75 years.
Margarita Covarrubias:
spouses' relative - Hello, My name is Margarita, I am named after my great aunt "Margarita Felix" who later married Jesus T. Calderon and became Margarita Ramona Calderon. I continue to reside in Salinas, CA and visit my Tio's grave at the Garden of Memories Cemetary. I would like to know more about him!
Barbara Waites:
CW4 Howard E. Morton was a son to Joe and Irene Morton. He was a former husband of Barbara Morton Waites. He was a father to James Clifton Farrar, Kimber Leigh Farrar, and Marla Michele Morton. He served in the Army for almost 27 years, and was killed in an Army plane crash on December 1, 1989, at the age of 47. He also served as a Texas Highway Patrolman from 1966 through 1968, before returning to the Army after his younger brother, Billy Wayne Morton, was killed Viet Nam. He was a very handsome man and well liked. He will always be remembered by those who loved him.
Phyllis Ferrara:
Anita Ferrara Clark was my beloved paternal aunt - My 2nd mother. I loved this woman dearly. My father, her older brother, was devoted to her. They both had a difficult childhood, as their mother passed when Anita was an infant and my dad was a toddler.
May they both be happy and beloved in heaven.
Elizabeth Brady Hull:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Marie (Brady) Downie on December 20, 2024, at the age of 52. She was a native and resident of York, PA. Lorraine truly understood that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and her generosity knew no bounds. She was not only generous in life but also in death as an organ donor.
While Lorraine’s life may seem too short to many, those of us who were fortunate to know her understand that the impact she made on our hearts far exceeded the length of her time with us.
Lorraine was born on May 23, 1972, with a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold, and a big smile for everyone she met. She was the daughter of the late Peter A. and Elizabeth (Huben) Brady. Lorraine graduated from York Catholic High School, Class of 1990.
She was a fun-spirited soul with talents spanning many areas, including photography, where her artistic abilities shone brightly. Lorraine also had a gift for words and writing, often sharing her heartfelt thoughts on Facebook, even though she never pursued it professionally. Writing brought her peace, and her words will remain a source of comfort for those who loved her.
Lorraine had a passion for trying new recipes and would enthusiastically share countless ideas with her sisters, especially for The Brady Christmas Cookie Baking Day, held every December. If you were lucky enough to read The One, The Only Annual Brady Christmas Cookies Baking Newsletter (eight editions), her wit, love, and warmth came through in every word. In addition to her culinary adventures, Lorraine enjoyed arts and crafts, playing games on her tablet, cuddling with her dogs, and watching movies.
Some of Lorraine’s greatest joys came from her four children. Together, they created lasting memories, especially during family camping trips. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, niece, and friend, finding happiness in the simple moments spent with loved ones. Lorraine’s life was filled with laughter, love, and countless cherished memories.
Her children were her pride and joy, and not a day passed without her bragging about her “beautiful babies.” She is survived by her loving sons, Tyler Spear, Zachary Downie (Brittany), and Andrew Downie (Colleen); and her daughter, Danielle Briese. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Pandora, Elizabeth, Lexie, Marie, Temperence, Tia, Robert, Ben, and Max.
Lorraine cherished her relationship with her sisters, Diane Brady and Elizabeth Hull (David). She was preceded in death by her sister, Christine Grim, and her brother-in-law, Harold "Chip" Grim. Lorraine also treasured her brothers, Peter Brady (Susan) and Paul Brady (Charlene), who were very important to her. She leaves behind her best friend, Robin Treadway, with whom she shared a sister-like bond, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Lorraine had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She possessed an uncanny ability to listen without judgment and offer sage advice, which helped her nieces and nephews navigate life’s challenges. Though she was private and quiet, Lorraine’s wit and sense of humor always shone through. Her sensitivity, compassion, strength, and stubbornness were all integral parts of who she was, helping her face life’s difficulties with resilience.
Lorraine touched countless lives with her kindness, as evidenced by the many heartfelt comments left on her Facebook page.
Lotenzo Perez:
Jim Gilpin was a good friend...I first met him when I moved to Rio Rico, AZ
Jim was managing a Swim @ Racquet Club there in Rio Rico,AZ..He hired me on to help him run the facility...As soon as Jim found out I was a Vietnam Veteran, he
had me join the local VFW which he was also a member of....I got to love that man...He treated me like a son...I got to meet his wife and daughter...They had a beautiful stucco home overlooking a deep canyon...Jim had lost an arm in the war and wore a prosthetic arm which he was always getting out his small wrench to adjust the cable tension to the hand...If someone is out there that remembers Jim please contact me at e-mail address [contact link] or text me at (541) 626-1578...
Owen Flanci:
Joseph was only 9 and Binyamin only 7 when they were sadly gassed to death in Auschwitz
Owen Flanci:
Binyamin Screiber is 7 years old in this photo.
Stephen Vesseli Jr:
To my father - In Loving Memory of My Father
Father, you were taken from us far too early, leaving behind a void that can never truly be filled. I know you are watching down on me from heaven. As I could have not made it this far. Though you are no longer with us in person, your spirit remains in our hearts, guiding us through every challenge and celebrating every triumph. Your memory lives on in me, my mother, your family and all who knew you.
While our time together was far too short, the impact you made on our lives is eternal.
We honor you today, and every day, for the incredible father and friend that you were. You are deeply missed, and you will always be deeply loved.
Nicole White:
Gone to soon - I only knew you for a short time beginning our very first day of highschool where you kept taking your pencil and pointing really close the mole on my neck reciting the mole scene from Austin Powers in Goldmember until the day I moved away in the second half of sophomore year. But it felt like we knew each other our whole lives. We were inseparable from the day we met. We bonded by talking about things we didn't feel comfortable telling anyone else, picking on each other and hanging out every chance we got. Me you and Austin were the greatest friends we ended up calling ourselves the 3 musketeers then it was just the 2 of us and you stood up for me against my bullies, we shared our love for the Lord and talked about being raptured and stuff. You took me trick or treating for the first time at 16 lol cause I was raised in a very religious household. Our end of freshman year field trip to six flags came a bet for 20 bucks that you didn't believe I'd ever shave my head with the undercut haircut. Boy was surprised and shaking your head at me when I showed up the next day with that haircut. You shook your head and said you wasn't really supposed to take me seriously goof ball I was going to pay for your food on our trip. We went to church together, came and visited you when y'all moved into the house with barn that me and my family had just moved out of. Ironically you ended up getting the bedroom I had which we both thought was crazy weird. The last time I saw you we were saying goodbyes as I was moving away. I thanked you for being the bestest friend and brother that I never had. I then said I'll always remember you by naming a boy after him if I ever had one. He groaned and said ok but don't torture the kid with name Warren in it and use my first name as the middle name. Well in Nov 2020 I got to honor my promise and his requests. Jacob Scott carries your memory on in my life. One day I'll tell him how special his middle name is.
Janet Mailer:
Rodney - My true love, first and forever. My person. Our years together were exquisite. Our memories are wrought with love. Our tragedy replicates Romeo & Juliet. A time for us will come once more and we’ll never be separated again. A truly amazing man of great talent and strong character. I can’t wait to see him again. Janet Stork Mailer
Bill Coomer:
Great Grandfather Zeal Coomer - Zeal Coomer was my great grandfather living in Somerset, KY. His oldest son Charles Ellis Coomer was my grandfather and his son Charles Coomer, Jr. was my father.
I was not old enough to know much about Zeal and am looking for any information about his professional life and business.
Georgia Katsikadakos:
tagged Christos George Katsikadakos in this photo.