Our Brother, Charles Privitera Jr., has small-cell carcinoma in his left lung and has doubled in size and entered the lymph nodes of his heart. The Doctors suggest putting him in hospice twice now, but I have him in comfort care, and he's fighting for his life. He wishes to be put to rest where our parents are buried. He was born and raised on a small farm in Angola, New York, alongside our sister Francine and brothers Joseph and Anthony. He is nearing the end of his earthly journey. He is also the father of three children — Adam, August, and Charles — who live in upstate New York and carry forward his last name. My name is Tricia, and I am Charles’ younger sister and caregiver here in California. It has been my honor to walk beside him during this sacred and tender season of his life.

Our grandparents came from Palermo, Italy and built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. The land across from our childhood home was once sold by our grandparents to Most Precious Blood Church. Today, Holy Cross Cemetery stands there — where our parents and grandparents now rest. Music has always been part of our family’s story. Our mother was a singer, and all of us children grew up deeply influenced by her love of music. Each of us siblings became singer-songwriters in our own way, including Charles. His creativity was not just something he did — it was part of who he was. Though life carried us in different directions and we never had the opportunity to perform together as a family, music has always connected us.

In San Francisco, Charles also spent many years as a hairdresser, building friendships and creative community. After battling small cell carcinoma, his health has declined, and he has made one clear request: He wishes to be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Angola, New York — across from the farm where we were raised and beside our parents and grandparents. He does not want cremation. Charles has no property or assets to cover burial or transportation costs. Bringing him home to New York from California and arranging burial will require significant funds. As his sister and caregiver, I am humbly asking for help to honor his final wish and lay him to rest in the sacred ground where his story began, close to his children and family roots. All funds raised will go directly toward transportation to New York, funeral home services, burial and cemetery fees, a simple marker, and related burial expenses.

We trust that the Lord carries each of us home in His perfect time. Our hope is simply to honor Charles’ wishes with dignity, faith, and love. If you feel moved to contribute or share, we are deeply grateful. With faith and gratitude, Tricia Greenwood