“I don't have fond desires

And I don't have happy hours

I don't have anything

Since I don't have you”

--The Skyliners

I never thought in a million years that I would be writing this and asking for help.

On October 23rd, my father took his last breath in the ICU. After months of battling kidney cancer, melanoma, a hip replacement, dementia, and other serious health complications, his body could not fight anymore, and I had to say my final goodbyes.

I’ve never felt a more painful loss. My father was an incredible man with a heart of pure gold. He wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and took pride in being there for others. He was a proud veteran and even prouder of his Sicilian heritage. Even with all that pride, he was never too proud to tear up while watching sitcoms, which we would often laugh about together.

My father was incredibly gifted and musically talented. He grew up singing Doo Wop and touring with his group, The Royal Aires. At some point, luck found his way, and he ended up recording “Pennies from Heaven,” and “Since I Don’t Have You” with the Skyliners in the recording studio. His love for music and theater inspired me every day. I treasure the moments we’ve shared listening to music and sharing our love for the performing arts together, and I will miss them greatly.

There were two things that my father loved more than his passion for music, and that was me and my brother Jacob. We were his life. He fought hard for us, and as his primary caregiver, I fought hard for him too. Sadly, the fight depleted my financial resources to give him a proper funeral and memorial. When he passed, he left no estate, had no life insurance, and has no other family who could provide assistance for his final expenses. My little brother has special needs and, unfortunately, cannot provide financial help. And so, this responsibility falls on me.

I am on my own and need your help to honor my father, so I ask for assistance. Any help you can provide will go toward his final medical expenses, burial costs, and provide him with a proper memorial stone. I’m grateful for every penny donated and every ounce of love and support given.

Please help me give my father the honorable burial that he deserves.

Dad, Jacob and I love you more than words can describe.