Ria Monteleone

Though I have known Brian for years, I don't think I have fully comprehended until the last 5-6 what a truly compassionate and service-oriented person he is.  There were clues of course, but I was always glad to be with him for other things, his sharp as a tack sense of humor, his thoughtful and inciteful discussions on everything from current events to music to God and all things in between, the way he nurtures my dear sister, and his abilities as a father.  All the while, he quietly served all of us, as well as everyone else on the planet, and I don't think I  really noticed.  At first.

 In recent years, as we have entered middle age, watched our daughters become adults, and begun to care for our own parents, I have watched this side of him come to the forefront and grow and grow and grow!  He does it effortlessly, selflessly, and truly, truly wants to do it.  I am inspired to be more like him, to make serving others my primary goal on a daily basis, and to do it with a smile, a calm demeanor, a sense that it the most important thing I have to do that day, and often, with something good to eat!  I am so thankful to him for the way he cares for all of us, for the endless patience he has with my aging parents, and for always being welcome in his home.  Most important though, I am proud and thankful to call him part of my family.  Godspeed this week, Brian.  We will be by your side the whole way, in thought, in prayer and in person.