John J. Minder, Jr. 
3/24/83 - 8/17/05 
This memorial website was created in the memory of our 
beautiful John. He is our son, brother and friend. John was 
born on March 24, 1983. 
On August 17, 2005 at the age of 22, 
he entered the gates of heaven. 
ONE LIFE, ONE SON....JOHN

Thank you Candy - Kelly Lynch's mom

John passed away so suddenly and tragically on August 17, 2005 when a car 
hit him from behind recklessly driven by Renee!! 
Why does she survive yet John sustained such terrible injury? 
I hope she is haunted each and every day from the actions that night that 
ended such a beautiful young life.. 
Just as I am haunted by the lifeless body of my beautiful son ... 
It’s not fair the innocent ones have to pay for the mistakes of others. 
While they walk away. 

John such a loving son who grew into a wonderful young man 
with such a love of life, he will always be remembered for that beautiful smile, 
sense of humor and will be forever loved and remembered by his family and friends.. 
Time changes nothing we miss him so much and always will.  
I love you so much John xx.. 

I have lost a life-not my own 
but it would have been easier 
To have lost my own life than to have lost 
The life I loved more than my own, JOHN
God ripped out our hearts and then said go on and live now...

The memory of a good person is a blessing 
Always Smiling 

Talk about John it helps our family heal!!!

“ Our Son “ 

When we think of you in silence and often speak your name. 
All that’s left to answer is your picture in a frame. 
We close our eyes and try to remember those words we hold so dear, 
“I love you Mom and Dad” Oh how we wish and long to hear. 
Our hearts are full of sadness, our eyes are full of tears, 
As we think about the memories, that we have, 
To hold us through the years. 
We know you walk beside us and when our life is through, 
We pray that God will take our hand and lead us straight to you. 
So one day at a time is the way we will abide. 
Until once again we will be walking side by side.

Miracles
There is a new dawn… 
A new life in heaven… 
And the sweetest miracles are friends and family everywhere every day.


John 22 years old - just weeks before he died. 
My John was always full of fun and always trying to make someone laugh. 
He love to have a good time. 


Were you one of the Lucky Ones? 

Did you get to meet the one that lived 
every day as if it were his last? 

Did you see that smiling face, 
did you hear his infectious laugh? 

Did you know the one that had a hug 
for even the ones that fussed at him? 

Did you ever go somewhere with him and know 
when the life of the party arrived? 

Did you know the one that could make 
the best of the worst situation? 

Did you feel like you were a special 
person around him? 

Did you ever feel so loved? 

Were you one of the lucky ones... 
THAT GOT TO MEET MY SON…

God Said
God said, “I know you're hurting 
And filled with grief and strife 
The loss of such a loved one 
Cuts deep, just like a knife.” 

I said, “It’s unrelenting 
The sadness and the woe 
This pain so cruel and ruthless 
How could you ever know?” 

God said, “I’m full of mercy 
My arms are open wide 
Come here to me for comfort 
Get rid of earthly pride.” 

I said, “I cannot do that 
You took my child away 
My world once bright and cheerful 
Has turned to skies of gray.” 

God said, “I really love you 
Your loss, I truly share 
I’m here to ease your burden 
This weight, I’m going to bear.” 

I said, “Dear Lord have mercy 
On bended knee, I pray 
I cannot stand this torture 
I fall apart each day.” 

God said “You'll find the answers 
You mustn’t be so weak 
The truth is found in scripture 
It’s there that you must seek." 

I said, “How could you know, God? 
Your heart is made of steel 
You’ll never really understand 
The heartache that I feel.” 

God said, “I know you’re hurting 
I see you’ve suffered loss 
You lost your child through the hands of a woman  
Mine died upon the cross." 

Drive Safely 
Don’t be in a hurry - you won’t get there any faster. 
Keep your eyes on the road and go the speed limit. Road Rage Kills!! 

When you go behind a wheel it is your responsibility to keep control of your car, 
to watch the road- Whatever happens is your fault. 
You killed him ~ you killed my Son John. 

Cross Was Placed 
At John’s Accident Site 
For His One Year Angel Anniversary 
8-17-06

Irresponsible 
woman 
Why should you be able to go on with your life when you robbed me of mine? 
You took away my only son, his future and our future with him. 
You killed my son - you took his life – you have caused so much pain for our family. 
No one deserves to go through what YOU put us through, 
Because of your IRRESPONSIBLE ACTIONS THAT NIGHT.   

For parents whose child has died, time does so little except to continuously 
remind us of exactly how much we have lost. 
You do not get over it. 
You just get through it. 
You don't get by it, because it is everywhere. 
It does not get better. It just gets different. Each and everyday.. 

GRIEF PUTS ON A NEW FACE 

We lost our child, our beautiful and loving son. 
He was all the world to us and now he is gone. 
We will never be the same without him. Please don't forget John. 
We want you to know that he was here, that he was loved, 
that he was one in a million. 
He is missed every second of every minute of every hour of everyday forever 
and ever and ever.



(Thank you Ryan)
John's Cross A gift from Ryan on John's 24th Birthday
Ryan Thank You So Much

Welcome Home John - August 17, 2005

John Joseph Minder, Jr. 
March 24, 1983 - August 17, 2005

Jesus hold My John tight until I arrive.

My Beautiful Son, John
 (Thank you Ryan) 


Jesus came to us the night John went to heaven.

Loved so much
(Thank you Ryan) 

My Beautiful Son, John 
8 months Old
Thank you Jackie - Vicky's mom http://vicky.memory-of.com/
  


        "WHAT DID I DO WRONG" 

What did I do that went so wrong? 
I tried to teach you to be wise and strong. 
I looked forward to seeing you with family and home, 
I didn't know it would be earth and stone. 

I'll never see you walk down that aisle, 
I'll never again see that wonderful smile. 
My heart is breaking that much I can say, 
I can't wait to see you on some distant day. 

I am no longer afraid of dying, 
Sometimes I think it's better than crying. 
Our dear, John, one day we will be together, 
And we will remain like that forever and ever.




"Light a Candle Mommy" 
There will be candles on the cake later 
"Not those - we must light a candle so John will be there." 

"Look it snowed outside today" 
"Light the candle Mommy" 
"I got Valentines at school 
Can I send this one to my Big Brother?" 

"Can we buy the one with bunnies on it?" 
"Light Our Candle Mommy" 
"We'll look for eggs and candy next." 
"If God came back on Easter, can John?" 

"When we watch the fireworks tonight 
can we light a candle Mommy? 
Can John watch the fireworks with us? 
Are they prettier from Heaven?" 

"Happy Birthday big Brother." 
"Light his candle Mommy." 
"Will he still be twent two when I get to Heaven?" 
"Will John grow up? Will he know me if I'm old?" 

"Can I put the candle on the table?" 
"Will you light it up for me?" 
"Can he hear a turkey gobble from way up high above?" 
"I really miss John Mommy."

At a Christmas gathering a joyful child said 
"Light a candle for my brother." 
Confused adults look at her with questioned sadness 
"Don't be sad, if you light a candle John will come." 

Late night Christmas Eve a mother and a child return from church 
"Bring John's candle Mommy, put it in the manger while we sing." 
They knelt before the manger illuminated with the light 
'Happy Birthday Jesus' they sang as the candle flickered along. 

For New Year's Eve, we picked a special candle 
with stars and glitter too.
"Light the candle Mommy so John can party with us now." 
The candle flickered while we overate and watched TV. 
Mommy tucked in a tired, excited little girl who made it to 12:01.
Happy New Year, Children, another year is gone. 
The Mother blew out the candle while tears flowed from her eyes. 
New Year's is never happy for a parent who must grieve 
'Cause the passing of the year is another that you are gone from us.......

What My Child Has Taught Me 

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't. 
I've learned that learning to forgive takes a lot of practice. 
I've learned that friends can become strangers, and strangers can become friends. 
I've learned that ignorance isn't an excuse for the lack of compassion. 
I've learned that some people will never, ever - "get it". 
I've learned that the community of sorrow is the strongest of all. 
I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the 
world doesn't stop for your grief. 
I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of minutes. 
I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. 
I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. 
It may be the last time you see them. 
I've learned that love isn't measured by the amount of time you have with someone. 
I've learned that some sorrow is so deep that it has no words. 
But so is love.

For those who do not understand me,
I've lost a child, I hear myself say, 
And the person I'm talking to just turns away. 
Now why did I tell them, I don't understand. 
It wasn't for sympathy or to get a helping hand. 
I just want them to know I've lost something dear, 
I want them to know that my child was here. 

My child left something behind which no one can see. 
My child made just one person into a family. 
So, if I've upset you, I'm sorry as can be. 
You'll have to forgive me, I could not resist. 
I just want you to know that my child did exist. 

Tragically and Suddenly taken from this world he loved so much. 
John was struck & killed by an Irresponsible woman who was not paying 
attention and going at a very hi-rate of speed.

We miss you, John, more each day for life is not the same. 
To St. Nick’s cemetary we do visit, placing flowers there with care. 
But no one knows our heartache when we turn and HAVE TO LEAVE YOU THERE. 
We speak your name with pride, reliving our memories of you by our side. 
God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts. 
WE'LL LOVE YOU JOHN FOREVER!!

Thank you Jackie - Vicky's mom 

Made by :  Denise-mom Of Angel Nathanial Pannell
(Thank You Denise) 

In Loving Memory of my son 
John MINDER 
3/24/83 – 8/17/05 
Little I knew that morning of August 17, 
God was going to call your name, in life we loved you dearly, 
and in death we do the same. 
It broke our hearts to lose you; you did not go alone, 
for part of me went with you, the day God called you home. 
You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, 
and though we cannot see you, you’re always by our side. 
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, 
but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again. 
Love Mom 
9/17/05 

Yesterday I felt okay, I smiled when I thought of you. 
I remembered happy times, and the funny things you'd 
do. But today, I feel so very sad. I think of you and cry. 
I'm missing you so very much and still asking God why? 
I don't know what will happen when I face another day. 
What will tomorrow bring? Will I cry or be okay? This rollercoaster 
of emotions is the worst ride of my life. Nothing can prepare 
you for the never ending strife. I may not handle my emotions 
the way that I should. But I still thank the Lord for the time 
I had with you. 





The Angels 

Did the angels come from heaven 
To help you through that night
Did they feel your terror 
And take away your fright 
Did the angels bear the pain 
That was being done to you 
Did they hear your cries of fear 
And stay to help you through 
Did the angels hold you tightly 
The way I would have done 
Did they know how I would feel 
And wish they were the one 
Did the angels cry out loudly 
For the unjustness of your plight 
Did they call Lord Jesus 
And lead you to the light 
Did the angels softly kiss your cheek 
Before you took your leave 
Did they remind you how I loved you so 
And forever more I’d grieve 
Did the angels whisper in your ear 
Don’t worry you will not go alone 
Did they know part of me went with you 
The night God called you home 



Thank you Candy Lynch


Made by:  Candy Lynch (Friend)
(Thank You Candy)



Grief is feeling like you'll never let go. It sounds like the sobbing
of a broken heart. It tastes like a desert, dry and flavorless. It
smells like freshly turned dirt on a grave. Grief feels like you just
can't go on.
~Aubrey McClure~

Made by:  Margaret Daughter Of ^i^ Nellie Buonpane
(Thank you Margaret)

John you were my first born, my only son, my best friend. 
I always lived for my children, to have one ripped from my heart is a pain 
that is unbearable. 
I will go on living in your honor and I will not stop until justice is done. 
I love you and miss you more than ever.
 MOM


JOHN 


A Child of Mine

I will lend you for a little time,
A special child of mine, He said
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief.
You'll have his precious memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done!"
For all the joy Thy shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we'll know,
Forever grateful stay."
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand


Two years already! / Krista Borowski (friend) 
Love this Poem......Although it's very sad! 

When tomorrow starts without me, 
and I'm not there to see 
if the sun should rise and find your eyes 
all filled with tears for me: 
I wish so much you wouldn't cry 
the way you did today 
While thinking of the many things 
we didn't get to say. 
I know how much you love me, 
as much as I love you 
and each time that you think of me 
I know you'll miss me too; 
But when tomorrow starts without me 
please try to understand 
that an angel came and called my name 
and took me by the hand. 
And said my place was ready 
in Heaven far above, 
and that I'd have to leave behind 
all those I dearly love. 
But as I turned to walk away, 
a tear fell from my eye, 
for all my life, I'd always thought, 
I didn't want to die. 
I had so much to live for, 
so much yet to do, 
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. 
I thought of all the yesterdays, 
the good ones and the bad, 
I thought of all the love we shared, 
and all the fun we had, 
If I could relive yesterday for even just awhile, 
I'd say good-bye and kiss you 
and maybe see you smile. 
But then I fully realized, 
that this could never be, 
For emptiness and memories 
would take the place of me. 
And when I thought of worldly things 
I might miss come tomorrow, 
I thought of you, and when I did, 
my heart was filled with sorrow. 
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, 
I felt so much at home, 
When God looked down and smiled at me, 
from His great golden throne 
He said "This is eternity, and all I've promised you". 
Today for life on earth is past, But here it starts anew. 
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, 
And since each day's the same way, there's no longing for the past." 
"But you have been so faithful 
so trusting and so true, 
though there were times you did some things, 
You knew you shouldn't do. 
But you have been forgiven 
and now at last you're free. 
So won't you take my hand, welcome home, and share my life with me?" 
So when tomorrow starts without me, 
Don't think we're far apart, 
for every time you think of me, 
I'm right here, in your heart. 



You cannot imagine this pain, you do not want to. 
I cannot express the agonizing pain I have been through. 
The range of emotions that I have felt 
The heart-rending blow that I have been dealt. 
No, I am not, nor will I ever be the person I used to be, 
I have had to learn to live with a whole new me. 
This new me is not of my choosing, 
It is who I have become as a result of losing. 
Of losing my only son, only twenty two years old, 
Of losing what most take for granted, no hand to hold. 
My loss is heavens gain. 
There is but one who has the right to judge, 
One who never holds a grudge. 
That is God in heaven up above, 
Where my son was carried on the wings of a dove. 
No more pain and suffering, no more tears will he cry, 
And left here on earth, it is not for me to question why. 
I miss my son more than mere words can convey, 
And my heart was forever broken on that fateful day. 
But I do find some measure of relief, 
And I stand strong in my belief, 
That God reached down from heaven on that warm August night, 
and took my son above with him to stay. 
He saw the pain behind the green eyes, 
and lifted my son to the skies. 
He took away the hurt and tears, 
and forever quieted all of his fears. 
It is not easy to know I will never hold my son again on earth, 
but to know he is with God gives some measure of mirth. 
It helps get through the long days ahead, days I cant share with him, 
Knowing I cant just call him on a whim. 
My arms, how they ache, my heart, how it bleeds, 
His death has brought me completely to my knees. 
Devastation, confusion, anger , denial, unending pain, 
But also the hope, that I will see him again. 
Laureen (John's Mom).




Gone but Not Forgotten 
You were so full of life, 
Always smiling and carefree, 
Life loved you being a part of it, 
And I loved you being a part of me. 
You could make anyone laugh, 
If they were having a bad day, 
No matter how sad I was, 
You could take the hurt away. 
Nothing could every stop you, 
Or even make you fall, 
You were ready to take on the world, 
Ready to do it all. 
But God decided he needed you, 
So from this world you left, 
But you took a piece of all of us, 
Our hearts are what you kept. 
Your seat is now empty, 
And it's hard not to see your face, 
But please always know this, 
No one will ever take your place. 
You left without a warning, 
Not even saying good-bye, 
And I can't seem to stop, 
Asking the question why? 
Nothing will ever be the same, 
The house is empty without your laughter, 
But I know you're in Heaven, 
Watching over us and looking after. 
I didn't see this coming, 
It hit me by surprise, 
And when you left this world, 
A small part of me died. 
Your smile could brighten anyone's day, 
No matter what they were going through, 
And I know everyday for the rest of my life, 
We will be missing you.

John - Tears could build a stairway and memories a lane 
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again

10/26/06
A Prayer for My Family 
Wrote by Patrice Minder:

 I pray to you my Lord God, Mary and all my Angels. 
Please help my family in this time of sorrow. 
Please help them to stay strong in love and faith while we heal with the grief 
of my brother John's death, and I ask that you shower our family with love, 
light and comfort and help relieve us of our aching hearts. 
I pray that my family is able to resolve our inner conflicts and let go and let God in, 
in order to find some peace and joy in our hearts at this part of our journey. 
I pray for my brothers friends that they stay safe and strong. 
I pray for my sister and I that we accomplish our goals in our school and in our life. 
I pray this prayer in our Lord Gods Name. 
Oh And God Tell John I never had a better friend, brother and love one as him. 
I Love You John & Miss You Like Crazy
Your little sister -  Patrice
10/26/06

John - Patrice - Desiree
John 
We thought of you with love today, 
but that is nothing new. 
We thought about you yesterday, 
and the day before that, too. 
We think of you in silence, 
and often speak your name. 
All we have are memories, 
and your picture in a frame. 
Your memory is our keepsake, 
with which we'll never part. 
God has you in his keeping, 
we have you in our hearts. 
Love you always your sister's 
Patrice and Desiree'

Don't think of me as gone away - My journey's just begun. 
Life holds so many facets - This earth is only one... 
Just think of me as resting From the sorrows and the tears. 
In a place of warmth and comfort When there are no days and years. 
Think how I must be wishing That we could know today How nothing but your 
sadness Can really pass away. 
And think of me as living In the hearts of those I touched... 
For nothing loved is ever lost - And I was loved so much.



A life so young, released to Heaven...
Left on Earth, we wonder "Why?"
But some are sent among us briefly...
Some have spirits meant to fly

Rob - Sis - John

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. 
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when the day is done. 
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, 
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. 

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun 
Of happy memories that I leave Behind when day is done. 

Missing You

No Words I write can ever say 
How much I miss you every day. 
As time goes by, nobody knows! 
I think of you in silence, 
I often speak your name, 
But all I have are memories 
and photos in a frame. 
No one knows my sorrow, 
No one sees me weep, 
But the love I have for you 
Is in my heart to keep. 
I will never stop loving you 
Deep inside my heart, 
You are with me still. 
There is a place in my heart 
That no one else can fill; 
I love you so, 
And I always will!! 
mom

In Loving Memory Of My Son

Thank you Candy My John would love this 
www.kelly-lynch-memory-of.com

I belong to a Mom's Angel Club -


~I LOST MY CHILD TODAY 

I lost my child today 
People came to weep and cry 
As I just sat and stared, dry eyed. 
They struggled to find words to say, 
To try and make the pain go away, 
I walked the floor in disbelief 
I lost my child today 

I lost my child last month 
Most of the people went away, 
Some still call and some still stay. 
I wait to wake up from the dream. 
This can't be real. I want to scream. 
Yet everything is locked inside, 
God, help me, I want to die. 
I lost my child last month 

I lost my child last year 
Now people who had came, have gone, 
I sit and struggle all day long, 
To bear the pain so deep inside. 
And now my friends just question, "Why?" 
Why does this mother not move on? 
Just sits and sings the same old song. 
Good heavens, it has been so long. 
I lost my child last year 

Time has not moved on for me. 
The numbness it has disappeared. 
My eyes have now cried many tears. 
I see the look upon your face, 
"She must move on and leave this place." 
Yet I am trapped right here in time. 
The song's the same, as is the rhyme, 
I lost my child....Today. 


GOD'S CHOICE

A young man's life was taken away
A soul was required on that fateful day.
God looked around and demanded the best
I need a strong soul who meets my Father's test.
Angels gathered 'round and spoke in hush voices
We have the soul O'Lord, the best of all choices
Bring him to me the Lord said without delay
My house is his house with a room to stay
His name is JOHN a strong name it shall be.
Thus spoke the Lord; he is with me in all eternity.

(In memory of John J. Minder, Jr.)

Shalom
WJG
LETTER FROM HEAVEN 

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say. 
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. 
I'm writing this from heaven. 
Here I dwell with God above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness; 
Here is just eternal love. 
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. 
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. 
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through. 
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you. 
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while your gone. 
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on. I need you here badly, 
you're part of my plan. 
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
" God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. 
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. 
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight. 
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night. 
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years. 
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. 
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain. Remember there 
would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. 
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. 
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. 
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er. 
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. 
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; 
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. 
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too; 
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. 
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain; 
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain." 
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile. 
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. 
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. 
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; 
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. 
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free. 
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me

Breaking Benjamin 
One of John’s favorite band.

On the day God took you -I thought I would die -
I wondered where the time went? I asked a lot of whys? 
- With people all around me - I felt alone inside From all their words of comfort, 
I couldn't seem to hide. 
I thought I might be dreaming That I'd wake and find you here, 
I thought "This can't be happening," As I wiped another tear. 
On the day that you were laid to rest - My heart broke yet again, 
I wondered if the pain would end - But mostly, I wondered when?? 
It's hard to be without you At times the days seem long, Sometimes I just sit crying, 
When there's nothing really wrong. 
I wish we'd had more time, Before your life was done. 
I hope you're resting peacefully, My precious one, My Son.

A cross a mother should not have to carry.

Losing a Piece of Me August 17, 2005 
She took my son, She took my life 

To hold the limp body of my precious child in my arms and feel its emptiness 
was pain that defies words. 
I sat cradling my beautiful child, knowing that I would never again see his smile, 
hear his laugh or feel his hand clinging to mine. 
I would never again hold his warm body close and breathe in the scent of his hair. 
I walked from the room knowing that I had seen and held my 
child for the last time ever. 
I wondered why I still lived, and how I was supposed to keep going. 
I wanted to die and I ached to hold him in my arms again. 
Never again will I feel 'whole'. 
My whole future is flavored by the loss of my son. 
A part of me went with him, 
Why did he die? 
Why not me instead? 
What do I do now? 
How will I manage? 
Why am I still here? 
Then out of the blue, it hit me "He's dead. God, he's really dead." 
I will never forget John. He will live forever in my heart and in my memories. 
Death makes him no less a part of our family. 
Living with the fact that my child has died does not mean forgetting. 
It means knowing and accepting that he is gone, 
but still holding close those precious memories. 
It means that my love for him does not change, 
I need to remember that John would not expect nor want me to spend 
the rest of my life in misery. 
We tend to celebrate his Birthday rather than his death-day. 
To us it's more important that he was born than that he died. 
We choose to celebrate his life, not his death. 
It means more to us that he was here than that he left. 
Remember? Always, Love? Eternally, Forget? Never!!!

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want; 
SMILE, OPEN YOUR EYES, LOVE AND GO ON.
Please always remember John for the good times you had, 
for the love and friendship he gave to all he met.
John's family, Mom, Dad, and sister's

John at the age of 18

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I would like to share a letter that was sent to me by one of  John's classmates

Sent by Michael Silvestrini class of 2001

The feelings that come with a loss so unexpected cannot be described in words.  
I just wanted you to know how much John will be missed, especially in my heart.  
Though we drifted away after high school, the times he and I crossed 
paths were always filled with a welcome smile and talks of the past.  
Many memories have flashed through my head in the past few days.  
Each one has brought a smile and a good story.  
He was so well liked by everyone he encountered and I was amazed to 
find out how many people I knew personally, were good friends with John as well.  
The number of friends he had was only our shadowed by the size of his heart.  
He would have given anyone the shirt off his back, 
or just a funny joke to brighten their day.  
His passing is truly a loss for all of us but hopefully it will teach us to 
cherish each day with our loved ones like it may be the last.  
If there is anything my family or I can do to help, please do not hesitate to call, 
it is the least I can do.  May you all be blessed with strength.

John's resting place
I visit him everyday with tears in my eyes.
John I Love and Miss you so much buddy.


The left side of John's stone
John's riding his bike towards Jesus 
and Jesus has his arms out to welcome him home.

The right side of John's stone 
John's picture hand painted 
With his beautiful smile 
and those beautiful green eyes that I miss so much.


There was 1,252 people who gave their last respects to John during his viewing, 
Friday evening, August 20, 2005.  
St. Nicholas Church was packed standing room only, 
(and many people standing) for mass on Saturday morning, August 21, 2005. 
We are so proud of our son, he has touched so many people, in such a special way, 
in the short time he was with us. Rest In Peach My Son. 
You will forever be in our hearts, mind, and soul. 

Deeply missed by all who loved him. 
Sweet dreams baby, we love you.

My Son

A smile he carried through life.

Last night when I was trying to sleep,
My son's voice I did hear.
I opened my eyes. and looked around,
But he did not appear.

He said, "Mom, You've got to listen. you've got to understand,
God didn't take me from you Mom, He only took my hand.
When I called out in pain, the instant that I died,
He reached down and took my hand, and pulled me to his side.

He pulled me up and spared me from misery and pain,
My body was so weak, I could never have been the same.
My search is really over now, I've found happiness within,
All the answers to my empty dreams, and all that might have been.

I love you all, and miss you so, and I'll always be nearby,
My body's gone forever, but my Spirit will never die.
And so, you must all go on now, live one day at a time,
Just Understand..."God did not take me from you,
He only took my hand

Thank you for Stopping By

"My dearest friend" 

I feel your pain 
I see your tears 
I share the memories of all the years 
Don't worry about me, for I'm ok 
Just make the most of every day 
And promise me that you'll move on 
and face the fact that I am gone 
But I'll live forever in your heart 
and in that way, we'll never part 
So don't be sad, we'll meet again 
I love and miss you "My dearest friend

Thank you Candy Lynch Cindy Lynch's mom