Richard Barone back from Louisiana

As we told you earlier, Rich being a firefighter/emt, went to Louisiana and other areas in the south. Well, he made it back safely and especially for his daughter Madisyn's 3rd birthday. Happy Birthday Madisyn!!!




On a more somber note:
Rich told me stories of total devastation and irreparable damage throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Louisiana. He explained that he worked through the nearly unbearable heat and humidity and his own personal shock of seeing what was left, to help homeowners clear debris blocking entrances to what was left of their homes. Here are a few pictures of what he saw.









Rich did say that the local residents all were tremendously appreciative of them being there to help and that he made a few lifelong friends through this.
We're glad he's back and proud of his work and we're sure he'll tell more stories at the reunion next year.

In Memory of our beloved Patrick (Pat)


As most of you know my husband Patrick Cochrane, passed away October 13th, 2004. It is almost impossible for me to realize it was a year ago. At times, my sadness and pain feel so new.
When I think of him, the words that come to mind are “Love and Family”. Besides his own, large close Irish family; he loved his Italian family and their culture. My parents became "his parents". He loved Italian food (eating it and cooking it). He relished spending time with them.
If he were still here with us, Pat would have jumped in with both feet to help in organizing the BARONE/PUGLIESE FAMILY REUNION. This was one of his joys in life, planning family get-togethers. He would have been in his glory.
For as long as I have known Pat, half my lifetime, he put others before himself. His purpose in life seemed to be of service and to bring enjoyment to others. His love of life was shown through him and in all that he did. Knowing that others were enjoying themselves meant so much to him. He took great satisfaction in planning ways to bring pleasure to his family. Those of us who were blessed with him in our lives know that he was a one-of–a- kind person. When he set his mind to do something, nothing stood in his way or was a problem. Pat lived life to the fullest. He was a man of honor, respected, loving, caring, a gentle giant.

Those of us who were blessed with him in our lives realize that he was unique. We have so many happy and wonderful memories to treasure. They will remain with us forever. Although we will never know why he was taken from us so soon, we can be assured that wherever life may take us, we will be better individuals for having known him. I have learned so much from him about life how to live and how to die and that death is surely not the end. He will be a part of our lives always.
I know Pat is watching over us, so let's love and hold our families close to our hearts and have a fantastic time at the BARONE/PUGLIESE FAMILY REUNION. Thank you all for all your continued love and support. What a comfort it has been for all of us



Patrick was a pillar of strength in our family. This became even more evident during his illness. He kept our spirits up. He showed unbelievable courage. He would not accept non-positive thoughts. During the last two days of his life, he said something that will stay with me forever. What he said was "God has a plan. We may not know what it is today or tomorrow and we may never know it, but someday we all will. We all have paths to follow in life and mine led me to you and you to me and now my path with you has come to an end, but you on the other hand have a new path to follow in life and if I were to stay here you would not go down this new path.". He told me to be strong and that our children needed me. It was at that moment that I knew my husband was at peace with God's plan for him. These words and knowing he was at peace is what has kept me strong.



Love,
Shelley