Louis "Big Lou" Francis Novembre

He was the ideal husband for his beloved wife Else, the best brother one could ever have, a fun and colorful uncle to his niece and nephew, and an exceptional friend to those he cared about.

In his youth he was a gifted athlete who played both basketball and baseball on the collegiate level. He never liked going to practice and preferred the games.

Big Lou was a man who lived his life on his old terms. He did what he wanted to do and when he wanted to do it. Those who knew him might say he was a man of another era. He was what is often called 'old school.' He was smart, funny, extremely loyal and when he said something he did it. He made all those around him feel safe and justifiably so. He was a man of honor and principal.

My brother Big Lou is responsible for saving my life on more than one occasion.

He was never quite the same after losing his wife Else of 30 years but enjoyed his niece Nicole and nephew Lucas very much and loved them as he did his sister-in-law Barbara and immensely enjoyed spending time with them.

He is survived by his family, and lifelong friend and honorary half brother Howard Bain and many people who loved and cared about him.

In his prime Big Lou was somewhat of an of a urban legend in the circles that he traveled and his life was full of a colorful cast of characters as both friends and associates. He was a charismatic no nonsense man and was also formidable when the surroundings warranted it. I can honestly say that he felt no fear for any man - but had belief and respect for God.

He once fairly recently shared that he had already lived three lives and never imagined making it to 70.

This past year and a half he became very ill and due to the grace of God and good doctors he survived being in and out of the hospital.

There's no doubt that he and his memory will live with us and there's a world of amusing and fun Big Lou stories that we will continue to share and enjoy.

He was always stoic and never wanted to be a burden and passed away peacefully without pain. He never wanted to make a fuss.

He was proud of finishing his book 'Down but not out' and we were all proud of him for doing so. He enjoyed a good cigar and Tito's vodka.

He is now with his lovely wife Elsa, our parents and the rest of our ancestors and a few old friends. They will feel extra protected.

While he is no longer on this earth my brother will continue to be with us and we will think of him often with much love and pride.

I will miss my big brother and he will continue to be with me in spirit until the remainder of my life.

His family will have a small family gathering at home to both mourn and celebrate his life. We are grateful to have had him with us these past several years.

In lieu of flowers please give an extra hug to a loved one and let them know how you feel about them.

His family will be making a donation to the Tunnel to Towers charitable foundation which Lou admired and respected.

Greatly missed but never forgotten.