John A. D'Arienzo

I think the most you could ask of any man is that he be both a working man and a familiy man. Yet, so typical of my Uncle Johnny, the phrase "most you could ask" holds no meaning for him. He was constantly over-extending himself, trying to give as much as he could, and more, to his family, to his five children, and to the thousands who sought his help. Not once did he neglect anyone or anything at any time. There was no time for Johnny himself, away from Joan, away from the business. He didn't need it. Didn't want it. There was never any mistaking where Johnny's home was. Right here on Skillman Avenue all the time. Where he was born and raised, lived and worked, and died.

Part of the difficulty for all of us is we keep looking around for help, asking "Where's Johnny?", waiting for that understanding pat on the shoulder and gentle push forward. But there will be no such push. We've got to do it for ourselves. It seems so unfair he helped so many people and he's not here to help us. But all of Johnny's work, his whole life, was devoted to preparing others for moments such as these in their lives.

In my own ignorance, I once asked Uncle Johnny "Why do you do it all? Why so much time and expense for someone who is dead already?" And he said, "We service the living. Let them slow down for a little while so they can show their respect and then move on." Service. Respect. Dignity. Pride. These are all words to describe Johnny and what he gave to this world. But he also asked to move on. As he is asking us. To move on and pursue life with the same vigor and enthusiasm that he did. Let's show Johnny what we've learned. Let's make him proud. And let's show him what a good job he did.

We all know a man like Johnny only comes along once in a lifetime, but we must also realize that, for some, a man like Johnny never comes along at all. We should be grateful that ours is the kind of close family which brings us together often, and on good occasions; so that Johnny was always there with a smile, always teasing, always loving. Let us never forget that love, the love he showed for each and everyone of us. And let us never forget our love for him.

Finally, for someone who has worked so hard, let him rest in peace. He who was once a gracious, gracious host is now an honored guest. We love you, Uncle Johnny. God bless you...