Name: Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin
Address: Jacksonville, FL

Its valentines day my love ,    Your forever in my heart ❤️.    C

Happy birthday old man! You would have been 60 today. Nothing about this will ever feel fair. You have left a tremendous void in all our lives. Selfish but we needed you here with us. I still long for answers of why. And wonder how different our lives would be today. I had a good cry on my way home last night. Thinking of you. My powerhouse little brother you were unstoppable in life I miss you so much. You will never be forgotten your sense of humor your dedication to your work, family, Love and support to our family you’re crazy antics and ideas. I know you’re watching over your little Eevee and all of us. I picture you up in heaven running around just like you did down here trying to make everyone laugh thinking about new Inventions. Happy birthday in heaven, John, we all miss you like crazy. Always your sis  Chrissie

Today is your birthday!  Not a day goes by that i dont think of you or mention your name in passing .  The holidays past and its a new year, im not really sure what that means anymore. In thought you always hope it will be better than the last,  everyone will be healthier and happier which should be enough. So why isnt it? My thought is theres always something missing that you cant get back when you loose the very people that were your reason for existing . Life doesn't always turn out how you plan …..eight meaningful words. 💋C

Well its christmas again.  Last night we had christmas at kristophers he always does his best to make it nice for everyone.   Its not like the holiday parties we used to throw but it was nice having everyone together  we miss you so very much. Holidays for us is just getting thru them these days.   All thats left is New Years now.   Im gonna try and make this a better year . I just need to find a balance in my life I want to be happy again but feel bad if i am.  Anyway i love you.       C🎄

My love.         Today is 5 years since we had to let you go.  It still hurts my heart to think of how much we all miss you .  Your granddaughter is so beautiful and sweet shes alot like Gianna was as a baby always happy.   You would have been taken with her as i am.   Shes my reason for getting up everyday.   I wish you were here with me to spoil her.   Anyway i love you very much and always will. C💜

My love.    Today would have been 40 years together, its still so hard for me at times. I miss the way you used to make me laugh and all your funny jokes. Life is truly somber without you. Till we meet again.     Ill love you always and forever.  C🩷

Hey dad I really miss you. I was just laying in bed looking at all the pictures of all of us. The family. It’s crazy because most the people in my pictures are just memories now. I’m so thankful I still have mom here in my life. I’m gonna be lost when she isn’t around anymore. I don’t know what I’ll do with myself. I need to get established before I am alone forever. I need a good job and a pretty little lady to share my time with. Because the way things have been going I am very alone. I do the same thing everyday and it’s always the same. I get up go to work. Get home eat dinner. Watch some tv. And then I do it all over again. I have no social interaction. So I have been on these dating websites for the past couple of weeks. I really haven’t had any luck on them though. Anyways I was just thinking of you as always dad. Hopefully I see you in my dreams again as usual. I saw grandpa a few days ago in my sleep. It was kinda strange. We was in his work van with the carpet and we was just driving around. It’s cool that I get to at least see you guys in my dreams. I love you all so very much. I hope you are all watching over me. Xoxoxox I love you pops!

My love, its hard to believe its been almost 5 years, and what has really changed ? Well our granddaughter is just beautiful and the 1thing that keeps me going . Her smile makes my whole day .   Nick graduated finally and is now a welder and Gianna is still adjusting to being a mommy and a full time employee. I think she is doing  a great job. Me im still the same working and just working.   Tomorrow is my bday and im really trying to forget it.  They just don't seem that important anymore. I miss you so much and think of you everyday.  💗C

Happy Father’s Day John. Somedays you have me so damm angry at you. But every day I miss you. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. We were all supposed to grow old together and keep teaching our kids how to live their best lives. I can’t make any sense of all that happened and the “why” will forever haunt me. I hope you’re up there in heaven giving everyone a hard time with your craziness. This entire week there were so many times I wanted to pick up the phone so you could give me advice. I miss you more than I could ever express. Keep watching over us. I need my guardian angel. Love always your sis

Its Fathers day 💗 and you were the best dad.     Ever.   Our kids were very lucky to have had you in their lives.  It goes without saying how much i miss you and love you.  Im still just drifting  and trying  to keep things together.  Some days are harder than others but always the same pattern. I love you always and forever💗.  C

Hey dad. I was thinking of you as usual. I miss you so much. Work is going pretty good. bout to get a raise. I'm happy they are treating me good. The last place I was at was terrible. Everyone was always upset. Sometimes it feels like work is my only escape. Mothers Day was a week ago. I wanted to take mom out so bad, but it didn't happen. I miss you so much dad. I graduate from welding school on august 8th. I'm super excited to start something different. I have been cooking for way too long and it's that time for a big change. I'll be making good honest earned money building stuff out of metal. kris already let his factory know that I'll be graduating in a few months and that I will want to have an interview and do a weld test. I'm nervous because if you do bad on the weld test then you probably won't get the job. I'm sure that I will do just fine though. My teacher says that I'm looking pretty good with my welds. I will miss the school atmosphere but working in a big factory sounds cool. I will be around a bunch of other people. It's gonna be sweet. anyways I love and miss you so much dad. Wish you was here to see little Evie grow up. It saddens me that you are missing all of this. Kris had his 3rd kid with his wife Misty. Little Franny is so cute with her big cheese smile. Little Evie is my heart. I need to see her soon. I miss her little guts. Alright until next time. Love you always pops. Please keep on watching over me. I need you these days more than ever. Thanks dad.

Hey pops I was just thinkin bout ya. I’m out on a walk with my best buddy Chester. He’s my fur baby. :) he keeps me sane. It’s like.midnight and we’re sittin by the pool. It’s really nice outside. Kinda cool considering it’s been like 95 degrees lately outside. It’s summer time again. All the kids are out of school. Anyways I miss you so much dad. I think about you everyday. I really wish you was still around to just chill and watch some moon shiners on tv while eating our ice cream cones at night. Damn we had some good times dad. I was really just hoping we had more time together. If I knew you was gonna pass away I think I would have done things differently. I would have taken every second for what it was worth instead of taking our time together for granted. I was always more worried about myself and I didn’t give you the respect you deserved. I’m sorry for that dad. I’ll always remember all the great times we had. Big Sunday dinners with the family. All of us together feasting over a big pan of lasagna and antipasto. Nice big Italian family Sunday dinners. They were the best. Haven’t had one in years now. Things are just different now. I don’t know what happened. Wish I did so I could fix it. I try so hard to make a difference. Alright we’re gonna head back home. I love you dad! Xoxoxoxo keep watching over me please.

Hey dad it was Mother’s Day yesterday. I miss your laugh so much. I feel lost sometimes without you here. But I’m working hard to save money and do good in school. Work has been going really good too. I’m ready to get out of the kitchen. Been cooking for near 20 years. I’m ready to become a professional welder. I have class in the morning. It’s been raining all day. I hope it c continues to rain throughout the night. I always sleep so good when it’s reainingn anyways I love you so much dad. Miss you even more. More than words could describe. I wanna be closer with the family. I saw little franny yesterday. I held her in my arms and she stared at me with her big beautiful eyes. She has the biggest cheese smile I’ve ever seen. She is a little cuttie! You would have loved her so much. And little evie would have been your everything. I feel so bad that you are missing out on everything. You worked so hard and didn’t get to enjoy any of it. Hurts my soul to know I’ll never see you again. I really hope there is something after we die. Maybe we will be together again somehow. I don’t know. Alright I love you dad. Xoxoxooox

Hey pops I was thinking bout you all day today. Lately you are all I think about. I still to this day can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve heard your voice. Your laugh. I miss you dearly! I started my new class today. Got like 4 more classes and I graduate. I’m excited. It’s been a joirney to say the least. It will all be worth it in the end. I am hangin out with my pup Mr peanut haha he is brown and furry like a peanut. I miss you so much dad. Please keep watching over me. I need you so much these days. I took for granted what I had for so long. And now it’s gone and I feel like I really messed up. I should have been a better son. Anyways. I love you pops!

Hey pops I was thinking bout you before bed as always. I had a long day today. I’m ready to go to sleep and start a new one. Easter is in a few days. I can’t wait to see everyone. Little franny and evie. They are the cutest little boogers. Wish I lived closer to them so I could be a part of their lives. Don’t really ever see anyone like we used to. Everyone lives far from each other. I’m sitting on my bed right now with Oreo my kitty and Chester my giant pup. Oreo keeps licking my elbow. It feels weird. Hahaha. Chester is staring at him licking my elbow. I have some crazy critters that I live with. Also have Oliver and onyx I’m sure you remember. And then I got my turtles Myrtle and turbo the turtle. They are pretty cool. If I could just get the water to stay clean for more than a week I would be super happy. It’s a pain in the butt. Tomorrow I have class in the morning and then I work in the afternoon. At least I am being productive with my days. Did my taxes too. Actually getting something back for a change. I was really surprised. Anyways I love and miss you so much dad! Keep watching over all of us. I hope I get to see you in my dreams again tonight dad. I cherish the dreams I have with you guys in them. It’s crazy how often I have you all in my dreams. Maybe it’s a sign. I have no idea. Love you pops.

I miss you dad. Getting ready for bed. I got a long day tomorrow. I’ll need you to extra watch over me tomorrow. Work is going well. I’m really tired though. Been working a ton of hours on top of school. I know I need to go to sleep earlier but I feel like I wake up when I get off from work. I’ve always been that way for as long as I can remember. Anyways Easter is coming up. I can’t wait til Sunday to get to see the little boogers. Kris and Gianna’s babies are so adorable. Wish I had one of my own. But it’s ok. I know children aren’t in the picture for some people. Really I always wanted a little boy. I always wondered what he would look like. I bet. He would look like a little mini meee! Hahaha anyways I love you to the moon and back. Keep watching over me dad. I love you

Hey dad I was thinking bout ya a lot today. There is so much I wish to tell you. I am trying so hard to get my life the way you imagined for myself. I have school in the morning. I have to stay later because I’m needing some extra practice. I know I can do it. I am trying so hard dad. Wish you were here. You would have thought welding was cool I think. It’s definately different from working in kitchens. I work at a pizza Restuarant at the moment. Just until I graduate then I’m done with the cooking scene. It’s been a journey but I’m ready for what’s next. I plan on working with kris once I graduate. I am excited. I will get to see him more often. Been a while since I e seen anyone. Well I saw mom a few days ago. We went to this Restuarant called mendolas. It’s an Italian restuarant. The food was really good. The inside was like being in a market it felt like. It was super cool that place. You would have loved it. I was thinking of your potato food truck earlier. It would have been cool having something like that for ourselves. We could have called it the tato wagon hahaha. All sorts of potatoes. Bacon cheese sour cream. Or the Mediterranean potato with olives and feta cheese and topped with a big onion ring. Or we could have done the Mexican potato with taco meat and cheeses. Man that would have been something cool if we had done that. Anyways I gotta go to sleep. Class is in the morning. I gotta make sure my butt is there. I love you pops. Please keep watching over me. I love you xoxoxoox

I think about you all the time. I’m almost 36 years old now. Wish you were still hear dad. I been just working and going to school. I’m halfway there to graduation. Then I’ll e a professional welder. I’m excited. I wish you were here to see me. The welding is pretty cool. I was scared at first. Now it’s growing on me. I’m gettin pretty good at it. I’m doing this thing called rig welding. It’s with an electrical arc and argon gas that blows around a tungsten rod. It’s actually pretty cool. Not sure how they figured that out. It’s really interesting. Anyways I miss you so much dad. I am always thinking about you. Love you pops!

Hey pops I just want you to know I always think of you. I hope you’re watching down on me from heaven.  I was just writing grandpa and grandma and I hope you are all together having Sunday dinner again up in heaven like we always did. Man do I miss granny’s little meatballs with the peas soup. And the pasta with squash and zucchini. That was some good eatin! Haven’t felt like that in a long time. Maybe I’ll cook Sunday dinner one of these days. I could sit Chester and the kitty’s at the table snd share a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. I could just see the mess already. Hahaha I miss you so much dad. I still remember your last words you said to me in the car. It’s like you said them yesterday. You told me to take care of myself. The way you said it didn’t dawn on me that you was trying to say goodbye in your own way. I get it now. I will never forget our last meal together. We had breakfast for dinner from the metro diner. I wanted you to try the darn strawberry butter. You said it sounded gross lol. I wish I could share that moment one last time. But it was our last time together and it’s one ill never forget. I love you dad!

Hey pops I started my next class today. I wish you were here to see me become a welder. I think you would have thought it was cool. I was off from work today. Didn’t know what to do with myself. Gettin  ready for bed. I got a long day tomorrow. School then I work shortly after. Anyways I love you. I miss you so much. Hopefully your in my dreams tonight.

Hey pops I am gettin ready for bed. Just thinkin of you as usual. Tomorrow is my last day of class for this phase. Got a few more classes left. I’m ready to get welding as a job. Just wanna cook for myself hahaha. Gotta be up early tomorrow and turn in my last project. Anyways I love you to the moon. Miss you always. I had a dream last night it was so vivid. We was in the car in some big city. This girl with pink hair was on the side of the road I think. And then it was like a tsunami happened out of the ground. Water started flooding everywhere and we were starting to float while we were still in the car. Really wierd dream. I woke up and was like what the heck. I always have dreams like that. One time I had a dream that we was driving on the bridge like the one that takes you to the keys. And all of a sudden the road ended and we drove into the ocean. That one was kinda scary. Strangely enough I’ve had that dream quite a few times. Strange…. Well I gotta go to sleep. I love you dad! Always

I love you pops. I miss you so much. Keep watching over me please. I just wrote this whole message and my phone battery died. I was just thinking of you as always. I was looking at my pictures of us as usual. I look at them every night. I am so greatful to have my memories and pictures to keep me goin. One of my favorite pictures is the one with me you and Kris out back on the bbq. We had a few beers and chilled together as a family. It’s never been the same since you passed. I miss you dearly! You was the best dad I could have ever asked for. Always putting me and Gianna first before you. You was a great father to us. Wish you was hear to tell you that. I know you are watching over us from heaven. I’m getting pretty good at the welding. Sat thru a job fair yesterday but all the jobs were out of state. I was like I would have to relocate for those. Not sure if I would do that. Not that I see anybody anyways. It’s been difficult to say the least. You were the glue to this family. Everything is just different now. I’m ready to move on from the Restuarant life. I’m working at the pizza loop right now. It’s down the street and it’s convenient at the moment. It’s between my school and my apartment so it works out good and I don’t have to rush around town. Everyone at the loop has been really good to me so far. Was at chilis. Those guys are jerks over there. Fighting is nonstop over there. Had to make a change fast. So I did and it’s working out for the best. I love you so much dad. Please keep me on your mind. I love you pops!

I miss you so much pops! I was just thinking of you. I am going to school to be a welder like Kris. We’re gonna be welding fools. I wish you were here to see us. You was such a big part of our lives. You would be so suprised that we went that direction. I never thought I would be a welder. It’s pretty cool though. I am welding pipes together right now. It was hard at first but I’m really getting the hang of it now. Gonna work in a big factory once I graduate. I hope it’s gonna be a new start in my life. Something different from cooking. I’m ready for a change. I love you and miss you so much! I know you are in heaven watching over us always. Just wish we could sit in the porch and have a nice beer. We could reminisce about all the great times we had. I remember going to Disney for birthdays like every year as a child. We went to the keys a bunch of times. Went snowboarding in the mountains. Drank some moonshine sitting on a snowy mountain. I time I will never forget. Wish I had some pictures. But I will always remember the great times we had together. I love you pops! Keep watching over me dad. I need your strength!

I miss you. I had a dream last night and you were in it. We were at a carnival or something and you was there  I have dreams about you constantly. More like with you in them. I have dreams about the whole family constantly. Makes me feel like you all haven’t given up on me and you are watching over me from heaven. I was telling one of the guys at work that I wanted to open a potato food truck hahaha I remember when you told me that. At first I was like who wants a bunch of potatoes. But the more I’ve thought about it. Actually sounds like a cool idea. That would have been really cool if we actually did that. But it’s ok. It’s a cool idea though. Anyways I love you dad. Don’t ever leave my heart

I miss you.  I can’t believe it’s been three years now that you are gone. Not a minute goes by that I don’t think of you. I dream of you all the time. I feel like you are sending me messages that you are still watching over me. I haven’t been doing well. I need to find my path I was meant to take. I just wish you were here to see everyone. You would have been so happy to be with little evie. I can feel your sadness for not being able to be here with us. I want to make you proud. One day when this is all over maybe we will meet again and we can reminisce. I could still hear your voice in my head. Something I wish to never forget. All I got now is my memories of the great person that you were, and my pictures. I still go into Walgreens and people remember you as the legend. You was the big dog. Makes me happy to know you left a mark on so many people. You was a great person to me. I’ll never forget you! I love you so much man. Please watch over us.

I want to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Even though I have not been around for quite some time this death has affected more than I ever thought it would. I was part of the family for a few years and John was a father figure to me. The whole family was a big part and very important to me. I wish I could reach out to the family and give my condolences directly to them however we haven't been on talking terms for quite some time. John had a great laugh and warm personality towards the ones he loved. He gave the best advice whether you wanted it or not. I read through these messages from time to time, and it breaks my heart the woman that I considered a mother is hurting so much. Chris you are such a strong woman and Chrissie so are you, I wish your families pain could be taken away, but it goes to show the whole that John left. If I know anything about him he is up there racing his heart out looking over his wife, children, newly grandchild and his entire family. Chris, Gianna, Nick you will always be in my prayers.

Happy birthday 🎂 old man. You would have been 59 today planning your retirement. And anxious to fulfill your new role as a grandpa to Evie. I can only imagine how much you would have loved her. We miss you. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Keep watching over us all. We’ll be united one day. Love you your sis.

My love,                                                                                             Tomorrow would have been your birthday i still miss you so very much . I think of you all the time and still wonder why . Why we were all meant to suffer like we do , why couldnt we have a long happy life together and as a family and i still have no reasonable answer and i dont think i ever will .  I just feel sad.   Your baby girl had her baby girl on jan 20 th , she is so beautiful and you would have been so proud of her.   Her name is Ella Violet and shes amazing.  Im gonna do my best to spoil her like i no you would have.  And when shes old enough im gonna tell her all about her Grandpa and how special he was.  I love you now and forever        Xoxo C💗.     🎈🎂

John I don’t know how we have survived the last 4 years without you. I think of this day and replay every moment in my head over and over. I still don’t understand why this happened . There are days I’m still angry. Days I have to sit and cry because you’re so missed by everyone. Days when I remember happy times and I can laugh because you were so crazy and made me spit water out of my nose  numerous times from laughing so hard. I know you’re up in heaven watching over us but it sure does hurt my heart that you’re not here with us. Especially for Gianna, Nick and Chris. I know we’ll all be together again someday but for now I’m raising a toast to you and a lifetime of memories. Love your big Sis

Today is 4 years your gone, why the pain still feels so new i cant explain .   Its a week before xmas and once again im doing my best to make it a nice one for the kids . Me im just waiting for it to all be over.   I think every day how insane it all is that our family lost the very people that were the glue that kept us all happy and a family.  Your baby girl is due next month and she looks beautiful as always you would have been a good grandpa.  Nick is still struggling as always and my hope is he will find his way someday its very disheartening. I miss you so very much and will always love you.               Till we meet again 💗c

My love,            Today would have been our anniversary 39 long years as you always used to say every year .    I had   a very heavy heart today i felt so sad and miss you so very much.  I worked today and this old couple came into the store. They were celebrating theyre 55 years together and was going to have a big party with all theyre grand kids and family.   They looked so happy and he looked at her and said she is just as beautiful as when they met as kids.  It reminded me of us and what we wont ever be able to celebrate but then i thought, we loved a lifetime in the time we had together . Its more than what most people ever experience.   Ill love you always    C💕 Happy anniversary

My love.     Your baby girl is going to have a baby of her own now.  We’re so looking forward to this baby. I believe it will give us the certain push we need to maybe bring us all closer together. Without you, Grandma and Grandpa we all drifted apart and are a mere  shadow of what our family used to be .Theres no respect for one another or consideration its really very sad. The baby will be born on your bday ironically,   Which  somehow  comforts us all.  You would have been an amazing grandpa, watch over Gianna and the baby.    💗C

If we could visit heaven, even for a day, maybe for a moment the pain would go away. Id put my arms around you ,and whisper words so true, that living life without you, is the hardest thing to do. No matter how we spend our days, no matter what we do , no morning dawns or evening falls, when we don't think of you .         💋c

Today was fathers day, we all tried to ignore the fact that it was.  It never gets any easier any day or any amount of time wont change a thing or the fact that weve lost you forever. I hurt everyday as do the kids. I miss you so very much and will love you always.              💗xo c

My sweetheart,                                                                     Well Easter came and went everyone came to the house for easter. It was nice having everyone together for once . Nick was here which never happens but was great.  As always we try to make the best out of a sad situation.  I always think if this is how its gonna be for the rest of our lives or mine at least.Im just always so lonely and feel so lost without you.I no i had the best life and was blessed to share it with someone so special most people will never have what we did.  But to say i can never move on is scary  but feels realistic to me . Is it selfish of me to want to. I 💗u.           C

I miss you so very much and wish everyday you were still here.  I question the decision i made three years ago and i know it was the right one. But i always feel so guilty and sad.  Guilty because i would have kept you here for however long we had left with you and taken care of you even though it’s not what you would have wanted. And sad because i didn't have the nerve to do it.  We’re all so not ourselves anymore and we struggle so much its exhausting. But i wake up everyday and push myself to do the best i can and be there for the kid's , ill never give up because you never did.       Forever in my heart     C💗

Its strange to think its been 3 years since you left this earth. I remember the day you left work to take some time off and you hugged me and told me you would be back. Your tenacity , fearlessness and joker like character will always be missed.  I learned so much from you and grew to love your OCD moments .  Like when I would walk into the pharmacy and you would rush up to me to tell me all things that you wanted me to do along with everything that happened that day you thought I needed to know about then in the same breath say '' I am so glad your here Jess '' .  To John's family , I know your lives have been forever changed. I know John loved you all dearly and wanted nothing  but the best for all of you. He talked about you all everyday. May peace and love fill your hearts. I know he is on the other side watching over you all.

John I honestly cannot believe that we’ve survived 3 years without you. Somehow I still believe that it’s not true. That maybe your just away for a Walgreens turn over and you’re going to be back home soon. My mind and heart can’t comprehend that we’re never going to hear your voice again. Never hear your jokes, your Forrest Gump impressions or “You can’t handle the truth”’!   Your Walgreens patients are still posting about you. It doesn’t surprise me the impact that you made on so many people. I’m sure you’re doing the same thing up there in heaven. I hope your singing and that Louis is teaching you how to play guitar. Until we see you again,  you will continue to be loved and missed. Your sis

To the Verdi family,
I literally think about John every time I go to Walgreens ("at the northwest corner of Baymeadows Road and Point Meadows Way in Jacksonville, Florida").  John "encouraged" me to get a Rewards Card back in the day (actually, he made me register for the program while standing in front of him  and told me  not to ever come into the store without that card). Given advances in technology, all one must do now is enter the last 4 digits of the telephone number on file to use the program, but I still have my card and have it scanned. 

Using my card is my way of memorializing John and acknowledging the excellent service he provided me.  No one in the store at the present time worked with him, but I know he's watching over them to ensure the highest level of professionalism, expertise, and customer service for which he set the standard continues to be the rule and not the exception in his pharmacy.

Today is three years since we had to let you go . Its still so very hard for us all and a constant struggle . I often wonder why our lives had to turn out the way they did . But i can ask that question over and over and never get an answer. Were all trying to deal with not having you around anymore , its like a nightmare we cant wake up from. Its a constant sadness for the kids and breaks my heart but  i cant help them when i cant help myself.  We just take 1 day at a time and hope it will be better than the last.  Forever in my heart     Love you always   C 💗💗

My dear john,                                                                         Its been almost 3 years since u left me, the pain and loneliness is still so apparent and today would have been our 38th anniversary. Im sitting here thinking what we would be doing today because you always had a surprise for me weather a walk on the beach or a picnic. I miss you so much and talk of you every day   I really feel like this is lifes cruelest joke. I dont no how to move on and its miserable .i will love you always.         Forever chris 💗

My love ,         Our beautiful daughter had her wedding day . It wasnt the wedding she imagined for that day but i did my best to make it special . She looked so beautiful and Darwin so handsome. I felt like you were there with us as well as mom and dad and everyone else. Its been over 2 years now since you passed and i feel like im still trying to find my way . Its very hard for me to move on.  But the kids all give me hope and love to keep going each day. Darwin and Gianna remind me alot of us when we were married and i no they will share a lifetime of love and happiness as we did. Love you always    C

John. My big little brother. 2 years or a million the pain of missing you is the same. You left a huge hole in our hearts and lives. No amount of time can ease  the pain. Your crazy ideas. Your laughter and your larger than life personality is missing from our life every day.  The world may continue to spin but there’s a lot less joy for us. I miss you brother. I always will. Until we are all reunited again. Missing you always your sister Chrissie

My love ,    its been almost a year and  yet there isnt a day that goes by that i dont think of you. I go back to the beginning when we first met and it was like MAGIC i new one day we would share our lives together. You were my best friend growing up and was always there for me. I think i owe my survival of my teenage years to you. The day you asked me to marry you was the happiest day of my life .I remember thinking this was so meant to be and i was the luckiest girl in the world. You were sweet,handsome,and always made me laugh. We shared so many adventures together and traveled to places most people never get a chance to see. Then we went on to have our own family , a son and a beautiful daughter both of whom have a bit of their father in them . This past year has been a learning experience for all of us. The sadness does not go away, Im not even sure why everyone says that. Theres always an emptiness and a sense of nothing ever feeling right again. You just blow thru each day and hope the next wont be so painful. I miss talking to you and laughing at your silly jokes, l miss our inside jokes and you giving me flowers for no reason at all. l miss our friday night dates and how much we looked foward to the second chapter of our lives. But most of all I will miss not growing old together, its how it should have been. You will forever be in my heart, and i treasure the wonderful life we had together .  The last thing you said to me was I would always be your princess well you will always be my hero .      XOXO

To the Verdi family,

I have only learned of John's death today. He was my pharmacist at "the Walgreens at the northwest corner of Pointe Meadows Way and Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville." (How many times have I heard the automated attendant say that?) John knew me on sight and called me by my name. He took very good care of me, even helping me to get medication I needed while out of town during with an extended stay due to a family emergency. He answered my stupid questions and I trusted him implicitly. He also helped set up a pharmacy internship for one of my best friends. When a new Walgreens was built within walking distance of where I live, I continued to drive past it  to MY Walgreens because of John and his staff. After his move to the St. Augustine Road store, I continued to call for advice/help, and he was always there to help me.  Word of his death is a complete shock. Please know how much I value and appreciate all your loved one did for me. He was good people.  


I can’t believe it’s already a month. I spoke to you that Friday morning we talked about making plans for next year’s vacation after you finished your treatment. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you or miss you. The amount of people that have reached out to share memories and stories is a testament of the life you lived and the huge presence you were in so many lives.  We miss you John so much. Especially Chris. Watch over us  give us strength to get through each day. 

John was my first pharmacy manager when we were in Ft Lauderdale. I known his wife as we were photo techs for Walgreens. I can remember giving him so much love and respect when he got that new Yellow Lutus, That car was NICE!!! I loved seeing it at the store. He was a special guy. I can remember seeing him at a store in Jacksonville after I moved out there for my new promotion and was like a kid in candy store when I saw him. I just wished I kept more in contact with him after I moved away. He was a good person. RIP John. 

John was always a fun person who would help anyone. John and I had such fun working together at Jungle Queen and getting into good trouble at Stranahan High School - c/o ‘84  - delivering the 3x5 cards to Y-100 to win a school dance party and the party we had to cancel at the Galt Ocean Mile our senior year! 

May John’s memory forever be a blessing to all who knew him and may he Rest In Peace! Prayers for strength and peace for all his family and friends 🙏💪🙏🕊❤️

Verdi, I first heard of you from my best friend Jen in pharmacy school. She was one of your many pharmacy interns at  the Walgreens in South Florida on Sunrise and Sunset Strip. You managed to push out 1,000 scripts a day all while training those under you to be the best they could be.  Sure it was chaotic at times but always a controlled chaos :) You truly had a gift of bringing out the best in everyone. We both ended up in Jax  and were managers together for many years. I miss our talks and your uplifting, charismatic,  and witty self.  You always left me with a smile and a laugh. Rest In Peace, Verdi,  you will be missed dearly.  We were so blessed to have you as a leader, friend and part of our profession.

John, I will remember your big smile and loudly greeting " Hello, Lan...How are you?" from the back of the room. We attended a learning meeting at the corporate office. I was late and tried to duck myself into the room without being noticed. Thank for your greeting, all eyes don on me and I was so embarrassed.  Other than that, you was my best mentor, preceptor and great friend. You "jump a lot hoops" (John's words) got me on rotation and taught me everything to become a better pharmacist. No words can express my sadness to hear your leaving. We meet again.  May you rest in peace, John. We miss you....

John, I remember doing my community pharmacy rotation with you and I thought, “Omg this guy is crazy (in a good way)”. You made such a big impression on me during that rotation that I decided to go into community pharmacy for my career. When I moved back to Jacksonville and I found out I was working in your store I was super excited and I thought you wouldn’t remember me because it has been two years.  Once I came in the door you said, “Ereka!!!!!”, With open arms.  I’m a better pharmacist because of you. I will miss your funny jokes and the way you laugh and make fun of my mine. You were a great preceptor, mentor, and friend. 

John, I am deeply grateful for everything that you have done for me. In the years we spent working together, we became more than coworkers. You are my mentor, my friend. You helped shape me into the person I am today. You taught me the value of a selfless work ethic.   I will always look up to you! I will miss the plethora of inside jokes that we shared, and our constant quotes of Forrest Gump and Willy Wonka!  I will miss our word of the day, which according to Webster Dictionary is "comity". It means “friendly social atmosphere : social harmony”, which couldn’t be anymore fitting as you projected that in everything you did and everyone around you! Warp Speed John!  

John was truly a unique person. He wasn’t just my pharmacy manager, he was my friend. John was the kind of person could call at 3am when your car breaks down to come help you. He was honest , caring , funny and stubborn in the best way. He always pushed the norm of what was possible and achievable. He touched so many lives in different ways. I will miss walking in the door and him saying “Jess I am so glad your here” or Jess , come proofread this email ......spelling and grammar were not always his strong point ! I will miss sharing kitty pictures and hearing him talk about miss kitty and the professor. He loved his family so much and talked often about them. May the angels wrap their wings around him and may his soul be at peace. We will miss you ❤️❤️

I have known John for over 7 years, he was a brilliant  man,
great leader, it was fun working with him , he had a great sense of humor, he always said to me : how you doing my brother from another mother.
You will be missed 
Rest In Peace !

Verdi was my work dad, he is very much a goofy father figure that I was comforted to have   working for the first time. One of my favorite memories with him is how one day he noticed my bracelet from my church that got blessed and how he would want to wear it for a good day before he gave it back to me when one of us had to leave. I ended up giving him a similar bracelet that the church school children made with a teddy bear on it— since it reminded me of him, so he could have good days even without mine. He wore it often and showed it off to me every time. Its significance was so sweet. I’m certain he’s still carrying on with the joy he naturally has lived his life with. Rest Easy.

My deepest condolences to the family of an amazing Pharmacist.  I had the privilege of working  with John during the Baptist conversion. He was truly  kind, funny,  and a walking book of knowledge ! He was excited  about giving my husband and I helpful tips on buying a car. He was so generous with his time to Walgreens. I too loss someone dear to my heart in November so I share the pain and sense of loss of not having your love one. One scripture that gives me comfort is knowing that soon Revelations 21.3,4 will come true.  It says God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and DEATH, mourning and outcry will be no more! I pray this scripture brings you comfort as well as knowing God will give you the strength to endure. I hope you find peace in knowing how many lives John touch in such a positive way. May the beautiful memories you hold dear to your heart comfort you in the days, weeks and years to come. From a colleague and friend, Tammy Colbert R.Ph 

John was my most favorite person.  Always had a great smile and was so helpful to our clinic. I am so thankful to him and will miss him so much.  I send my prayers to his family

John had a very calm and comforting presence, and though I wasn’t lucky enough to have had enough interaction with him, I could tell that he was a very kind man with a great heart. The last time I saw him was about a month ago at work, after he had finished his shift he walked up to me and we had a brief conversation, at the end of the conversation he gave me a pat on the shoulder and said “you are a good man George, take care and see you soon!”

See you in heaven John!

George Youssef. 

I never got a chance to meet you in person, but we talked over the phone while we both helped with conversions for WAG! Talking with you about how to fix something was like talking to an old friend! You will be missed by many! My deepest condolences 💐  to your family . Sleep in peace!

You were truly one of my all time fave RPHs to work with. You taught me so much & truly cared about everyone around you. You were the biggest goofball & I’ll never forget all the laughs we shared during the conversions. Thanks for changing my tire that one time on the conversion & for making sure I got back to the hotel safe. You were such a genuine guy & I’ll really miss catching up with you! Here’s to you & making everyone laugh up in heaven & doing your hibachi dance!  You will be missed immensely! 

John, remember the time the store was really struggling with staffing and we had a big flu shot clinic that day.  You met me at the store @3am so we could get them off on the right foot for the day before we left for the clinic.  You were always so selfless with your time and you cared so much.  Thank you for being an amazing leader and even better person.

OBITUARY

John Louis Verdi

January 28, 1966 – December 15, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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