A Marine has passed…

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Obituaries

They don’t make them like Victor Domenic Voner anymore.  He was a friend of mine, a man I’ve known for over a quarter of a century, and someone that I along with many, will miss. 

Born during the height of the Great Depression, Victor did as well, (nay, far better) as anyone could expect in this life.  In his youth, he was a great athlete who played Triple A Baseball, and he was an avid golfer his entire life right up until the end.

He served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War where he was an aide to no less than General Lewis Burwell, “Chesty” Puller; a distinction that few could claim, and I would dare say he was the sole survivor of that select group.  

When he returned home, injuries stopped him from picking up where he left off in baseball and pursuing that as a career, so he teamed up with J.G. Lamotte, Inc.; an established HVAC contractor in Worcester, MA which he eventually purchased.  Mr. Voner created a lifelong career in the HVAC industry, earning industry-wide respect of friends and foes alike along the way.  

The demands of such an industry are many, however Victor juggled the delicate balance of business and family, raising three sons on his own after the tragic passing of the love of his life, and their mom while they were yet little more than toddlers.  Two of those sons followed in his footsteps and served our nation with honor, and all three of them made him proud.  One of them, Mark, ran with Victor’s business and has turned it into one of the most respected General Contractors in the Northeast, serving our veterans in the VA Medical Community.

Mr. Voner leaves a remarkable legacy that many might strive for and few would achieve.  He was a US Marine through and through, a successful businessman, a father, a youth coach, a grandfather, a leader in the community, and someone that everyone who knew him was proud to call their friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Victor Domenic Voner; August 21, 1933 – December 12. 2023.  Riposa nella Pace Eterna. 

Semper Fi Marine.   

 

President George H.W. Bush Has Died

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Obituaries

George H. W. Bush, forty-first president of the United States has died.  President Bush was born on June 12, 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts, and was one of five children of wealthy businessman and US Senator Prescott Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush, and was the father of five children of his own, including President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor ‘Jeb’ Bush.

Beginning with his service during WWII as a Navy Pilot, President Bush served the nation he loved at many levels and in many posts.  First elected to public office in 1967 as a US Representative, he became US Ambassador to the UN in 1971, served as chair of the RNC from 1973 to 1974, CIA Director from 1976 to 1977, Vice President under President Reagan, and finally President in 1988.

He was a statesman and was revered internationally as a man of integrity, respect, and foresight.  Our prayers and those of the nation are with his family.  Rest in peace Mr. President. Thank you for your unending service and contribution to our great nation. 

 

Billy Graham; America's Pastor...1918-2018.

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Obituaries

Pastor Billy Graham was so many things to so many people.  He was a loving dad, devoted husband, and amazing shepherd to his flock of countless millions; he reminded me of the parable of the mustard seed from Mark 4:32 “…it grows and becomes the largest of all the garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

He was a spiritual advisor to US Presidents and Heads of State from around the world, and many different cultures.  Everyone from political leaders and captains of industry, to those in academia, and just everyday people looking for answers to fill that achy, empty void.  It didn’t matter who they were or what their station in life was; Billy shared the same message of hope and salvation through Jesus the Christ with all of them, and millions answered his simple call to invite Jesus into their lives and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

Billy Graham was loved and revered by everyone that knew him, and millions more that never got the chance to meet him; and he was as much as one man could be, 'America’s Pastor.’  I never had the privilege to meet Billy in this life, however I long for the day after I’ve crossed over, that he and I can chat about his ministry.  

Pastor Graham leaves behind an amazing legacy among Pastors, and it will be next to impossible to fill his shoes; however I also know that many will continue to carry on his important work.  I am also sure that the moment he breathed his last and was ushered into Eternity, he heard the words every follower of Christ hopes to hear…“well done, good and faithful servant.” 

As I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Billy Graham, I would like to thank him for his tireless service to God and mankind, and for so many blessings and inspirations over the years.  God Bless you Reverend Graham.  I look forward to meeting you in Eternity.

 

Saying So Long To A Great Leader And Friend

Written by Ruth Roman on . Posted in Obituaries

Publisher’s note:  As my readers all know by now, the Tea Party of Ft. Lauderdale as well as the nation and the So. Florida community was dealt a heartbreaking blow this past Sunday when a major leader and our friend Danita Kilcullen stepped into Eternity.

Much has been said and written about this great woman, including this wonderful tribute by Ruth Roman at dr.richswier.com and I wanted to share it with my readers:

Ruth Roman:  “The South Florida political arena has a huge void with the recent passing of Tea Party Fort Lauderdale (TPFL) co-founder, Danita Kilkullen. TPFL, the longest running Tea Party in the U.S., made world news in 2009, having been featured in the European Times Magazine, after its formation.

Long before illegal immigration became a topic of conversation, Danita attended rallies and protests with FLIMEN, Floridians for immigration enforcement, educating the public of the ramifications of open borders and the loss of American jobs.

Many political careers were launched with the backing of her organization, TPFL, including Allen West, and Marco Rubio, who understood the importance and loyalty of her followers and that an endorsement by them could be a ticket to Washington. However, if the endorsed politician reneged on his promises of conservatism, constitutional principles and limited government, she and her followers had no mercy and would work tirelessly to remove him from office. Marco Rubio was one such example and Florida Tea Parties should receive the credit due for ending his future in politics. After Rubio’s betrayal on amnesty, Danita insisted that every candidate should be thoroughly vetted and that local politics was the epicenter of concern, for local politicians inevitably end up in Washington.”

Click here for the complete article…

 

 

The Passing of a Marine…in Honor of Eric Simmonds

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Obituaries

If you drive about 15 miles west of Downtown West Palm Beach on Okeechobee Blvd., before the houses give way to the Cane Fields, you’ll come across a little country church called Community of Hope.

It’s an intimate church where friends and family gather for Sunday Services and during the week for different studies and events.  There are no strangers and mostly everyone knows everyone else, and even if they didn’t know many of the others, everyone had met Eric Simmonds.

For years, Eric greeted young and old alike at the north entrance to the church.  He opened the doors and greeted everyone with a smile and a kind word.  Those blessed to know him could not help but love and respect him.

Eric had been involved in an accident years ago which left him with physical issues; however, being a U.S. Marine through and through, it never stopped him or even slowed him down.  He was always there, rain or shine, week in and week out; he reduced his disabilities to a mere nuisance as witnessed by the fact that he had to rise at 3:00 am to prepare and arrive on time every Sunday…so he could greet and open the door for able bodied people.  I might add, he didn’t stay for one or two services either; he was among the first to arrive and one of the very last to leave every Sunday.  Recently a mutual friend shared how he had asked Eric how he was doing one day, and Eric replied that he was fine.  To which that mutual friend asked, “how are you really doing..?”  Eric just smiled sheepishly and said, “not so good Mr. Larry.”  Because that was who he was; he wasn’t about to dampen anyone else’s day by relaying his own discomfort.  

Eric wasn’t looking to do anything but serve his friends, and by doing so, serve his Lord.

Sadly, Eric’s disabilities took a turn for the worse recently and he was hospitalized with leukemia for what was to be a month long treatment ordeal.  On Thursday evening, the Lord decided that Eric had suffered silently long enough and ushered him into Eternity.  The entire family at Community of Hope is at once saddened for losing our brother, and joyful that he is now Home. 

Eric was a friend, an inspiration, a true witness of the Love of Christ, a U.S. Marine, and so much more.   Rest in Eternal Peace Eric Simmonds.  Until we meet again…

Semper Fi