This section is dedicated in loving memory of

Alphonse Rocco Casillo.

He was a great stepfather and love to our mother Margarita.

He was married to my mother for only 17 days.

They had the most romantic love story, I will ever remember.

My mother and Al had been together for about 8 months before he became ill.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on January 27, 1990.

My mother stayed by his side every waking moment.

She and Al were married on February 10, 1990.

This was only 17 days before he passed away.

They didn't care that he was sick!

They didn't care how long they had!

All they cared about was being with each other for however long they had left.

Their love story will be with me always.

I will always treasure the memories of both my mom and Al.

Al was the dad I didn't have as a kid.

He treated us like his own.

He had a kind heart.

And he lived life to it's fullest.

The day before he passed away, I remember him trying to fix our toilet bowl.

I was astonished.

Al, passed away the next day.

I remember my mom telling me that people get a burst of energy right before they pass away.

I was in Art class when he passed away.

I remember having that sudden urge to want to go home.

This was at the same time, he left us for heaven.

I sang "The wind beneath my wings" to him when he passed away.

I gave my first eulogy at his service.

I was 14 years old.

I love you Al.

Always in my heart.

Susana