Organ Recipients & Donor Families Remember Those Who Gave the Gift of Life
Each year, donor families, recipients and living donors gather at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during Donate Life Month for Remember & Rejoice, an ecumenical service that honors the lifesaving power of organ donation and those who give the gift of life.
Unfortunately, this year’s event had to be canceled due to COVID-19. However, LiveOnNY in partnership with TRIO Manhattan would still like to take a few moments to recognize the extraordinary donors and their families.
Donor Family Remembrances
Please see below for a collection of loving notes written by families to their loved ones who gave the gift of life.
Jackie
To our beautiful Jackie. We miss and love you every day. Love, Dad, Mom Jim and Isabella
Alfred M. Adamo, Jr.
Husband, father, son, brother, teacher. Remembering you always. You will truly “live on” forever.
Francis N. Anderson
Dear Dad, Dear Husband, Dear Friend. Amazing, talented, a lot of fun, hard worker, always here to help us, and we miss you. Your family
Emmanuel Frias Araujo
Cherished Forever in Our Hearts.
William Anthony Arnone
William 14 months old. Gave his heart to help 4 babies like him. We love and miss him every day.
Craig Scott Artadi
If love alone could have spared you, you would have lived forever. Tears still fall. Your gift of life makes you live forever.
Alexandra Barnes
Sweetie, I always think of you when I wake up, throughout the day and last thought before sleep, always special. I love you FOREVER.
Mark Bevilacqua
The world is a lot less bright without you. We miss your kindness, humor and yes, your sarcasm. We are trying to live without you, but our lives will never be the same. We love you forever, Mom, Dad & Matt
Scott Boegle
Parting is all we know of Heaven, and all we need of hell.
Miguel Angel Bonilla
You’re still missed very much. I’m blessed to have had you for my husband. Thanks for all the memories we made! Love you always, Haydee
Robert Patrick Bosalavage
I miss your laughter, your irrepressible spirit, your generous heart. My mind holds the memories, my heart keeps the love…Always, Mom
Marian J. Burton
Marian was a beautiful, kind and loving daughter, teacher, sister and aunt. She will be in our hearts forever.
Ryan James Butler
Loving son and brother. Everyone he met fell under his spell. He accepted you as you were. He is greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts
Craig John Caras
Loving Son and Father. We miss you and love you. Not a day goes by without loving thoughts of you. Mom and Maria
Zachary Taylor James Carey
23 short, yet full years. You gave us joy, your smile brightened our lives, you are forever in our hearts, your life was our blessing.
Barry Steven Chait
Missing and loving you two years later. Your love is ever present, but we wish you were here for the birthdays, graduations and life. Rest peacefully.
Jon Michael Cowley
Your Dad is with you in Heaven now. You left us way too soon but are forever loved and missed.
Michael Crafa
“I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20 — Love you now and forever. Mom and Dad
Luana M. Cummings
Never Forgotten, Loved Forever.
Thomas Cutinella
Son, Brother, Friend, Hero ❤️
Crissy Lee Delakas
Loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and AMAZING teacher. The Crissy Delakas Memorial Foundation was set up to benefit the students of John Adams High School.
Ronald DeMarco
We miss you just as much today as we did the day you left. Forever in our hearts
Andrew M. DeSantis
Loving, caring, generous soul in life and in death. Rest in peace in heaven, baby. Love and miss you always. Mom & Dad
Jennifer Dickson
Jenny was funny, incredibly kind-hearted, caring and thoughtful. We are all better for having known her. We will miss and love her always and forever.
Vincent Dietz
Our dearest son, brother and grandson. Never forgotten by extended family and friends. Rest in peace with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Vitantonio Difonso
Tony it has been almost three years since you joined the angels in heaven. There isn’t one day that goes by that I don’t think of you. We all love and miss you so much. God bless you and keep you safe in His eternal kingdom.
Karen D’Silvia
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. Your loving husband Adrian & sons Jonathan & Kenneth
Camdyn Jayel Duckworth
Poppa Bear, we miss and love you so much. Continue to shine down so brightly on your Mommy Cam Cam. You are our loving angel forever.
Susan Lynn Duncan
Always in our hearts and on our minds. We miss you and your beautiful smile. Love, Dad, Mom, Will, April & Keith
Michael Patrick Durnin, Jr.
We love and miss you incessantly dear son, brother, grandson. We remember your sweet face, beautiful smile and contagious laughter. You live on and that means everything! Mom, Dad, Stephen, Joni, Gramis and Satchu Puppy
Christian Duva
My dear son I think of you every day, miss you every day, I love you forever. Always in my heart, Mom
William T. Erdmann
Husband, father, friend. Always on our minds, forever in our hearts.
Julie Falzarano
You are smart. You are kind. You are beautiful. You are important. You will touch and change the hearts of the future. We miss you mom.
Robert Joseph Feltham
In Loving Memory of a beloved son, brother, brother-in-law and cherished uncle. Good Deeds Always. We love you and miss Uncle Bobby.
Robert Fernandez
Not a day goes by that you are not missed. May your gentle soul & beautiful smile forever shine on us. We love you Rob.
Brett Adam Field
Another year has passed and you’re still missed dearly by your wife, brother-in-laws, mother and father-in-law, students and friends. Always & Forever.
Tyrone R. Fields
Missing you daily. I know you’re at peace and loving the fact that a part of YOU helped someone else. Love you always.
Juan Figueroa
Un año mas que se cumple, pero siempre te recordamos en nuestras mentes y corazones. Though you’re not here, you’re in our souls.
Michael Robert Fodera
“It is only with the heart that one can see clearly: what is essential is invisible to the eye.” For My Little Prince, Michael Robert Fodera.
Russell Gabay
We miss you every day. Xoxo — Liz, Syd and Sam
Terrence Leigh Gage
Your gentle presence shines upon our faces daily and is felt in our hearts and in our dreams. You are so deeply loved and missed.
Steven W. Galic
Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. Miss you. Mom & Dad
Luis Armando Garcia Germes
Can’t wait to see you again our king. You are every day missed and will never be forgotten, you will forever be loved by us. Rest in forever paradise king.
With forever love, your Mom, Gloria, Renzo & Carmen
Michael Gonzalez
A loving son, father, cousin and uncle who is going to be truly missed. He was always there when you needed help.
Bruce Anthony Green
If God is for us, who can be against us, (Romans 8:31). With love, your wife Mrs. Green
Melissa Ann Greene
We miss you every day Mommy. You’ve meant so much to so many people, especially us. I love you and I’ll see you later. XOXOXO
Carrie Ann Guthrie
Upon Carrie’s death, she gave someone new hope to live on. We miss her dearly but some parts of her still carries on.
Raquel Gutierrez
Many years have passed since you’ve been gone. When you were physically with us you were everyone’s # 1 and we know that you still remain spiritually with us. And it’s never a goodbye, it’s a see you later.
Camille Jessica Hanchard
Our pure and perfect daughter. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. Camille you are forever in our hearts. Love always, Mom & Dad
Clarence C. Hanchard, Jr.
He will remain our silent hero. A loving, giving soul, gave love to all. Lives in our hearts, made us who we are today. Missing your smile. Your Mom, Daughters & Family
Chad C. Hastaba
Very giving, loving. In another life I wanted to come back as a friend of Chad’s. Being O- blood, he donated much needed organs. His Mom, Mariann Rowan
Dane Duncan Hendy
Our hearts are filled with your love that you gave us. You are always in our hearts. Your Mom, Sister, Dad, Uncle, Grandma and Friends
Christian Hernandez
You are loved so much. Rest well, you are at peace. Until we all meet again.
McKayla Elizabeth Hirschy
A small life walked by leaving footprints on our hearts forever. We love you always.
Grant Eric Hodgdon
The void you left is always present. Yearning for you…seeing your smile, your eyes; hearing your laughter & silly phone messages. Life is wrong without you. Love you always, Mom & Dad
Peter D. Hourigan
Peter, we miss you so much these past three years. Our lives feel so empty without your love, laughter, music and support. You’re always in our hearts.
With love, your family
Marta A. Kindya
Pioneering woman graduate from Brooklyn Polytechnic (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering) with a B.Sc. in Metallurgy. Telecommunications engineer, educator, mentor, author, mother, caregiver.
Albert Kirk
He loved God and served as a faithful servant in his church. He loved helping others, especially those in need. A family man who loved to have fun. I celebrate him for his selflessness by giving life to others as a donor. I will forever miss his humor, friendship and love.
Elias Orion Knapp
Beloved son, brother, grandson and friend; While you are deeply missed by your family and community, your lifegiving gifts shine our Lord’s love and uplift us all.
Bob Kwiatkowski
Miss your smile, laughter, strength, love. Charlotte and Hunter would have loved Grampy’s sense of humor. Your love lives on by your generous gift.
Zeynep Raindrop Lei
I used to sing this lullaby while taking walks with her. “There is an angel in the sky, I wanna be there in her dreams. Sweet are the raindrops in her eyes, I hope she hears my lullaby.”
Frank Lipani
Saved 3 lives, gave sight to 2.
Clarence Little
The memories bring back memories, bring back you. Still missing you my best friend.
Sonia Llimo
To my lovely wife in her first year in heaven. Miss you very much, but feel spiritually stronger to you. Love you always, your loving husband Frank. PS — see you when I get there.
Janee Loewenstein
Janee would be so proud of all the good work this organization does.
Joaquin Lopera
El frio y la soledad golpearon mi Corazon cuando te fuistes sin decir a Dios, se dice que es facil pero esta ausencia es muy dura y dificil, pero me hace feliz saber que estas en un lugar muy especial. Te extrano mucho, Emilce
Nilsa Machin
We remain proud of you every single day. We love you and miss you. Machin family.
John Marsden
A kind, caring, loving man who thought about all others and put others before himself. May he rest in peace. He will be loved forever.
Ricardo Matos, Jr.
You meant the World to me, to have you as my Son was the greatest gift of all. But all the love you left behind, forever will live on until we meet again. Rest peaceful my Dear Ricky. Love Mama Bear
John T. Matthews Sr.
Forever in our hearts always. Love you and miss you!
John Edwin McAdams
When we eat delicious food, see a beautiful bird or new place, you are there. Your family, friends and dog Trip miss you every day.
John Alexander McDonald
We were husband and wife, soul mates and best friends. You were gentle, kind and generous. In life and always. I am forever blessed. Kathy
Mark McFeeley
We sometimes have to think “did this really happen.” Even though we know it has, we miss you every day. That smile & contagious laugh is sorely missed.
Always in our Hearts, Mom Dad & Keely♥️
Eddie McGuire
In memory of our dear loved one, Eddie McGuire, who passed on much too young but thankfully lives on in others.
Wayne Juice McLaughlin
You were my life & you adored our girls. You now live on in others. That comforts us. Until we meet again.
Robert Raymond Meehan, Jr.
We miss you so much! Love you!
Steven Arthur Mende
We miss you every day since you left us. The memories we cherish will be passed on to your beloved granddaughters. You are our hero. We love you.
Nicholas Miraglia
It is heartbreaking for us to know, you’re not here to watch your niece and nephew grow. They’re lucky to have a Guardian Angel like you to watch over them as we know you do.
Kim Patricia Mollo
May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love you. Until we meet again. Always and forever in our hearts.
Douglas Montelbano
May the memory of my loving husband and father be forever cherished. This amazing man led an exemplary life and was truly a role model.
Stewart “Rusty” Moore
You were always an adoring husband, wonderful dad, loving son, and Marty’s best friend. Now you’re also a hero in our hearts and in the hearts of two donor families. Reg, Katie, Megan & Family
Terry Morman
Like An Ocean Wave: Losing you so unexpectedly, you return to the ocean, the beauty of you gone back to where you came from, where you’re supposed to be.
Andrew O. Morrison
There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts. We love and miss you. Your family❤️
Joseph Anthony Mottola, Jr.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He will live on forever in our hearts. He was the best; there will never be another.
Lucy Mounier
Mom, your Memory was celebrated with a butterfly release on the 10th anniversary of your heavenly sleep. You are Forever and Always Missed and Loved.
Nicholas Joseph Mytko
Forever in our hearts, always loved and remembered. We miss that smile that shined so bright, but heaven gained a beautiful angel.
Caitlin Nelson
Caitlin Mary Angel Baby, Thank you for your Gifts of Life! Love you to the moon and back, Mom & Annie
Joseph O’Donnell
Time to say hello again, you know how much you’re missed. Mostly everyone is up in heaven with you. Say hello to Anita and Auntie Roro. All our love, your mom and Lorrie.
Daria Blanche Okrasinki
Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. Truly one of the greatest gifts in life we have ever received.
Joseph Paul Olivo
Joey is survived by his parents, sister, brother- in-law, niece and nephew. We miss him every second of every day.
Billy Policke
Four years feels like a moment at times and lifetime at others. Your family and friends miss you very much. Our world is in a state of crisis over Covid-19. Please watch over us all.
Dharam Raghubir
Lived and loved generously. A light to the world that left too quickly. His message and legacy, “Trust in Jesus with all your heart!”
Nicholas Scott Reilly
We will see each other again in that place where there is only peace and no shadows fall. You will be remembered always.
Zenona S. Rinaldi
A mother, a wife, a grandmother, an angel in her own way. A smiling, loving individual. One of a kind with kindness. Virtues that will never be forgotten forever.
Kristen Corbin Ring
It’s been years, but I remember everything about when we lost you. You gave of yourself, as you always did. Love and miss you.
Andrew Rivera
We all miss you so much, please continue to watch over us. Love the Rivera family.
Colleen Jean Robinson
Not a day goes by that we don’t think about your smile, your laugh, but most importantly the way you made us feel.
Heriberto Rodriguez
To my forever love, Herbie. Thank you for loving me the way you did, unconditional. You will forever be in my heart. Your wife, Ivy
Johnny Salig
Totally selfless to all. Always and forever loved, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend. His heart beats on…
Pascual H. Santiago
Today, the date of the seventh year we lost you, we gather to remember your love, to rejoice how you’ve blessed others the gift of sight. We miss you dearly each day more, forever love you, always in our hearts. Remember and Rejoice.
Earl Seymore
Earl loved giving. He would be happy to know he made a difference in your life. Well wishes and a full recovery to the recipient.
Adam Jerome Slomin
Beloved father, husband, brother and son who had a heart full of love and the best smile; always loved and always missed.
Kevin Souffront-Sánchez
My dear son, Even though you’re now with Jesus, I miss you Kev. You’ll always be in my ❤ until I see you again soon. Love, mom
Kingston Spencer
Your life gave us purpose and unconditional love. That’s why it was necessary to share your gifts of life for others to enjoy.
Xavier Robert Stegall
In memory of your smile, kind and nurturing heart and how you love to look out for friends and family. Aikido and Nintendo for life!
Yvonne “Bunnie” Stewart
Not an hour, a minute or a second goes by without the thought of you. Forever in our Hearts…Til we meet again….
Iwan Susanto
Kind, generous, selfless, and loving. Iwan has touched all of our lives and will continue to live in our memories.
Joseph Edward “Joey” Teal, II
We love and miss you so much, Joey. “This is random!” Mommy loves you. “…until we meet again…”
David Edward Towle
He never met an enemy. His eyes would light up and his voice would bellow a happy cheer when he walked into a room. Love Forever, Patricia Towle
Jonathan Umphlett
Lord, I pour my grief out and praise you. One glorious day when all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered, we shall walk together again.
Michelle Hernandez Vasquez
Beloved daughter, mother, sister, and friend, you will forever live in our hearts.
Thomas M. Vitelli
Our brother, Thomas, passed away suddenly last year. And, that’s when he became a hero donating his kidneys to those in need. This is his legacy.
Jesse James John Walters
We miss and love you every day. You are here within the break in my heart.
Mommy
Ronald E. Washington
Loving, kind and funny. He was a great father nephew and a great person. He is truly missed by all. We all love you. Forever in our hearts.
Crystal Marie Williams
Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Soror, Friend who loved and helped family and friends and believed that she could do all things through Jesus Christ.
Joseph Williams
Joe always brought the love, happiness and light into the lives of us all. We are proud his light can still shine through to others.
Ricky Zappel
You’ve taught me so much since you’ve been gone. Keep sending messages. Miss you every day.
John Rocco Ziegeler
Everyone misses you. We love you. Peace be upon you. You gave others life. They are here to thank you.
Peter F Zuzzolo
When a cardinal visits our yard, it is a sign from heaven that you are visiting us. Miss you every day Dad…
Donor Family Remembrances
Below are a collection of notes written by organ recipients and their families to their organ donor and their families.
On the 21st anniversary of Glenda’s transplant, we pause every day to give thanks to your selflessness and humanity. We are so very appreciative of your gift of life; we honor our donor and donor family for their dedication to love and kindness. Glenda and Ira Copperman
To My Mother’s Donor Family,
It has been over 30 years since you made a heroic decision during a devastating time in your life. You saved multiple lives, one being my mom. Everyday I feel gratitude and everyday I give thanks for knowing that a family like yours exists. Thank you for letting me still have my mom in my life, she is what makes our family feel whole. Love, Danielle Dillon
To my Donor Family,
I want to give you my heartfelt gratitude for the extra 31 years you have given me. You shared your daughter after her tragic loss and saved my life. Please know that my family and I think of her and you daily. She is the best part of me. With love, Fran Dillon
I will always be grateful to my loving sister in law Jane Howell for generously donating one of her kidneys to my husband Frank Alexis. At the time of his death in 2018 from Parkinson’s Disease his kidney after 26 years was functioning almost perfectly. Thank you Jane for giving him so many good years with your gift of life. Ellen Alexis
TO MY DONOR FAMILY
I received my kidney in 1999, because of your unselfish act to donate. Needless to say, I am so very grateful for this “gift of life.” You have allowed me to continue to be a wife, a mom, and a grandmother for which there are no words to describe except “thank you.” Know that you and my donor are always in my thoughts and daily prayers. God bless. Eileen Vento
Dear Donor Family,
Not a day goes by where I do not feel blessed and thankful for your donation of the gift of life to me via kidney transplant, nearly 12 years ago. For bequeathing me this normal life that many people take for granted, I am extremely grateful to you and your loved one. Ivy G.
Seventeen years ago, I was one of three people to receive an organ from Emily. She made the decision to donate her organs to others if she should die from her illness. I will never get over what a generous, compassionate, and caring person Emily was for only being fourteen years old. Marcia Goldstein
TO MY DONOR FAMILY
Kenny Cross, over three and a half years ago you gave me your heart. Besides giving me this gift that I cherish every day, you let me be a part of your wonderful family. Your memory will always live on with me because you are my hero. You will always be in my heart. With love, Ed Schaefer
It has been over 13 years since I received your loved one’s kidney. I think about my Donor & her family all the time. So grateful for this “gift of life.” I have been able to have a wonderful life with family and friends, especially the pleasure of watching my grandsons grow up! This miracle is greatly appreciated. With Love, Joan Galkin
To my donor and donor family
I received a new liver at Mt Sinai over 18 years ago and thank God every day. I also thank the doctors and staff for the care they gave me. But most importantly, I pray for my donor and donor family and am so grateful for your kindness to me. God bless you, Annie Jagmohan
Dear Donor
It’s very difficult to find the words to express my gratitude for the gift of life and sympathy for a loss as overwhelming as yours. Your generosity has given me a second chance. I know there are no words I could say to take away your pain. Arthur Paretti
Dear donor family,
I cannot even begin to express the fact that I have (at the present time) a twelve-year extension of my life. Had it not been for someone’s unselfish foresight, I would not be writing this.
Thanks to my donor’s family for the ultimate gift of life. Henry Brisen
Dear Donor
I have been so blessed to have received your kidney. In 2 months I will celebrate 13 years of the call that I received. I was going to be the fortunate one to be blessed with your precious kidney. That day, my life changed forever. I wouldn’t need dialysis three times a week, I wouldn’t depend on a machine to keep me alive. As the years have passed, I am even more grateful as is my wonderful family. May you rest in peace sweet Angel. With Gratitude always, Iris H. Resto
Cole, I think and thank you every day when I open my eyes. I honor you by living my best life. I believe someday I will meet you, so until then, please continue to watch over me and your family as you are our beautiful angel.
Desiree
To My Donor Karry Rosado
In June, I will be celebrating 5 blessed years since I receive a healthy kidney. I am so grateful for the precious “Gift of Life” you gave your sister Lisa. I will always treasure my kidney. I am glad to have a brother like you. God bless you always! Elisaura Rosado
April is the month of joy for our 2nd phase of life & the month when we express our gratitude to our organ donors & their families for their selflessness, to our doctors for their excellent medical performances & our nurses for their careful health care. They always live in our hearts. Jun Nan Wu
I am grateful to be alive thanks to my amazing sister who donated her kidney to me and continues to share our story and support other recipients and donor families through community outreach. To my donor family, I honor your beautiful daughter’s gift of a pancreas. I no longer suffer diabetes complications. My family holds your family forever in our hearts.
Tinamarie Sammon
I thank all donors, living and deceased, for the Gift of Life that they have given to those in need. As the husband of a Kidney/Pancreas recipient, I am truly humbled by the selfless acts of others. Glenn Mondry
Dear Donor Family,
April 9th will make it my 23rd Transplant Birthday for Happy (my liver’s name). We have had some great times together. This is all due to you and your generous and selfless gift of a new liver. Thank you so much for this “Gift of Life.” You will be forever in my heart. Linda Strappazon
To My Donor Family,
27 years ago, in the midst of your suffering, you chose to give me life. Your gift brought me back to my family and friends. Though we are not able to honor you this year by the service at St. Patrick’s, I honor you every day. In deepest gratitude, Kallyn Krash
My life has been a great one thanks to my donor and donor family as I begin the 27th year of my liver transplant in July and am now 75 years old. It is amazing to me. Every day that I get to see my grand niece and nephew makes life beautiful. I am a lucky lady and retirement gets closer and closer. God bless you all. Ronnie Schwartz
I passed my 22nd kidney transplant anniversary. I would not be alive without my anonymous donor who died at age 30 in Ohio. Thanks also to his family who followed through on his decision to donate many organs. My family was ravaged by Pkd. My brother also received a kidney transplant from a lifelong friend. Who would ever think that my transplant and immunosuppression would now keep me barricaded indoors in semi-terror. I miss the St. Patrick’s service. Richard Roth
My Dear Donor Family,
It has been 12 years since my liver transplant, and I am so grateful for every minute I spend with my wonderful loving family! I am still so grateful to all the nurses, doctors and everyone that gave me the strength and courage to go through everything! I pray for everyone going through this horrible pandemic that they are careful, healthy and safe and that they are sharing their strength to others in need! Be well and safe! Shelley Bly
