FUNERAL SERVICE speech at Eglise St. Philippe, Nice, France, December 23, 2009

I spoke in Italian and French

(Translation)

During our childhood we get our first lessons about life from our parents. Little do we then know what enormous impact these few years have on the rest of our lives. I have changed country many times and I now live since many years in California. I had never been able to survive or establish myself in life if it had not been for the fundamental values that my parents instilled in me.

My Father was intelligent, kind, humble, and the most honest human being I’ve ever known. He possessed qualities that are rare in today’s world. I never heard anyone say anything bad about my Father. Everybody liked him. He had a heart of gold.

My Mother took care of my Father up to the very end, in an admirable and loving way. I also want to thank my aunt Janine for always being there. The nurse, Melissa, you are our Gardian Angel. You even came on your scooter in pouring rain at 3 in the morning, to rescue my dad and to prolong his life. We couldn’t have done without you.

My Father is now not suffering anymore and we can only hope that he is in a better place, in a world somewhere else. I want to thank you all for coming today. He would have been very touched to see you all here together, to say your goodbyes. May he rest in peace.

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