Our Birthday / Pat (John's Mom)
Monday, April 18th was our birthday, your Dad turned 60 and I turned, well, you know I'm younger than him!  John, can you believe your Dad is 60?!  I can't!!  We all went out to dinner at Vita's, Lisa, Paul & Kayla, Billy, Debbie, Anthony & Tyler, Bobby & Lia. It was wonderful to have everyone together but everyone really wasn't there because YOU were missing. You should have been there with us John....I Miss YOU so much my sweet boy, my heart aches that you no longer are a part of our family gatherings.  Can't see through my tears, I LOVE YOU JOHN PATRICK.....
Forever, your Mom Close

John was special!  / Annette Carte (friend)
It was a privilege to have known John. My sister Joyce was John's friend and he knew my parents too. They played John's favorite game together--BINGO! And he did NOT like to lose!! LOL. That is how I became John's friend.
John was truly one of the "good guys"--a wonderful, sweet person with a big heart. After I got married and moved out-of-state, John always took the time to inquire about what was happening in my life. When I came home to Florida he would never forget to call my parents' house and catch up with me. All they had to do was tell John when I'd be there, and he would remember the date. He always knew when I'd be pregnant, just had a baby, was moving (spouse in the military), whatever. That was just John. It lifted my spirits to talk to him and we sent cards from time to time. He was always happy, always upbeat. He did not complain about anything. Our last conversation was shortly before he went home to Heaven. I could tell the accident had started the tumor up--his speech was slurred. He had some trouble following the conversation. But he promised me he would be strong for his parents, especially Pat, his Mom. I told him he would never know how hard it was for a Mom to see her son so ill. Joyce called me to tell me when John died that May. I was so sad, yet in another way happy that John was home with God where he would have no more pain and was in his glorified, HEALTHY body!!  John did not get to have the life most young people have due to his illness, he was robbed of that. But I know he is so much  luckier than any of us are: he is looking upon the face of God. You are missed John, and your spirit lives on in all our hearts.
Your friend, Annette Carte Close

Valentines Day 2005 / John's Mom
Happy Valentines John Patrick..your sister is so right, you were the "sweetest" and the most thoughtful...you were so kind to your family, friends, the neighborhood children...you were always thinking of everyone else.  You would always make sure everyone got a special treat..we looked forward to your little surprises John.  We miss YOU so much...on Valentines Day you think of hearts...my heart broke May 21, 2000 when I lost you and it will never heal.  I LOVE you with all my HEART John and I ALWAYS will.  Sending Big ((HUGS)) up to Heaven for you..Love Always, Mommy Close

Championship Game, 2/12/05 / Pat...John's Mom (mother)
This morning Anthony's team is playing in the championship soccer game, in all his years of playing this is the first time his team has made it to the championship...very exciting!!  Anthony's jersey is #14, just like you were John...maybe that will bring him luck today!!  I love watching Anthony & Tyler play, it brings back so many memories of you and your brother's playing soccer. Oh, how I wish I could go back in time and have my 4 little ones again, the years went by much too fast. I treasure all my memories of my 4 beautiful children.  This morning I will watch & cheer for my precious grandson (he'll be 13 in a couple months, can you believe it??!!!) and his team and hope they win the championship!!  I know you'll be watching from Heaven John...Love you and Miss you with all my heart, Love Always, Mommy Close

January 10, 1965  / Pat...John's Mom
Dad & I were married 40 years ago today, 11 months later you were born John.  It was the happiest day of our lives...our first little baby boy.  You were so perfect, you weighed 7 lbs. 13 ounces, the most precious little baby I'd ever seen.  You brought us so much joy John.  Six weeks after you were born your Daddy was sent to Taiwan for 13 months..I was so lucky to have you John, a wonderful close bond was formed between us in those 13 months...such a close bond that even your death couldn't take away. I miss you with all my heart.  Help me to remember the good memories John.  I love you so much.  ((Hugs)) Mommy Close

Our Horrible Anniversary / Billy Spezzano (Brother)
Well, here we are, the eve of our 6th Anniversary of our car accident that changed everyones lives. Who knows where we would be if it never happened. I wish it never did happen, maybe you would still be around to play with your niece and nephews. I know you told me it wasn't my fault, and I don't think I blame myself, but I was the one driving. I think about it every time I drive through that intersection. Everything in life happens for a reason, maybe in the last six years it hasn't become clear why the accident happened, but maybe one day it will be clear. Close

January 1, 2005 / Pat..John's Mom (mother)
Another year has gone by without you John...In January of 2000 you were still with us...it was hard to believe that it was 2000 and now here it is 2005!  At times it feels like you have been gone forever and at other times if feels as if we just lost you.  Yesterday Dad and I took all the xmas decorations off your grave & tree. I left the little matchbox car that Tyler put there for you.  He misses you so much John.  On Christmas day he asked me for a picture of you that he could keep in his room.  The boys have grown so much since you've been gone....they got so tall and both are so very handsome.  You never got to meet little Kayla...you would just love her so much John.  She knows that you are in Heaven.  We all miss you and love you very much.  My heart aches for you every single day, it will for the rest of my life.  Sending lots of ((Hugs)) up to Heaven for you John.  Love Always..Mommy Close

A loving tribute / Jaki Ivins (Friend to Pat)
Dear Pat and Family,
This memorial is a wonderful tribute to John and his courage.  It is also a tribute to the love and devotion that you have for your "bestest boy". 
Peace and comfort,
Jaki
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Happy Birthday John / Doreen Bourdon (Friend of John's mom)
Happy Birthday John..My prayers are with your mom and family today..I will say a prayer for you,John..Although I never knew you,I have heard so much about you from your mom..How special a young man you are and how very much your family loves you..Your mom sent me pictures of the decorations placed on your grave..They are so beautiful,as you were a person..Keep safe in God's love and arms..Doreen Close

Missing you on your Birthday  / Lisa Brooks (Sister)
Happy Birthday John! I can still remember Mom telling me that when I was born you didn't talk to her for like 2 weeks or something crazy like that!! Hard to believe that because out of the 4 of us, we were the closest!! I will always remember the times you annoyed me by repeating me, which was a lot!! But I know you did that cause you loved me!! I loved you too, and still do!! I wish you a very happy birthday up in heaven and I know that you and Papa are celebrating together eating a "sangwich". And you must have made a big cookie!! Enjoy! And know that we are down here still missing you very much!! We will send you balloons today.....catch them!! Love always, Lisa   Close

Happy Birthday my precious boy  / Pat..John's Mom (mother)
Happy Birthday John Patrick!  You would have been 39 today....my heart just aches that you are no longer here with us.  Birthdays are so hard John....the day you were born was the happiest day of my life, I will never forget that day.  I love you with all my heart and will never stop missing you.  You will always be Mommy's Bestest Boy.   Much love ALWAYS....Mommy Close

Remembering John / Adele Tokarz (Friend)
I remember the day you were born and how very happy your Mom, Dad and grandparents were.  Time went on and you grew up to be a handsome young man even though you had so many hurdles to pass over.
Everyone was so proud of you, for your strength and courage.
Your life is over now but you will always be remembered by everyone.  Rest in peace with your granddad and God. Close

23 years ago.... / John's Mom (mother)

It was the day after Thanksgiving in 1981 that we found out that you had an inoperable brainstem tumor.  I will never forget that day.  When the doctor took me out into the hall to tell me what they had found, I could not believe that he was talking about my son, my strong handsome boy...how could this be???  How our lives changed from that moment on.  They gave you a year to live but in my heart I knew they were wrong. We were blessed to have you for 19 more years...and I truly believe if you hadn't been in that car accident and hit your head, that you would still be alive today.  We missed you at dinner yesterday...the holidays just aren't the same without you.  Love & Miss you with all my heart John Patrick..Love Always, Mommy   

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John / Katie, Adam's Mom (Friend)
I never had the pleasure of meeting you but so wish I had.  Your Mom has told me so much about you, her Bestest Boy.  M&M's make me smile and think of you, Barbara Mandrell songs make me think of you...I know I will always remember you.

Love to you and your Mom Pat,
Katie, Adam's Mom Close

Soccer Memories / Pat..John's Mom (mother)
Watching Anthony & Tyler play soccer reminds me so much of you and your brothers John.  Brings back so many memories.  I wish you could see your nephews play, they are both so good.  Anthony reminds me so much of you when I see him running around the field and today I realized that Anthony is # 14 and it hit me that the picture I have posted of you here, you are wearing # 14 also..isn't that something John?!!  I miss you so much John...Holiday time is very hard for me.  You are always in my thoughts...always remember...Mommy loves you!!! Close

Dad's trip to the VA / Pat-John's Mom (mother)
This morning Dad and I took the long ride down to the VA clinic in Miami, he had an appointment to have his skin checked, after having worked in the Florida sun for the past 30 years.  We walked into the clinic and signed in and asked which way to go...the man behind the desk said "Follow the ORANGE line"...I knew at that moment that you were right there with us John!  When Dad came out from seeing the doctor he said you won't believe this...the doctor lost her younger sister to a brainstem tumor a few years ago....unreal....we have no doubt that you were there with us this morning John...Dad made out fine, but you already knew that!  We love you and miss you so much John...Love Always, Mommy Close

Thinking of you Pat / Linda Vincent (Angel mom)
Dearest Pat,
    I came to your web-site to see your beautiful sons legacy. You did an absolutely awsome job! I hope that John finds Dillon in heaven and gives him a big hug for me, and I hope that together they can find a way to send us some special peace. I keep you in my prayers every day and hope that you do the same. You son is beautiful and I am sure he is lighting up Heaven.
                                         God bless...
                                              linda/dillons mom Close

Oh how I miss your big cookies!! / Lisa Brooks (Loving Sister)
Didn't get a chance to write this yesterday, but Kayla and I were making peanut butter cookies and I was remembering the Big Chocolate Chip cookies you used to make!! We could always count on a big cookie for a birthday or Christmas. Really anytime!! I really miss those!! They were my very favorite.....and nobody could make them like you!! When Kayla gets a little older I will have to try to make one with her and tell her how her Uncle John used to make those. She will get a kick out of it I'm sure! Just as you would get a kick out of her! She knows exactly where you are! When we ask Kayla where Uncle John is her response is, "he's in heaven."  Love always, Lisa    Close

Pats Friend / Rosealie Hill
My Dearest Pat,
After looking at this site, i can only say that you did this out of so much love for John, and it is a beautiful place to go, to share him with us. Thinking of you , your in my heart,
Rosealie Close

Your kind of day John! / Pat Spezzano (Mother)
These are the kind of days you loved John, not HOT...breezy & cool for South Florida. The kind of day that you loved to ride your bike...you would ride around for hours..you would stop for a big Slurpee at 7-11 or go through the drive thru at McDonalds for some fries and a shake.  Many afternoons I would be sitting in the school parking lot waiting for Anthony and I would see you riding up the street towards me and you would pull up along side my van and talk to me until the bell rang.  I miss those days John.  I miss everything about you.  How I wish we could turn back the clock...but we can't.  I miss you so much John.  Love Always, Mommy Close