Thursday, March 11, 2021
Dear Hugh, Danny and family,
Maureen sent this to me. I am very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathies. It has been many years so I saw or spoke to your parents or you, because your Aunt Ethel wanted it that way. I honored her wishes. May she rest in peace too. But I honestly have missed you all. What a great family and great people you all are. And I mean that sincerely. I am not surprised though. Because I will tell you something straight from the heart, with no hyperbole, exaggeration, dramatics, histrionics etc (because I don't do drama): your mom and dad were 2 of the finest, most kind, loving and wonderful people I have ever met. I think about them often, even though I probably haven't spoken to them or seen them since Ethel and I separated in 1992. But your mom sent me a Christmas card every year, and occasional another card if I recall. And it always truly touched my heart. Because I knew what it meant. She wasn't just sending it because I was on her list. She sent them to tell me that she till loved me and was thinking o me. And the feeling was mutual. It wasn't your dad's thing to send a card or whatever. But I know your mom spoke for him too. I truly loved your parents. I still do. And I love you guys too.I don't know if your dad still swam at the Seton Hall pool. And I don't know if you know this, but every time he did he was impersonating me. lol. I gave him my Seton Hall Law School ID card, and back then he used it every single day to swim at the pool. He and I had some good laughs about it. In fact, if you happen to find that ID card, I would love to have it back - as a memento of him. I am very grateful for the privilege and the blessing of having known your dad, and your mom. They were truly special. May they rest in peace. And my conviction is that they will and they are. And may you always be comforted by your memories of them. God bless you all, and take care. Steve Stripp
