Read by Sonia Gottfried:
All of us are lucky to have known such a good, honest man. There are a lot of people in this room whom's life has been touch by my father, Juistino Bove.
However, there is no one as blessed as the four children that have the great pleasure to call him Dad. Dad leaves behind 4 children and 4 grandchildren.
As a father his parenting style was to teach by example, and in turn he taught us life lessons of truth, respect and trust.
Those that know him well know that to be a true statement.
He always told the truth except at the expense of hurting feelings or taking sides. And in those cases he said nothing. That is why most people refer to him as a quiet man. But truthfully, he was being a gentleman who bit his tounge a lot.
Dad also taught us that trust was a 2-way street. Give 100% trust 100% of the time and you will find good in even the worst situation. And in bad situations he patterened his life after this statement: "You are as happy as you want to be."
Even in his last years, months, days and hours I know he continued to stay happy. And I truly contribute that to his #1 girl, Lisa Bove, my mother. The care and dedication she gave you was remarkable. Never once did she complain and never once did she ask for recognition. Mom, you are a true rock. On behalf of Dad and the rest of the family, I thank you, Mom.
Dad, I couldn't be happier to have such fabulous parents as you and mom.
But the truth is, Dad became my friend just before I obtained my undergraduate degree. I can't tell you how fortunate I am to be able to call both my parents my friends. Even after childhood years of hearing, "You kids break everything you get your hands on," or "Carmino, I will pull this car over and you can walk home," or "Go upstairs and play," we still managed to become good buds.
Once I became his friend it was more along the lines of, "While you're resting, get me a beer."
So, to Dad, I am sad you are not here with me anymore. I will continue to turn to you for advice and guidance. Obviously, I will never forget you, but I promise to keep your memories alive through stories I pass on to my children and grandchildren. Thanks for the lessons you have taught me and I pray you continue your teaching while you are watching over me and give me the strength to be as good of a parent to my boys as you were to me.
For now good-bye, Dad. And until we meet again, I will miss you every day.
I love you, #3.
Read by Andrew Gottfried: We would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to a reception to celebrate JB's life at Meshingomesia Country Club for lunch after the trip to the cemetary. Please join us.
