ADDIO MICHELE

There was a lot of pleasure and pleasantness in coming back home, but all was not a bed of roses. Ignatzia Marcese, Paolo Ficalora's wife, had been worried about her brother, who was in hospital in Northern Italy even when I left for the states. On New Year's Day word came to her that her beloved brother, Michele Marcese, had been relieved of his life at the age of 73, which in recent months had been a life filled with pain. I never got to meet Michele, but I know Ignatzia very well, and also his sister Maria. They are such quality people, I know that Michele's passing will leave a terrible hole in their hearts, and the world has lost a fine young man. I am sure you join me in passing condolences on to Ignatzia, Maria, and their families.