In Memory of Matthew Correale

My beautiful father passed away on Sunday morning, March 21, 2004. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2001, it metastasized to the liver in July 2003, then to the spine in January 2004. He fought the disease as hard as he could with everything he had, but his body just couldn't take it any longer.

From the day our father was diagnosed with his disease, he faced it with dignity and courage and that dignity and courage never ever wavered, even until the very end. His strength was unbelievable and to be admired, yet he was still the most kind and gentle man that ever lived. We love him with all of our hearts. Our lives are forever changed.

His family and the world have lost a beautiful, warm, loving, thoughtful, generous and compassionate man. Through all that he went through the past three years, his only concern was his family's happiness, he never worried about himself. A more unselfish person there could never be. If we could be half the man our father was, it would surely be a great testament to the way he lived his life. He touched so many lives. Everyone who knew him always told us what a great guy our father was. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone, even when he was feeling very sick. He treated everyone he came in contact with with respect. Even the last day of his life in the hospital he was respectful, kind and cheerful to all of the nurses and staff who tried to help him. Even through all of his pain, it couldn't take away his class and good-hearted nature. And because of that, even though he succumbed to his disease, it didn't beat him. He Beat It!!

His love and heart will live on in all of us and all those who loved him...for love never dies. He was truly a good man.

May you rest in peace. Until we meet again, Daddy...

Karen Correale