First I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend today and/or yesterday to mourn the loss of my father Michael, but more importantly to celebrate his life of 75 years.  Everyone had a different but unique relationship with my dad and today I’d like to take a moment to share a few stories of mine with you to reflect on our father-son relationship.

What I’ll probably miss most about my dad are those phone calls in the car on the way home from work.  I could always count on a pleasant conversation with my dad on almost any topic including sports, weather, politics, etc. It was always an easy conversation with lots of laughs, very rarely any tension.  Those conversations always put me at ease after a tough day at the office and then quickly in the right frame of mine to enjoy my family upon arriving home.

As for sports, my dad wasn’t too impressed with today’s sports heroes.  He would always tell me “Frank, Mickey Mantle never had a bad game”. He would get upset with today’s athletes for not signing more autographs.  He told me a story that while growing up in Brooklyn he lived in the same neighborhood as Hall-A-Famer Duke Snyder during his playing days with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  My dad would ride his bike by Duke’s house and ask his parents if Duke arrived home yet from the game, quite different than today.  

Then there is golf.  My dad was an avid golfer that played about 3 times a week.  I could always out drive my dad but his short game was fabulous.  If he hit a ball into a sand trap, no big deal, no panic, he would pop that golf ball up high and almost always land on the green in a good position for a short putt. I remember for this 70th birthday I flew down to Florida and we just played golf and more golf.  Wow, that was fun.  So glad I did that trip.  He would always say “Frank, remember when you came down to Florida for my 70th birthday and we played some great golf?”.

Regarding weather forecasting, my dad was always a weather enthusiast.  I remember as a little boy shoveling snow with my father, he would talk extensively about the jet stream and the different storm tracks.  Now as a Meteorologist, looking back I smile knowing my dad had a part inspiring me in my career today and for the past 24 years.  What’s funny after receiving my degree in Meteorology from SUNY Albany back in 1992, my dad still thought he was more knowledgeable than me in weather and you know what, that was quite fine with me.

My dad always amazed me in subtle ways.  Back in college dad knew I was investing a lot of time and energy in one of my Calculus classes.  So one day he tells me “Frank, if college doesn’t work out, no problem.  I can get you a nice job in my electrical union with good pay and benefits.”  That was so powerful, hearing from your dad that failure was okay!  That statement really took a lot of pressure off me & I began to excel in school.  Now looking back as a father myself I say “very impressive dad, well done!”

Then there is Father’s Day.  Every year I call my dad to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, make sure my gift arrived safely and see if he likes it.  His response every year – “Frank, you’re my Father’s Day gift”.  For a simple man he always knew how to make me feel special and loved.  Thanks Dad!

Finally, in closing, think of some special moments with your dad or loved ones and share those stories frequently.  Take the time out of your busy schedule to reflect and embrace the good times and let the not so good times just be background noise.

Thanks again everyone for attending today.  Your presence is a wonderful tribute to my father and my family & I.  Thank you and God Bless.

Written by Frank Nocera / Read by Teresa Nocera / May 12, 2016 / Brooklyn, NY

May 16, 2016

Dear RoseAnn, Frank and Cathy,

We join with you and Michael's family, relatives and many friends to honor the memory of our beloved Michael Nocera.

On May 8, 2016, Michael Nocera, with his loving family nearby, peacefully surrendered his soul to his Creator and was born to eternal life. The earthly journey of this very special man has ended. He was 75 years old.

We should not fear death. Our earthly life is a journey back to God. Saint Francis of Assisi tells us that "...it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." As Christians, our faith teaches us that Michael's life has not ended – it has merely changed.

And, as Christians, we are reminded that Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and eagerly waits for each one of us to enter into His Kingdom and be united with Him forever. God has given us a life that survives death, a life that is eternal, glorious and happy.

Now, we will all miss our Michael. We feel the sting of separation from him in our lives and grieve for OUR great loss. However, we need not grieve for Michael, for he is safely home, where he no longer has pain and no longer suffers.

Michael was welcomed into the loving embrace of God in Heaven and experienced His unbounded love. Michael is now in God's presence . . . he has met the Master face to face. He is where we all hope to be – with God the Father, Jesus, Our Savior, the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother Mary. Michael's life was well lived, and God is well pleased.

The choirs of Angels welcomed Michael into God's Kingdom. His beloved mother, father and brother Frank raced to receive Michael into their loving arms. Now, Michael is reunited with them and his relatives and friends who have gone before him.

Michael was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother.

RoseAnn, your life's companion and sweetheart for over fifty years, though gone from you in this world, will never leave you. During his life, Michael drew comfort from knowing that you were his ROCK! Now, he will watch over you from Heaven and will be with you every step of the way, always at your side. Your love for each other was deep and true.

Frank and Cathy, your Dad loved you both very much and was so proud of you. The center of your Dad's life was always his family. Your Mom and Dad worked hard and sacrificed much for you. Your Dad was your mentor and counselor. Now, the greatest gift you can give him is to be the best that you can possibly be in everything you do. I know you will follow his goals for you so that, from his place in Heaven, he will continue to be proud of you and be ever grateful that you are his children.

At Michael's wake, the outpouring of love by his family, relatives and many friends was a testimony to the life of this very humble man. All of Michael's family and friends were very fond of him. Michael was a very special person and was loved and admired by all who knew Him.

How will we remember Michael? He touched and inspired each of us in a special way. Michael will be remembered by his family and friends for what he was – a good, unassuming, gentle man. We all loved our Michael – and will miss him. Michael leaves a legacy of love by the many lives he touched.

Michael – for all you have done, for all you have been, and for touching us so deeply with your life, our heartfelt appreciation. You were an angel among us. Now that you are an angel in Heaven, be "the wind beneath our wings." Please keep us safe here below and intercede for us from above when we are in need.

Let us rejoice in Michael's memory. In the silence of our hearts, let us say a prayer for, and to, Michael.

Michael Nocera was special . . . we loved him . . . we will miss him . . . but we will never forget him!

RoseAnn, Frank and Cathy, during this trying time in your lives, continue to place your trust in God and in your strong faith, and thank God for the many gifts and blessings He has given you and your family. You live with the hope that some day you will be reunited with Michael and your loved ones in Heaven.

You loved Michael and will miss him, but may your grief turn into joy as you remember all the good things he taught you, and as you recall all the fond memories you have of times spent together with him.

Please accept our sincere condolences. We will keep you all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers, and trust that God will console and strengthen you, and send His abundant blessings on you and the Nocera Family.

With Much Love and Sympathy,

Tommy and Terry and our Potenza Family

Eulogy – Michael Nocera

My dad, Michael Nocera, was born in Bayridge, Brooklyn New York on October 16, 1940.  His parents were Frank and Antoinette Nocera.  He was one of three children.  He is survived by his older sister Diana Miscura.  His younger sibling, Frank passed away in July 1999.  Our dad grew up in Brooklyn.  He loved everything about Brooklyn except for the traffic.  One of his favorite movies was the recently released movie “Brooklyn” which we just watched together last week.  He graduated from William E. Grady High School and spent two years in the U.S. Navy working in the Construction Battalion, “the Seabees”.

Dad began an electrical apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 3, following in the footsteps of his father Frank.  He worked as an electrician for 41 years and was forced to retire early due to an accident in 2001.  His dream was always to retire and live on a golf course in Florida.  My parents relocated to Florida in 2005 and in 2007 they purchased dad's dream home on Turtle Mound Golf Course at Day Lily Run.

Dad's happiest moments was when he was attending family functions, catching up with loved ones, watching his grandchildren grow up, and going on vacations with his wife, children and grandchildren.  Dad loved adventure and taught us at a young age about the benefits of travelling.  He took us to Canada, the Bahamas, Italy and all around the USA.  My dad believed in working hard all year round so he could take his family on one good vacation each year.  And we all looked forward to that annual vacation so much.  We experienced so much with dad; camping, fishing, ice-skating, chopping wood, building fences and fixing cars.  My dad knew how to do everything and fix anything.  He also taught my brother and I had to drive.  In fact he taught us so much that we always looked upon him as our teacher.

Dad always had to work hard for everything he had.  When he was out of work as an electrician, he started up a hot dog truck in Brooklyn and also drove cab's just to make ends meet.   He was an excellent provider, always made sure we were taken care of and had everything we needed.  As a kid, I remember waking up at 4.30 am and hearing him get ready for work.  He was an inspiration to my brother and I.  Our work ethics were derived from our father.

I always admired how my dad kept in touch with his friends from the 1950’s and I remember how happy it made him to reconnect with them on the phone or to have a get together with them.  These lifelong friendships were so very precious to him.

My dad loved watching documentaries, current affairs, animal programs...he was a lifelong learner, always had a desire to learn more and to continually educate himself.  He was so knowledgeable about world events and history.  I was always amazed at how he could remember so much and how he seemed to know everything about everything.

Dad is survived by his 5 grand-children: Anastasia, Mikey, Teresa, Michael and Andrew.  He was very proud of all of his grandchildren.  He enjoyed driving them around in his golf cart, attending their sporting events and going on vacations with them.  We just had the pleasure of celebrating Andrew's First Holy Communion on Saturday May 7th, 2016.  My dad was surrounded by his loved ones just before he passed away.  I am sure his mind and heart were full of the beautiful memories we had together on that very special day.

My dad will be missed by many and there will always be an ache in our hearts, tears in our eyes, a huge void in our lives, but he will live on forever in our minds, hearts and souls.  We are grateful to have him for as long as we did, although of course we wish it was much longer.  We are thankful for the wonderful memories that we have of him and for all he taught us and inspired us to do.

Rest in peace dad, our mentor, our hero, our very dearest friend.  We love you always and forever.  Your family, friends and neighbors.

Written and read by Cathy Nocera, May 12, 2016, Brooklyn, New  York