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