My Dear Cousin Leo,

We were born a month apart in the same year and shared our cribs with one another. We continued that close relationship through childhood and have such a fond memories of when Aunt Jessie took us (you, me and Gregory) to see Song of the South and grandpa took us all out dinner whenever my family traveled from Brooklyn to Trenton to visit.

I remember the Christmas the three of us slept in the attic and Gregory fell asleep but you and I heard Santa's sleigh bells and were so excited we woke him up. Our relationship continued through high school and college when you would bring your college friends to Brooklyn to stay with us and I would travel to Trenton to go to the Seton Hall dances. We kept in touch when you were teaching in Georgia.

Then you were ordained and my family (Bill, Sean, Andrea, Kristin and Lauren) attended your ordination. We were so happy for you. You attended my girls marriages and read a prayer. I also have the memory of our cruise to Alaska when we had so much fun and my brother Frankie joined us with a couple of your friends.

Blood made us family but love made us friends.

I will not miss you because you are always with me.

Your loving cousin,

Angela

A photo of Leo doing a reading at my wedding ceremony in June, 2011 on Long Island. As selfless as ever, he trekked from New Jersey to be there for me on my special day. Leo was our cousin, who happened to also be a priest. I remember his ordination like it was yesterday, even though I was only 12 at the time. Having a priest in the family has always been a blessing. It was such a comfort having him there at family occasions, weddings, funerals...where his words were always genuinely heart-felt. Whenever I saw him, he would bless me and it was very special because I came from him. He's a beautiful man who will be dearly missed.

I love this photo of Leo. This is how I will always remember him. With a kind smile on his face.

Christmas Eve will never be the same without you Father Lee.

Christmas Eve with Father Lee.