We would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends and family once again for your support, prayers, and strength during yet another devastation to our family. We stand together now not only to mourn our loss but to celebrate the life of Robert Velleca Jr. I know a lot of us feel as though every part of our hearts needs him now more than the angels do, however we must unify ourselves in the belief that the good go young and god takes us when it is our time. God takes the strongest of his soldiers and Robert was just that. He was someone who fought and lived life his way. I speak for his children when I say they celebrate his guidance and his shoulders, always open to lean on, always there to listen; never judging. I speak for his brothers when I say they celebrate his his spirit, carefree and happy. He inspired us all to love life our way. I speak for his friends when I say they celebrate his laughter, contagious and inviting; never making anyone feel like an outsider. Finally, I write this for myself as well as many of us who were unable to simply say goodbye. I write this for every life my Uncle touched; we thank him for being so relevant to our own lives, for being born and being himself throughout the rollercoaster that is life. We say goodbye and with it we must relinquish our hearts of the pain that accompanies his early departure, for we all must know when it is our time.. we will see his face then. For now when the pain becomes over bearing, look to each other for support, look to god for guidance, and look to the sunrise for the old man. If you look hard enough, you will see him there; catching a fish, sipping a tea, basking in the sun on his boat. I love you Uncle, and I choose to remember you this way. Your soul will forever be in our hearts... Until we meet again ....