It is with heavy hearts that Megan and I reach out to you all today. The Big Bopper said goodbye to us on Monday January 4th very early in the morning around 4am. He was peaceful, at rest and at home—-exactly where he wanted and needed to be. On Sunday, his dear friends Fran & Maddy were able to say goodbye to our big Irish guy. Fran even wore his Giants hat and the Giants won one for the Bopper. His beloved brother and sister in law, Rod and Carole spent time saying goodbye and we know our Dad heard every word. His sister Marianna and niece Christine were also able to spend time holding his hand.  We know he felt their love as well as the love from everyone in his community. His heart like his hands were so big to hold everyone he loved tightly.  I played the Quiet Man for him again that night and played some beautiful Irish music. He was completely at peace. 

The picture holds things that travelled with him from his home. Special memories and treasures. We know how much he loved you all. We know how much he touched lives in the New London community. He truly had no greater love than serving New London’s children and adults through education. Well other than Hap, Megan, Cate, Brian, Ben and the other true loves of his life—-his four grandchildren. Please continue to share Bopper stories as Megan and I will share them with his grandchildren and will hold them close to our hearts. 

We will honor our father’s wishes with a private burial for family and then we will celebrate the Bopper’s life later this year when it is safe to gather. There will be food, joy and it will be in New London to honor the love he had for his home town. 

We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the love we have felt over the last few weeks. It will carry us forward along with our Dad’s wishes to keep working hard, caring for others and loving family and friends. 

Be well and when we are able to gather, let’s all remember the Bopper’s greeting “It’s good to see you” with open heart and hands. 

Love Cate and Megan