We had a meeting with Dad’s medical teams (BMT & ICU) and palliative care Friday afternoon. With multiple organs starting to fail and his issues with GVHD ongoing (underneath all he’s been through this last week alone), we made the incredibly difficult and heartbreaking decision to move from continuing medical treatment to comfort care only. (We just wish Dad could’ve been part of that decision.) He remained sedated and intubated and was given medicine to help him remain comfortable and peaceful, which was our top priority.

His four siblings were able to visit and spend time with all of us Friday afternoon.

Over the past two days, we played his favorite music, watched some favorite movies (The Sound of Music, The Russian Five, My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and shared favorite memories. All with him. We showered him in love and kisses and held his hands.

Mom, Kathryn and I remained with him here at the hospital and were all holding his hands when he passed from this life to the next at 12:20 p.m. today (Sunday, May 9). The priest stopped in to pray with all four of us before noon. Dad seemed comfortable and peaceful through the end.

Our hearts are broken 💔 There are no words. Thank you, all, for your love for and support of my dad and our family always, but especially throughout these past two years. My dad was, and is, so loved. The best there ever was.