Dad is home

It is with the heaviest of hearts that mom, Kelly and I share that dad passed peacefully this morning at 7:15 a.m.

They say when a loved one leaves this world, it happens exactly as it should. And today, we saw the truth behind those words.

For the last week, our family has been by dad’s side, watching and waiting as his disease progressed more quickly than any of us anticipated. This morning, Kelly and I both left at 7 a.m. to run home and see the kids before school. My mom was at my dad’s bedside telling him how much she loved him. He opened his eyes and listened, made eye contact with her, then took his last breath. Our prayers for a peaceful exit were answered, and my mom had that moment that so many hope for.

Thank you for your love, support and continued prayers throughout this journey.

The last photo of our “party of 11” was captured by our dear friend, Annie Wolny, last Sunday. 

herb-family-edited

The photos below were taken on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 27, mom and dad’s 41st anniversary. He stopped communicating and engaging the following day, but he made sure to let each of us know how much we are loved.  Forever and for always, dad and papa!

 

25 thoughts on “Dad is home

  1. The love that your family has shown throughout this journey that everyone must face has been a gift to all of us who know and love you. We are sending our love and very deepest of sympathy to you. Chuck was an amazing, true gentleman. He is simply gone too soon.

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  2. Carol, MaryBeth, Kelly and Families ,
    It’s so hard to understand why our loved ones are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were all loved and a special part of a well-lived life.
    May angels walk with you today – and always.
    Jean Zimmerman

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  3. Our heart-felt sympathy goes to the whole Herb family. Chuck was an awesome man and Howard always look up to Chuck especially during our softball years. Your family is now protected by a guardian angel. Sending prayers and comforting hugs!

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  4. So sad to hear one of my classmates has passed. The photo of all of you last Sunday is one to be cherished. We all wish our passing was as easy and with our loved ones at our side. FInd solace in the fact that he shared his love with all of you and the memories left behind live forever in your hearts. This is a difficult time and friends and family will be near. As time goes on, you are left alone with your thoughts and heartache–know that time is indeed, a blessing and I wish all of you peace and comfort.
    Trudy Lampela, class of 1967

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  5. You will miss your husband, your father terribly, but you will always have the memory of the love you shared in his last days and moments. May God bless and console you .

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  6. Our hearts go out to you. So very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. If there is anything we can do for any of you please call.

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  7. We are sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful person. He had a rough road and is now at peace and yes , he is now home.
    Prayers for strength during this time, are being sent your way. Paula & Ron Roberts

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  8. Jim and I are so sad for the loss of such a wonderful father, grandfather, husband and friend. We enjoyed all the good times together over the years and will never forget them. Your family is in our prayers today and always. Love, Jim and Elaine Tuttle

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  9. Chuck is at peace and no longer suffering. He can walk and run with strength and ease. He can breathe without assistance. Alan and I will certainly miss him. He was such a wonderful friend and family man. God opened his arms and welcomed him home. Thank you Jesus.

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  10. Carol, Marybeth, Kelly and family! My heart is sad for you at this time! You have many happy memories that will help you at this sad time. ((Hugs))

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  11. Carol, Mary Beth, Kelly and Families,
    We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father and grandpa. We send our love and deepest sympathy to all of you. Chuck was one special person and loved by a lot of people. He will be greatly missed. God Bless all of you. Rest in Peace Chuck. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Hanna Williams
    Cheryl and Mike Allshouse
    Debi and Nick Pape
    Michelle and Pat Williams

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  12. I’m sadden for your loss, it’s a difficult time for all of you to loose your husband, best friend and father. My heart and prayers good out to you. Take each moment, each day as a blessing of his love and spirit and that he is with you always in your memories, grandchildren and children.
    Love Peg

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  13. My heart is aching for all of you! I play you find peace in the days ahead. You all are strong women, you have your children to help you and Chuck will live through them! I know your Mom,Nana and your Dad were there to greet ,Chuck! Every one of you are and will be in my prayers. God bless Carol, Marybeth, Kelly, and their families!

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  14. My heart is aches with the word of your loss. Chuck was such a special person. My prayer for all of you is for peace in the coming days. I know he was welcomed by Your Mom and Dad, Carol. His memory will be kept alive in his children and beloved grandchildren. God bless all of you, and God will give you the strength to get through this.

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  15. Dear Carol, Mary Beth, Kelly and families:

    Our hearts are very sad for you and your loss. Chuck was a good and generous man. But, God is great and His promises of eternal life for those who believe are true! Chuck is now home as you say, where he is and will be praising and worshiping the Holy One forever, and for that reason our hearts are joyful. 1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Chuck is now restored, confirmed, strengthened and established in Christ’s eternal glory. Amen!! May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this time.

    All our love, the Iarocci family

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