The day before your Ma passed, she said “If anything happens to me, promise me you’ll take care of Paul” I told her she wasn’t going anywhere soon, but assured her I would.
I remember watching the tears roll off your face when you asked me to bring your Ma’s personal belongings to you after she passed. I did what you asked, and watched you create a space in your home dedicated to her.
I took the best care of you I could. While on the surface you had a hard exterior, I peeled through that tough skin and found the real PAUL. A sensitive, caring man who carried a lot of pain in his heart. I tried to normalize your pain by ensuring you were not alone, you are human, we all carry pain and loss of some degree. I have lived through you these past 5 years. And while I devoted my life to you with more challenges then I could imagine, I would do it all over again. Because YOU mattered.
You loved your horror movies, but I finally talked you into watching “I can only imagine”. I cradled you as you cried to the movies’ theme song by Mercy Me. I remember when you had the song on repeat, for hours. It was then you finally understood that it’s healing to cry. For years I nagged you, I’d say “Real men cry”, and you’d come RIGHT back with “I was taught men don’t cry”. Paul you were a hard nut to crack, even though you were allergic to peanuts.
Before you left, you said “ you’re amazing”. And “Paul being Paul”, I assumed you wanted something. But then you took my hand and said “I love you”. I told you I loved you too and not to worry, I’ll get your bed dry and made up, get you cleaned up and we will get you some good rest.
Now, you are at rest. You are now with your Ma, Jimmy, your brother you deeply missed the most, Johnny, your Army buddies Scott, Buck and Mississippi your Pops,Charlie and everyone that you loved.
Knowing you are whole again, is the peace I’ll carry in my heart as I heal. I hear the dove cooing every morning, and know that’s you.
I’m SURE you’re shaking your head with your hand over your eyes just like the ARCHIE BUNKER you were, because I wrote an entire NOVEL on this memorial page.
I’ll miss you ZEP.
Love, Lisa

The Gerrato family offers their condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. Paul was our friend. May God continue to bless you and your family and watch over you at this difficult time.
John and Joanna Gerrato. Vero Beach FL.