Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dear Carol and Jim, and family, I have known Bob since our seminary days atSt. Mary Seminary in Roland Park, MD. I was two years ahead, and ordained in 1960. In 1968, when I was appointed Director of Special Education for the Diocese of Bridgeport (including the Deaf Apostolate), I contacted Fr. Bob for guidance. He always remained my mentor and good friend. In my early years in the apostolate, I would journey to ASD and asist him in the Religious Ed program. We jurneyed to many ICDA meetings, and the gatherings of the New England Workers for the deaf. He and his close co-worker Sr. Maura Joseph were always ready to help me and we shared our events with the Catholic Deaf clubs. I have always considered him my friend. He was truly a role model for me as a priest and in his unfailing loyalty and consistency in the ministry with the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Because of his expert and fluent ability with ASL and sign language, I used his services and his teaching in many ways. Truly, he was one of my life's "heroes." I am broken-hearted that he is not with us, but look forward to our reunion in heaven. Father Peter De Marco Queen of the Clergy Residence 274 Strawberry Hill Avenue #103 Stamford, CT 06902-2773
