TRIBUTES

Mary Gargano

In 1984 I lost my son Edward J. Gargano over in Beruit Lebanon; he was a corporal in the United State Marine Corps and was killed by sniper fire while on a volunteer mission.

After hearing the news I received a phone call from the Senator who informed me that his mother Rose Kennedy was praying for our family.

This gave me a warm feeling, to think that a mother and son took the time to pray and call to give condolence; for they know all to well what it means to lose a son and brother.

Some time afterwards, I learned that the Senator was planning on visiting the local high school in Quincy, so I arranged with school officials to meet the Senator; to thank him in person for thinking of our family during a time of sorrow.

On the day we were to meet the Senator, I was accompanied by a close family friend and my children who were students at that school. Although we were all nervous about meeting Senator, that soon disappeared when he gave us a huge and smile.

When we heard of the Senator's passing away, we were all sadenned. My daughter Lori, grandson Darren and myself were able to say our goodbyes to the Senator at the Kennedy Library.  We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of people who attended.

So, as the Senator's spirit passes on to join those who have gone before, may he look down and give strength to those left behind that will carry on the Kennedy name.