TRIBUTES

Patrick Sorbara

I live on the Cape. I have friends who live in Hyannisport who would often see members of the Kennedy family.  Ethel and Eunice were especially nice, everyone was a friendly neighbor.

When I finally caught Teddy coming off the pier on a summer day, I was hesitant to say hello.  Intimidated by his stature, I didn't think he'd give me his time.  I was wrong.

He was like any other neighbor.  Kind and sweet, very friendly, inquisitive, and a huge bright smile colored his words.  We talked about sailing, our happiness on the Cape, the Cape Cod Mall, the Melody tent. On another meeting we talked about Our Lady of Victory and St. Francis and being Catholic - just neighbor talk.

I am also a gay man.  I didn't tell him.  I should have. I owe him. He worked for me, included me, made me and others of the LBGT community feel like we are also works of God. My biggest regret is that I didn't tell him for I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. Gratitude for understanding, for his work on my behalf, for his humanitarian heart. At least I can tell you. For the rest of my life, I will tell the world.

God Rest and Eternally Bless His Precious Soul.