Family Tribute:In Evelyn’s own words: Thank you for the kind words, letters, cards, books, flowers, food.Thank you for doing everything I asked like contacting the different hospitals, taping up Jack’s pictures all over Manhattan, during our desperate search for him. To those of you who didn’t even need to be asked, and just did it anyway, an even bigger thank you.Thank you for telling me where to go with the DNA materials and dental records.Thank you for coming with me and holding me up when I did go with the records and file the missing persons report.Thank you for selling lemonade and iced tea to raise funds.Thank you for the sleepovers and distractions.Thank you for NOT asking questions and allowing us our privacy.Thank you for telling the children NOT to ask us questions.Thank you for keeping his car in your driveway.Thank you for coming all the way from Basking Ridge at a moment’s notice.Thank you for watching the puppy.Thank you for cleaning my house.Thank you for taking time off from work and being with me, asking all the right questions for me and doing your best to protect me from hurt.Thank you choir members for being here. This really means a lot to me as I have always been lifted spiritually by your heavenly sound, as had Jack on numerous occasions.Thank you Father Peter for being there for us when we needed you most. We thank God every day that you’re in this parish.Most of all thank you for all your prayers.My son and I face an even tougher time ahead. Even now, the nights are terrible, the silence and darkness just emphasizing our loss. I cringe to think what the holidays will be like. But I know, and I’m sure Jack does too, that we’ll be fine, thanks in great part to all of you. May God bless you all. Excerpts from the Memorial for Jack Aron held at St. Joseph Church in Oradell, New Jersey on September 29,2001: Read and written by Marie Santos, age 24: Death is never an easy topic to talk about. And when you have to speak about the death of someone you love, it makes it all the more difficult. So I will not stand here to dwell on my Uncle Jack’s death. Instead, I’ll talk about his life-how well he lived it, and how through it, he touched each and every one of ours. To the many of you gathered here in his honor today, he played the role of husband, father, co-worker, coach, relative and friend. But I will always remember him as my oddball uncle who, in spite of culture or religion, fit in our quirky Filipino family just fine. When we’d pose for our family pictures, I always used to tease him. I’d point at him and sing that old Sesame Street rhyme 'One of these things is not like the others, one of these things just isn’t the same.' as he would be the only one in the photograph without the Asian flavor. Uncle Jack was always a sport about it. He’d stick out his tongue at me. And we’d laugh. But the reality of it is that it was truly my uncle’s uniqueness that made him special. It was his distinct differences that endeared him to us all. He was no ordinary man, he was an extraordinary one. And no one knows that better than his wife, Evelyn. And it is her words I read as I stand before you all today: My darling Jack, Now that you’re gone, I can’t help but reminisce and constantly talk about our times together. It is through knowing that we shared many happy moments, that I find some comfort. You were always there for me. And even from up there, I know you always will be. I remember our first 'official' date to a Yankee game. My very first ballgame! You were so impressed that I knew that the catcher was on the 13-day disabled list. (What you didn’t know was that I just repeated what I had heard on the radio but was totally clueless as to what it meant!). I remember when you picked me up, you were quite a sight! You had sat down on your eyeglasses that day and you came to me with scotch-taped lenses and safety-pinned frames. I didn’t know quite what to make of it, but I was definitely amused. I also remember all the times you’d come to my office at Lapidus in the city and drive us home. There’d be so much traffic on the West Side Highway and you’d suddenly decide to take me on the 'scenic tour' through Harlem to get to the bridge faster. It’s a wonder I didn’t deliver Timmy ahead of schedule! You were my Godsend. I had prayed tons of novenas asking the Lord for a good man who would love me and take care of me. A man with a good heart. And when I saw how you looked so lovingly at babies and children, I knew you were the one. I love you for how you adore our son and how were you always there for him. You never missed his basketball or baseball games. You helped him with his homework. And you even wrote letters to teachers to defend his cause over undeserved playground punishment. I am positive that our son will grow up to be such a wonderful legacy to you. I love how you looked at me. How you smiled at me and made faces when I was on the verge of nagging.You always knew how to make me laugh.I love you for how you touched my hand and stroked my face. Or even for how you took dancing lessons, never used them of course, but suffered through them anyway, just for me.I love you for pushing me to take the licensing exams till I passed, even if it meant taking the brunt of months of grumping before exam week.I love you for how you fell in love with the puppy you didn’t want to begin with.You are my knight in shining armor, my guardian angel, and my prince.I know you’re in a better place than the rest of us right now and that gives me consolation. But my darling, know that you will be in my heart forever, until we see each other again. Read and written by Nelson Aquino, age 27: Uncle Jack was first introduced to our family in the early 80s. Looking back as a child, I remember growing up with Uncle Jack at our side. He was there for me and for our family. Whether it was a birthday, a family crisis, a trip to the Philippines or a social gathering, he was always present. He embraced our culture--even playing mah jong till the early morning with my father and uncles. In return, we accepted him with open arms and gave him our love. Throughout the years, he has touched our lives in a very special way. Today, I would like to share with you some thoughts and memories of Jack from our family. From Lola Chery, his mother-in-law: 'As we settled after Yem’s wedding reception, the three of us chatted in their apartment. Jack told me that he did not have the chance to enjoy his own mom’s love and affection as she passed away when he was still a young boy. But on his wedding day, he was happy to have me as a new mother. I was touched by his words and since then felt I had a new son. And now I can’t ignore the ache of missing a son.' From Malou, his sister-in-law: 'I remember Jack as a dear brother-in-law who LOVES my sister in spite of her strange moods! He was someone who wasn’t bothered when everyone around him spoke Tagalog and he didn’t understand what they were talking about. When we still lived in New Jersey, I could count on Jack to appreciate my cooking and clear his plate every time they would come over. It also amused me how when he visited our farm in the Philippines, he was thrilled when all the workers kept calling him 'Sir Jack!' He said he felt like a king. But what stuck most in my heart was how Jack was always talking about Timmy’s achievements. You could see in his eyes how proud he was of his son.' From Jewel, his sister-in-law: 'The last time Jack was in the Philippines was more than a couple of years ago. I remember him waking early each morning to eat boneless bangus and fried rice. After about a week of eating bangus he remarked that he had never eaten that much fish in a year. I asked him if he wanted to bring some frozen fish back home to New Jersey. He smiled and said that he wished he could, but he didn’t want to mess up all the things Evelyn shopped for when they thawed. That’s the Jack I remember, always ready to give in.' From Luigi, his 11-year-old nephew: 'The last time I saw Uncle Jack was when he went to Mindoro. We played basketball and he coached us. He did a pretty good job. To me, Uncle Jack is a good leader, a good example because he has a lot of good qualities and attributes. He is a really good man and those are the ways I will always remember him. From me: One of my memories of Uncle Jack was when I was kid, he and Auntie Yem, along with my grandmother took my cousin Marie and me to Orlando. We were in a rental car busting out some tunes and we started singing ' You’re the Inspiration' by Chicago like a broken record. As Marie and I are completely tone deaf, the constant repetition really hit a sour note with him after the 100th chorus. I remember Auntie Yem telling us to stop singing because it was irritating Uncle Jack, who was driving. Of course we sang it more. And we sang it louder. Looking back, I laugh at how annoyed everyone must have been-and how patient Uncle Jack pretended to be. Now as an adult, I wonder Auntie Yem if you remember those words we used to sing over and over again. Listen to the lyrics. You know our love was meant to beThe kind of love that lasts forever And I want you here with meFrom tonight until the end of time You should know Everywhere I goAlways on my mindIn my heart In my soul Baby, you’re the meaning in my life You’re the inspirationYou bring feeling to my life You’re the inspiration. As I hear these words, I know in my heart, that this is what Uncle Jack wants to say to you and Timmy right now. And although I know it is not the same as if he were here, it comes straight from him through me. I would like to express our deepest gratitude on behalf of our family for each of you who have been there with Evelyn and Timmy. Written & read by Marichi Adel, sister-in-law: While growing up, Mike was blessed with having his Ninang Yem and Uncle Jack at his side, especially during significant occasions. He often teased me about Mike’s pre-K graduation, when I got all teary-eyed and sentimental as Mike processed with the rest of his class in their little caps and gowns, until Mike fell off his chair because he dozed off during the ceremony. Jack got a big laugh out of that!Jack really loved kids. Later, Brian, Chrissy and our other son Steven came into being, and they too experienced being thrown up in the air, swung around and upside-down, and being smothered with tickles and kisses. As with Mike, they were likewise fortunate to have Uncle Jack witness their great events. There are so many pictures that are happy reminders of his affection.Then Timmy came. Oh, he was Jack’s pride and joy. Jack was so devoted and dedicated to his wife and son. The center of his life was his family. He loved sports and shared that passion with Evelyn and, more so, with Timmy. Jack taught, guided, and coached him, and was ever-present at all his games, as coach to the team or as support to him. Timmy, the athlete you are now, and the even-greater athlete you will become, can be attributed to the time, attention and dedication that your Dad put in. He recognized your talent, capability, and potential in the sports that both of you loved - baseball and basketball. So, stay on and keep it up for Dad.Evelyn’s influence on Jack is not to be understated. For quite some time now, Jack had been eating the Filipino way - that is, with a spoon and fork. And I must say, I think he had been to Catholic churches more than he’s ever been to temples. He’s been to our services - Christmas, Lent, Easter, baptisms, confirmations, First Communion. He even joked that he thinks he’s gone to church more than some Catholics have. And it is especially for that reason that I honestly believe that Heaven’s door was held wide open for him, and that God reached out for his hand and walked him to the balcony seat in Heaven where he can always watch over Evelyn and Tim.Jun will miss occasional beer-drinking with Jack while watching football or trading stories about the kids. I will miss playing mahjongg with him, and seeing him roll his eyes, smile or laugh at my jokes. (His reaction was often a gauge of how good or bad my joke would be.) Only recently, he agreed to take dancing lessons with Evelyn, and they actually danced what they learned at our birthday party in July. That certainly was a coup, for Jack really did not like to dance.Jack, thank you for giving my sister happiness, fulfillment and encouragement, and for giving Timmy the foundation for character-strength and the experiences with a devoted and loving father. Thanks, too, for all the wonderful memories from knowing and being with you, as part of our family. As we all struggle to make some sense of your loss, as well as accept it, please do not worry about Yem and Timmy. We promise to stand by, support, and assist them. While you sit in your balcony seat in Heaven, I know you will be watching over Yem and Tim, especially checking to see if Timmy is becoming the fine young man you were molding him to be.Written & read by Michael Adel, 18, nephew:'Take it easy.' Uncle Jack would say that to me randomly throughout my experiences with him. The thing was, I never knew what exactly that meant. What does it mean? Life? The day, weekend or what? Hearing my uncle talk, it would seem that nothing was easy to him. To the casual observer, it would seem that he was nothing but sungit (Filipino word for grumpy). But upon closer inspection, there is something deeper, more endearing to my uncle.For me, Uncle Jack was more than just a relative. The fondest memories I have are of me, Uncle Jack, my Dad and my brother just sitting on the couch, watching the game. We talked about sports, current events, whatever came to mind. Sometimes Uncle Jack would offer me a beer, which my Dad would refuse in my place. But that gesture just made me feel like I wasn’t just his nephew, but his equal, a friend as well as relative. Not just that, but the very fact that he married into this family that made me see him as more than an uncle. All the customs and traditions, religion, and language barrier must have really shocked him at first. At times, he must have felt really isolated, and I empathized with that. If he were to see us all now, I think he would have been so proud and happy to see that he has really become part of our family.But to his own family, I don’t think words could express what he was. As a constant visitor to their home, I couldn’t help but notice how caring and devoted of a husband and father he was. Uncle Jack did not show his feelings much, but when he was with Ninang Yem and Timmy, he was the most expressive person in the world, generously giving hugs and kisses. Yes, we all say he was sungit, but I only think it was only because he wanted attention, because he gave all of it to his family, plus all his love.So to you, Uncle Jack, I say ’Take it easy’. But I know you already are, watching over us right now from heaven.Written & read by Steven Adel, 12, nephew:Uncle Jack,You always called me seven-eleven because my birthday was on July 11th. You were a guy who had a huge sense of humor. You were always so funny. When Tim or Ninang Yem needed help, you were always there. Please watch over us in this time of great need. We love you always. We all hope you are in heaven smiling over us. We all miss you and love you. From your nephew, Steven Matthew Adel

It’s hard to believe that it has been over 19 years since my husband Jun and I first met Jack. Our son Michael was just a few months old, and my sister Evelyn had brought Jack to see the godson she was raving about. We watched him pick up Mikey, feed him, rock him to sleep and simply hold him for hours on end. There was this joy and excitement that became apparent whenever he was with the baby. Needless to say, he became a frequent visitor. We knew this man would make a good father - nurturing, attentive, tender, caring, loving - and of course, this endeared him more to Evelyn, and made her agree to marry him.

While growing up, Mike was blessed with having his Ninang Yem and Uncle Jack at his side, especially during significant occasions. He often teased me about Mike’s pre-K graduation, when I got all teary-eyed and sentimental as Mike processed with the rest of his class in their little caps and gowns, until Mike fell off his chair because he dozed off during the ceremony. Jack got a big laugh out of that!

Jack really loved kids. Later, Brian, Chrissy and our other son Steven came into being, and they too experienced being thrown up in the air, swung around and upside-down, and being smothered with tickles and kisses. As with Mike, they were likewise fortunate to have Uncle Jack witness their great events. There are so many pictures that are happy reminders of his affection.

Then Timmy came. Oh, he was Jack’s pride and joy. Jack was so devoted and dedicated to his wife and son. The center of his life was his family. He loved sports and shared that passion with Evelyn and, more so, with Timmy. Jack taught, guided, and coached him, and was ever-present at all his games, as coach to the team or as support to him. Timmy, the athlete you are now, and the even-greater athlete you will become, can be attributed to the time, attention and dedication that your Dad put in. He recognized your talent, capability, and potential in the sports that both of you loved - baseball and basketball. So, stay on and keep it up for Dad.

Evelyn’s influence on Jack is not to be understated. For quite some time now, Jack had been eating the Filipino way - that is, with a spoon and fork. And I must say, I think he had been to Catholic churches more than he’s ever been to temples. He’s been to our services - Christmas, Lent, Easter, baptisms, confirmations, First Communion. He even joked that he thinks he’s gone to church more than some Catholics have. And it is especially for that reason that I honestly believe that Heaven’s door was held wide open for him, and that God reached out for his hand and walked him to the balcony seat in Heaven where he can always watch over Evelyn and Tim.

Jun will miss occasional beer-drinking with Jack while watching football or trading stories about the kids. I will miss playing mahjongg with him, and seeing him roll his eyes, smile or laugh at my jokes. (His reaction was often a gauge of how good or bad my joke would be.) Only recently, he agreed to take dancing lessons with Evelyn, and they actually danced what they learned at our birthday party in July. That certainly was a coup, for Jack really did not like to dance.

Jack, thank you for giving my sister happiness, fulfillment and encouragement, and for giving Timmy the foundation for character-strength and the experiences with a devoted and loving father. Thanks, too, for all the wonderful memories from knowing and being with you, as part of our family. As we all struggle to make some sense of your loss, as well as accept it, please do not worry about Yem and Timmy. We promise to stand by, support, and assist them. While you sit in your balcony seat in Heaven, I know you will be watching over Yem and Tim, especially checking to see if Timmy is becoming the fine young man you were molding him to be.

Written & read by Michael Adel, 18, nephew:

'Take it easy.' Uncle Jack would say that to me randomly throughout my experiences with him. The thing was, I never knew what exactly that meant. What does it mean? Life? The day, weekend or what? Hearing my uncle talk, it would seem that nothing was easy to him. To the casual observer, it would seem that he was nothing but sungit (Filipino word for grumpy). But upon closer inspection, there is something deeper, more endearing to my uncle.

For me, Uncle Jack was more than just a relative. The fondest memories I have are of me, Uncle Jack, my Dad and my brother just sitting on the couch, watching the game. We talked about sports, current events, whatever came to mind. Sometimes Uncle Jack would offer me a beer, which my Dad would refuse in my place. But that gesture just made me feel like I wasn’t just his nephew, but his equal, a friend as well as relative. Not just that, but the very fact that he married into this family that made me see him as more than an uncle. All the customs and traditions, religion, and language barrier must have really shocked him at first. At times, he must have felt really isolated, and I empathized with that. If he were to see us all now, I think he would have been so proud and happy to see that he has really become part of our family.

But to his own family, I don’t think words could express what he was. As a constant visitor to their home, I couldn’t help but notice how caring and devoted of a husband and father he was. Uncle Jack did not show his feelings much, but when he was with Ninang Yem and Timmy, he was the most expressive person in the world, generously giving hugs and kisses. Yes, we all say he was sungit, but I only think it was only because he wanted attention, because he gave all of it to his family, plus all his love.

So to you, Uncle Jack, I say ’Take it easy’. But I know you already are, watching over us right now from heaven.

Written & read by Steven Adel, 12, nephew:

Uncle Jack,

You always called me seven-eleven because my birthday was on July 11th. You were a guy who had a huge sense of humor. You were always so funny. When Tim or Ninang Yem needed help, you were always there. Please watch over us in this time of great need. We love you always. We all hope you are in heaven smiling over us. We all miss you and love you.

From your nephew, Steven Matthew Adel