Letters to the Editor: Oceanside, Island Park

Sympathies for Pilato family

To the Editor:

Having heard the tragic news of Christopher Pilato’s passing, I felt compelled to write. My family has known Chris for many years, starting when he was in middle school. He was a friend to both of my sons growing up, and quickly became extended family to the rest of us.

Though the prism of truly knowing Chris, I can describe him as a fiercely loyal friend, a funny person to be around, and most of all, having a heart of gold. He made many trips with us upstate, and was always a good sport. On countless occasions, we could call on him for help: when the dogs needed to go out, when my daughter Lizzy’s bus was late, and when we needed someone at the house for a delivery. He was always there when the boys needed help moving, never asking for anything in return. Most recently, he was an usher at my son’s wedding this year, graciously escorting my daughter, who has Down syndrome, to the altar at St Anthony’s.

I want to express our family’s sincerest sympathies to his parents, Linda and Jerry. While Chris has left a giant hole in all of our hearts, we can honestly take solace that he is at peace in Heaven, because I feel that God reads a person’s life from cover to cover, and Chris’s story is a good one.

Louis Mirando

Oceanside