Dear Tom

Dear Tom,

What a joy it was to have had you in my life. When first we met I was merely curious about your convictions and participated in a CPF march/demonstration on the death penalty; we walked from St. Malachy's to Independence Park and listened to a myriad of new information for hours. Your work aroused my inquisitiveness and widened my reading horizons. Simultaneously there were times I found CPF's focus a bit limiting and became annoyed with your stubbornness, although in hindsight I realized it was steadfastness to the causes you espoused that was so absolutely necessary. Occasionally, the idea of walking away was appealing; however, inexplicably I was drawn to the spirit of CPF and you. Over the years, I came to realize that your tenacity and perseverance kept me on target, and I slowly began to understand the center of your consciousness.

Who would have thought so many years ago that abolishment of the death penalty or even a moratorium in Pennsylvania was possible? Today, the glimmer of the possibility is alive - and cosponsored by Vince Fumo at that! - because of people like you, focused with an ultimate aim.

Your influence was subtle but sustaining. I evolved under your patient tutelage, even becoming quiet by your example, to listen and consider new perceptions and observations.

Compassionate, kind, and tender, your soul was much too young to leave your family, friends and peace work. The courageous, and valiant, fight for life at the end mirrored the path you chose to dedicate your life for peace and justice. I miss your smiling, dimpled face, and, oh, your gentle prodding to make right what was wrong. Tom . . . it's so, so hard to grasp that you are gone. Goodbye, gentle Tom.

Trish diPietrae

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