I got an email yesterday from a professor at my alma mater who told me that Dia de los Muertos is today, not yesterday. November 1 is All Saints Day, November 2 is All Souls Day. This is true, and as a good Catholic boy I did know these things, but I’ve always understood Dia de los Muertos to be a two-day celebration – I’ve even heard it referred to as Dias de los Muertos. I certainly would not claim to be an expert in these matters, however, so I’ll note the correction.
Whatever is the case, this gives me an excuse to post one more item for Dia de los Muertos. In my previous entry, I mentioned the passing of my great uncle, Frank McLaren. When Uncle Frank died in August, my dad sent an email eulogy to the family. I wanted to include that yesterday, but it had gotten lost in my archives. Dad was kind enough to resend it to me, so here it is:
Capt. Frank J. McLaren, August 8th, 2006 RIP
I can’t write an eulogy for this man, he was too much to too many people. For me it was simple, he was my God Father; taught me to field ground balls; go back to catch a pop fly and took me to Yankee Stadium in 1948 to see my first Yankee game.
Most important, he was “Capt. Mac” to many, many men who joined the National Guard, either the 42nd Recon Co or the 101st Tank Co. He was their company commander, basketball coach, baseball coach, leader, mentor and role model. What greater testament to the devotion he inspired in his men than that of Nick Giordano. Nick was always there when Uncle Frank wanted him or needed him. I will be always grateful for Nick’s friendship with him.
Does any one know how many Exceptional Children he taught to square dance? Can anyone tell me the number of residents at the Vanderbilt Nursing Home he entertained with his music?
Angie, his wife of 23 years gave him the love and support that he deserved and for that we will love her without limit.
He was my pen pal for years after we left Staten Island and that connection to our former home made the separation meaningful. He would mine the Advance for mentions of people that were familiar to me and clip out the articles. He was especially proud of his baseball trivia and loved to stump the experts. He knows for sure who the starting shortstop for the 1945 Yankees was because he is probably sitting next to him at Braybrooks Stadium watching the Staten Island Yankees play some 1st class semi-pro team.
Unc, you touched so many people, too many for me to mention. But one thing is for sure, you were a man’s man and you were loved.
May God have mercy on you and may Angie, Terry, Noreen and Vincent have strength,
God luv ya,
Charlie Boy
Amen.