Thank you to everyone for being here. I just wanted to say a few words about "coach d", OUR Uncle Gerry. To me Uncle Gerry was a mentor. A man who taught me respect. A man who taught me history. A man who taught me loyalty and love of family. Simply put, Uncle Gerry was a teacher. For 27 years his subject was history, and over that time his impact became immeasurable. Whether it was Uncle Gerry's family, myself or my brothers Brian and Jimmy, or the multitude of students who passed through Tuckahoe's halls, his guiding hand and caring way touched so many lives. A private man, Uncle Gerry lived his family and breathed his students. A constant at Aunt Peggy's and Uncle Tony's for Sunday dinner; or a fixture in the halls of Tuckahoe, with a mild pace, briefcase in one hand and keys twirling in the other. Uncle Gerry was a man fully known by few, his family or friends, Bill, Vito or Butchy, to name a few, but he was loved by all. The following are words from others about Uncle Gerry. "The feelings that come from our hearts for friends like you, is do deep I could never put them into words." "Coach D had an impact on our earlier years as an exemplary role model. He will always be remembered as both coach and teacher." "Gerald...you are truly a good and gracious soul." "He was very much admired for his knowledge and understanding." "He was so low maintenance. Always there for you, he would always listen and never once said 'me'" I could go on, and on... And on. Those who knew Gerry De Santis, know that he was a man amongst men. With a quiet confidence and unending generosity, Gerry led a life worthy of imitation. He lived guided by a notion that if more than one person knows the good that you do, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. He gave his money, he gave his time and he gave us his heart. Moreover, his impact went beyond the school and his friends and family. On the battlefield of Vietnam with the 1st Calvary Division, he exuded bravery and courage in the face of certain demise. He seldom spoke of the acts which garnered him both silver and bronze stars, the air medal, army commendation medal, the Purple Heart, the army good conduct medal, the national defense service medal, the Vietnam service medal and the Vietnam campaign medal. To him these acts were not of bravery, courage of valor, but of duty, bond, loyalty and honor. On the battlefield of life, Uncle Gerry was well known for showing up to gatherings and events with his now famous block of cheese, link of dried Italian sausage and a loaf of bread. Always delivered with the same address, "I have a little something for you..." Over 69 years Uncle Gerry doled out a lot of "little somethings" but I can tell you confidently and unequivocally, the "little something" that Gerry gave me, goes far beyond a deconstructed cold antipasto platter. The "little something" Uncle Gerry gave me and countless others should live on through our lifetimes and beyond. I am certain that if everyone were blessed enough to have or know an "Uncle Gerry", this world would be a much better place. I’d like to close with Uncle Gerry's own words, which I call "Gerry's philosophy" A School Philosophy must begin with a commitment to excellence. This commitment must be total on the part of all concerned. It must be real, honest, and genuine. It cannot simply be a commitment of words. A commitment of words is not worth the paper it’s printed on. Facades tend to crumble quite easily if they are not supported by a sturdy foundation. The learning environment must be structured, disciplined, but yet it must be a place where people feel comfortable being in. People should be encouraged, not discouraged. Strengths should be fostered, weaknesses tolerated and tempered. Espirit de corps is essential to success. Eisenhower going into Normandy told his troops that he had the most extreme confidence in them. That if they couldn’t do it no one could. Decision making must be shared. People must be made to feel wanted. No – one individual is going to hold the key to a school’s success. Tradition must not be abandoned. Past strengths should not be forgotten, they should be rekindled and be utilized and strengthen the present for the future. All have a stake in this plan. The nurturing process must be universal. All must realize a feeling of belonging if success is to be achieved. Build upon the strengths of the past with a total, unadulterated commitment in the present to insure a continuance of success in and for the future. Uncle Gerry you have been a light for so many, I know you'll have "a little something" waiting everyone at the gates. We will miss you - Rest in peace.