Women's right to vote

Ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote. 100 years have passed since and we are facing the election of an age. Years ago, I watched the movie, Iron Jawed Angels, which told the story of the brave American women who worked to get women the vote.  As I watched the Democratic Convention- which is being done as basically a giant Zoom meeting, I was surprised by the number of Republicans, including Christine Todd Whitman and John Kasich, both former Governors. It is a relief to see them turn their backs on the destruction of the current administration and support a more positive path for America. Hopefully November will bring the USA the change that is needed.

Goodbye

Today my family said goodbye to my former husband and father of my son. My cousins, my sisters, my aunt and uncle, as well as dozens of George's friends and relatives joined my children, his mother and sister and me in saying goodbye. The priest was kind, the music was beautiful and the church is like a museum with all of its beautiful artwork. 

At the end of the funeral mass this morning, I struggled through reading the following:

We are gathered today to celebrate the life of a good and kind man, the best of us, George Mancuso. To all of us, his friends and family alike, his death at only forty-nine is an unimaginable loss.

A long time fixture in Throggs Neck, George started working alongside his uncle Gaetano when he was seventeen years old. As his friends can tell you, he was a whiz of an oven man at Tommy’s Pizza.

The loving son of Rosario and Carmela Mancuso, George was also the “big brother” to Rosalba. As George joins his father, Rosario, in heaven, I ache for Carmela and Rosalba for their tremendous loss on this day and in the days to come.

George was enchanted by Motion Pictures, as anyone who has taken part in his Oscars pool can attest, and also all things Disney. But most of all, George was enchanted with his children, John and Liz. He spent as much time with them as possible, coming for Christmas each year, always with cannolis in hand. The trips they all took to Disney were the stuff of legend. It was because of him that Liz found her way to “Up with People and that grand adventure.

In short, he spoiled them rotten and loved them fiercely. As a result, they are the best of him, a testament to his kindness and love.

Rest in Peace, George. We will miss you.

Next we went to the cemetery for a final blessing and goodbye. I am exhausted and heartsick and so sad. And old. So very old.

George Mancuso

 I wrote my ex-husband's obituary bio last night:

George Mancuso, of Tommy’s Pizza in Throgs Neck, a long-time resident of Little Italy in the Bronx, died on Thursday August 6, 2020 of complications from diabetes at the age of forty-nine.

George is survived by his mother, Carmela Mancuso (nee LoBue), his sister, Rosalba Mancuso, his son, John and step-daughter Elizabeth Kelly. He was preceded in death by his father, Rosario.

George began work alongside his uncle Gaetano at seventeen and served as an oven man. He enjoyed motion pictures and travel, his favorite destination was Disneyworld.

The services for George  will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020:

Visitation: 8:30am- 10am at Balsamo Funeral Home

3188 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

Funeral Mass: 11am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

627 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

It is hard to believe my son's father died. They were best friends and my son loved his father so much. This is the hardest thing I have ever done as a parent- helping my children grieve this huge loss, while I myself grieve. Rest in peace, George.