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Home » Grief Lessons

A Tribute to My Brother

Published: Sep 22, 2016 · Modified: Jun 23, 2024 by Lisa Keys · This post may contain affiliate links · 40 Comments

Last Updated on June 23, 2024 by Lisa Keys

Here we go again Matino family. Saying good-bye to another larger than life family member. In a blink of an eye everything changes and nothing will ever be the same at a family gathering. Damn that empty chair. Just breathe. let's pay a tribute to my brother.

My brother and husband slurping clams on the half shell.

My brother Charlie has always been the life of the party. Great dancer and story teller he always had us out on the floor and laughing. Generous of time, energy and his wallet he welcomed all he knew into his circle. In addition to his wife and kids, no one loved him more than his brothers, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends, neighbors....oh, wait-EVERYBODY loved Charlie.

Wedding dance.

My kids especially adored him. William looked up to the guy who served his country in the National Guard and Caitlin always felt the love in his presence. On our visits to his home William relished the nights he and Charlie would stay up late watching horse races and betting on the trotters.

My brother and daughter.
My brother and husband holding a Willie K life preserver.
whoosh moment
Me and my brother.
a much loved man and a whoosh moment in that center photo

My brother never went to college, but through back breaking work as a garbage man built a successful business with my dad. He worked hard for his family and never hesitated to share his success with whoever was in need. His generous spirit lives on in his loving and caring wife, Evelyn, and his amazing sons, Jay and Michael.

Family photo.

Until we meet again big brother. I will always love you and thank you for all you did to care for my family and make me a better person. No sister has ever felt more loved.

My brother waving good-bye.

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  1. Martine

    September 22, 2016 at 8:27 am

    A www Lisa... What a wonderful tribute to your caring and hard-working brother. His smile reminds me of Williams beautiful smile. My prayers are with all of you...🙏

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 9:00 am

      Thanks, Martine. The mutual love between my brother and son was really quite wonderful. Charlie gave William a lot of time and attention and that made all the difference.

      Reply
  2. Ronna F

    September 22, 2016 at 8:33 am

    Oh sweet, Lisa. I am so sorry for your loss of Charlie. You are a woman of strength. Sending you many hugs and prayers.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 8:59 am

      Thank you, Ronna. I only feel gratitude for having had such an amazing brother. No sister has ever felt so loved as me. <3

      Reply
  3. Fran Homicki

    September 22, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am to lose a remarkable cousin. I will always remember him as my favorite cousin. So sorry! My nickname was named by him "frannyhines"

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 8:58 am

      Yes and I am so very sorry for the loss you feel. He gave out the best nick names <3

      Reply
  4. Rich Beebe

    September 22, 2016 at 9:21 am

    So sorry to hear of your brother's passing and the profound loss you and your family have suffered. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead, my dear.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Thank you and may I wish your darling daughter a happy birthday in her heavenly place.

      Reply
  5. Phyllis

    September 22, 2016 at 9:37 am

    Charlie was the person he was because he was surrounded by the love of a wonderful family. Your tribute to him was heartfelt and beautiful...it was hard to read with tears in my eyes.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Yes, we were all so fortunate to live within blocks of all the best aunts, uncles and cousins. We raised each other up.

      Reply
  6. Nancy Angelici

    September 22, 2016 at 11:01 am

    Lisa, I am so very sorry for your loss. That was a wonderful tribute to your brother, you were very blessed to have him in your life. My prayers are with you and your family. XO

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Thank you. He was a larger than life kind of a guy and so very easy to love and adore.

      Reply
  7. Russ

    September 22, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Every family should have an uncle Charlie.They're the "bestest" who get their degrees in love and kindness.
    Enjoy,William.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 11:50 am

      Agree 100% Thanks for stopping in today. <3

      Reply
  8. Carol

    September 22, 2016 at 11:32 am

    I'm so sorry Lisa, he was such a great guy. What a beautiful tribute you have here. I feel for all of you and am keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs all around...xoxo

    Reply
  9. Lisa

    September 22, 2016 at 11:49 am

    Thanks, my friend. I know you know what it is like to be surrounded by loving brothers. We are lucky in so many ways.

    Reply
  10. Barbara Zornes

    September 22, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    I'm so sorry for yet another significant loss in your life! May peace, love, and the best of memories comfort your heart. XOX

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      As you can imagine I see it all with different eyes and a different heart. Thank you for being here. <3

      Reply
  11. Gloria Piantek

    September 22, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    So sorry to hear about your brother. We will remember him and your family in our prayers.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you Gloria. the whole family appreciates that.

      Reply
  12. HelenF

    September 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    I'm so sorry Lisa for the loss of your brother.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:37 pm

      Thank you Helen. He lived a wonderful life surrounded by so many who loved him dearly.

      Reply
  13. Lou Matino

    September 22, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    Beautiful thoughts. And all true.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      <3

      Reply
  14. Alice D'Antoni Phillips

    September 22, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    Oh, Lisa...I didn't know Charlie but from these photos and your words, what a helluva guy. You'll meet again. He now has his heavenly wings and will be watching over his littl' sister. SEnding you love and hugs xoxo ~ally

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      You and Charlie would have had a real good time together. He loved to eat and would have flipped for your down home cooking. He often teased me about my recipes and wondered how the hell I ever won anything....really he was so proud of me and never hesitated to let me know that.

      Reply
  15. Krista

    September 22, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    Sorry for your loss Lisa. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sounds like a life well- lived and enjoyed by others.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you, Krista. He followed in the light of my father--a very kind and generous light and the loving heart of my mother. He would do anything for anybody.The world is a better place for having him in it.

      Reply
  16. Carmine Adase

    September 22, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Charlie was bigger than life to me every time I was with him. We travelled many paths and along those journeys he always carried the torch. He always took care of me and I am grateful to the Lord above for him being in my life. I will NEVER forget him and he will be in my heart always and forever. GOD BLESS HIM.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 7:28 pm

      Hi Carmine and thank you for this beautiful tribute to my brother. He loved you with all his heart.

      Reply
  17. Ginny

    September 22, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    A very beautiful tribute to your brother. I never met him but if he is anything like the Doctor brother, I know he is a very special person. God Bless

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      All my brothers have the same kind and loving heart and happy to help even those they don't know....as long as the sister asks. Hope you are safe in your new home <3

      Reply
  18. Carol

    September 22, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    Hi Lisa. I met Charlie and Evelyn in Florida as a friend of Carmine. They were so gracious and Charlie made me feel welcome like part of his family. Sweet memories of your brother as the generous man who had a big heart for all. God Bless Charlie and all his family. Your tribute is a great memory.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 22, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      Very glad you got to know my brother and Evelyn. Not surprised they made you feel like part of the family--sweet memories are what we have

      Reply
  19. Ruth Tinervin

    September 23, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Lisa.,
    I often referred to Charlie as my bros, so Evelyn thought I would like to read what you wrote about him. You have put into words all my feelings that I cannot express in writing. I will always remember the wonderful time Bob and I shared will Charlie and Evelyn. He will all shave a very special place in my heart! Ruth

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 23, 2016 at 10:29 pm

      Charlie loved you more than I can say and Evelyn thinks of you like a sister. I am so very sorry for the loss you feel.

      Reply
  20. Diane Holzmiller

    September 23, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    Evelyn and Charlie were a big presence wherever they went. I loved them both and will be there for Evie! Love Diane H. so sorry for your loss also. Lovely tribute to your brother.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 23, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Very grateful you will surround Evelyn with your loving presence. It's all any of us can do.

      Reply
  21. Carol Pizzuto

    September 25, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    Lisa, beautiful tribute to Charlie. We love Charlie and Evelyn with all our hearts. We will miss him and never, ever forget him. Carol & John

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 25, 2016 at 7:02 pm

      As you know he loved you very much and was so looking forward to spending more time with you in Sea Oaks. I am grateful that Evelyn is surrounded by folks that are more like family than friends. Never forget-that is the key <3

      Reply

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