One of Buddy's many many friends.

Just returned from attending Buddy Merrill's funeral. He had a police and fire escort as well as a bagpiper from either the police or fire dept. and much of old Brighton turned out to honor this gentle soul. He was laid out in a fireman's uniform with police badges on his shoulders. Richard Sullivan, a classmate, was the funeral director. Fr. Gavin said the Mass.

Father shared several of Buddy's many adventures in and around Brighton. He told of how
Sr. Terrance prepared Buddy for his First Communion and how Buddy was a faithful attendee @ the contemporary liturgy each Sunday often joining in the processional.

He remembered that as they gathered on the altar and prayed the Our Father, Buddy would raise his hands and always pointed one finger up to heaven.

Father said he had gone to the Wingate Nursing Home to anoint Buddy the Sunday before his death. Buddy was out front in a wheelchair and removed his hat for Father.

Father assured us that Brighton had a new saint in heaven and that he'd be waiting for us all. Father just wasn't sure which hat he'd be wearing!

The church was packed - a wonderful tribute to a man who was loved by so many. The end of an era...he will be missed.