Larry Faust
Larry C. Faust, 67, of Millsboro, passed away suddenly Monday, April 19, 2010. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Sr. and Margaret; and a brother, Charles Jr. He was born in Atlantic City, NJ and lived in Maryland, Virginia, California, Arizona, Wisconsin and Delaware.
Larry enjoyed many types of music, wine tasting, traveling and spending time with his many friends in Florida, New Jersey and Delaware. Larry was a naval veteran. He is survived by his life partner of 44 years, Len Woynoski; brothers, William (Carol) of Cologne, NJ and Warren (Carol) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and sister-in-law, Ginny of Egg Harbor Township along with many nieces and nephews.
Services were held in Northfield, NJ, with burial in Pleasantville, NJ.
Relationships, Part II...On Living: Rest in Peace Stephen Jones
by Michael Cover
This is about a special man...but it is about each one of us, I think.
Recently, we lost a friend, rather suddenly. We had known one another for 20 years. We were not close friends, yet we were fortunate enough to share many close friends. We were “big event” friends (I just made that term up). He attended my 40th birthday, Court’s 50th birthday, and our tenth anniversary, with his life partner, Michael Gordon, and their beautiful daughter, Samantha. We were close enough friends that Samantha’s hand-made card still has a proud spot on the ‘fridge.
Stephen had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January, unfortunately a rather advanced case. Our friend, Marc, not really knowing how serious it was, called to share the sad news. I made a note to call Steve. I waited too long. Stephen suffered a severe stroke and died without waking up. Doctors still don’t know if the stroke was related to the cancer.
Stephen had the courage and the heart and devotion of a lion. He had seen much in his years of living through some very dark days in the 80s and 90s. But he was resolute. He and Michael were united in a love that many people aspire to, but, I think, few attain. They built a life with one another, and then shared that life with Samantha…in turn they shared their love and life with all those around them.
Once, many years ago…my friend Randy was close to death at the beach. It was the early 90s. I’m not sure who said this of him, but it has always struck me as another of those attributes that I should aspire to. It was said that Randy died as he had lived. In his case, he died quietly, privately, gently, and with more regard for those around him than for himself. He died with a fierce love of life, yet, once he received his diagnosis, he had the quiet courage and the wisdom beyond his years, to know exactly how he was going to walk the path that was his to walk, and to hold our hands along the way. To comfort us as his path in this life ended.
This notion of one dying essentially as one has lived...I have tried every day to adopt it in my own life…so I try to live among my friends and family as I hope they will see me in the end of my days...only time will tell, so I focus on how I am going to live among them in the present, and hope for the courage to do so. I believe Stephen did, too.
I was not there when he left this world. But I imagine he left it as he lived in it. With a genuine, deeply held love for his family; with an honest and thoughtful appreciation of the lessons life had taught him; with every intention to treat those around him with respect, love and friendship. With generosity, courage and determination.
Stephen always lived with the knowledge that, though a long life may not be granted to him, the days he was given were going to be lived out loud, fully, and joyfully.
I know he wanted to grow old with his family and friends in the years ahead of them and share in their joys and challenges. Yet I hope he held a deep satisfaction at the legacy he would leave behind. A legacy that is reflected in the faces of his family and friends. A legacy of a life lived fully, with grace and passion…with love and humility. A legacy of generosity and kindness.
I hope he knew that such was his affect on those of us left behind. And, once again, a death has reminded me that I need to take every opportunity to share with those who choose to walk beside me on this path…on our journey through this life, that I love you and cherish our friendship; that I hope this day, and all the days ahead are full of life’s joys and challenges for you, and that you take comfort in the knowledge that you will meet and embrace them in your own way.
To Michael, Samantha and all of Stephen’s family and friends, we offer our sincere condolences and strength for the days ahead.
A celebration of Stephen Jones’ life was held at Michael and Samantha’s home in Washington, DC on April 24th.