The "A Trilogy: Remembering Chad" Story

Part 1:  It was an ordinary day.  The newspaper gave just the basics.  Chad was 39 years old, married with three children.   Parents were M. Wayne and Barbara and sister was Krista.  Graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Economics and Villanova with an MBA.  Was a vice-president at State Street Bank in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.  Died of cancer March 8.  But, Chad's death was more than just news; more than just  another cancer statistic.  For you see, my family knew Chad and his family well.  Chad grew up three houses down our back alley in Grandview Heights.  He was only a few months younger than our youngest son, Paul, whom we have always call Tad (his middle name, since his grandfather was Paul).  Many a summer day we would find the two of them playing with their Star Wars people somewhere in the rutted stone and dirt alley.  Or, we would find them at the nearby elementary school, where they were both students, playing "off the wall" or Wiffle ball.  Tad and Chad were best of friends for many years.  When they were eligible to play little league baseball, Chad's dad, Wayne, and I coached the team that they played on.  For eight years they played together while their dads coached, with the final six as part of the Lancaster County youth league.  

LDub is standing on the left with Wayne on the right.
Chad is in the top row, third player from the left.  Tad
is the fourth player from the right on the back row.  This
year we were New Era Champs. The year was 1991.

Chad was the star catcher while Tad played 2nd base.  Tad would usually bat 2nd in the line up with Chad batting right behind him or in the clean-up position.  Our teams were extremely successful over the years, playing in what was known as the New Era Tournament at the end of the season.  This tournament was for the best teams from all over Lancaster County and was sponsored by the local newspaper.  Many years we reached the finals, only to lose to the same team every year.  That was until the sixth and final year of eligibility when we finally one the Championship.  Chad was one of the big "sticks" on the team, knocking in run after run.  

Chad is on the right with sister Krista, Wayne and Barb.

There weren't many players, or coaches, who would challenge his arm if they would happen to reach base.  He became a standout catcher at the high school level at Manheim Township where I taught.  Chad and Tad remained friends, even after our families both moved from the Grandview Heights neighborhood.  They visited frequently and always made time to take in a movie or go to the nearby Stockyard Restaurant for a great steak.  Chad would stop at our house at Christmas to show us how big his children were getting.  Our family was devastated when we got the call from Wayne a few days ago.  We made our plans to visit during the viewing as well as going to the funeral for Chad.  His family and friends mourned the loss of a fine young man.  

Part 2:  Driving in the funeral procession to the cemetery to say our final farewell to a great boy who turned out to be a great young man.  There are 91 cars in the procession which should give you an idea as to how well-liked Chad was as a son, husband, father and friend.  

Krista and Chad

People from all over the country showed up for the viewing as well as attending the funeral.  Tissues were were in big demand by just about everyone and there was nary a dry eye.  Chad's Life Celebration was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  21 Pallbearers were listed on the program.  After the service, where his sister Krista gave a very moving and loving Eulogy, the procession, lead by a police escort, began the journey to the cemetery for the Grave Dedication.  The sun was sneaking in and out of the clouds as everyone arrived at gravesite and all gathered for a final chance to hold onto his memory.  

Part 3:  Former students whom I hadn't seen for many years were in attendance.  A few had changed in appearance, but after introducing themselves to me, I once again remembered them.  I'm sure many were taken aback with my appearance as well, but they kindly didn't mention it to me.  

Chad with family Leslie, daughter Kendyl and
sons Nolan and Griffin.

Wayne mentioned to me that the new baseball coach at Manheim Township High School, where I had taught and were Chad had played and was the team captain in his senior year, told him he would see if he could give him his uniform shirt to have framed.  I told Wayne I would gladly frame it for him if he was able to get the jersey.  

Chad's high school baseball shirt.

He mentioned that the shirt was #30, the same number that my oldest son had worn when he was also team captain in his senior year.  I now have the shirt and will work to frame it for the family.  Chad was diagnosed with stomach cancer this past May and died in March.  His best friend from high school had also been diagnosed with stomach cancer two years ago in May and passed in March.  As we arrived at the cemetery his friend's tombstone could me seen near the new grave which had been dug.  After the Grave Dedication and after most had departed the cemetery, it was noticed that the casket had been removed and placed back in the hearst.  We later found out that the grave was supposed to have been dug right next to his friend's grave and would have to be changed.  Stranger things have happened I'm sure, but not too much stranger than that.  Time heals, it has been said, but this may take a long time for all to heal.  I know it has also been said that ... The Good Die Young, but it doesn't make it any easier for those who survive.  Chad was one of those "Good Guys" who liked everyone and whom everyone liked.  The path to his grave will be heavily traveled I can imagine.  I may be one of those tramping down the grass.  It's been a long and tough week.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.