Sarajevo: Biagio Vampatella

Mom, Victoria and Uncle Bennie

More sad news. On February 21st, 2006, my Uncle Bennie died. Another one of God's greatest treasures taken from us. Uncle Bennie was 80 years old and still working as a mason. As a matter of fact, he was on his way to work when he had a massive heart attack. He was resuscitated, and maintained on a respirator until they discovered he was brain dead a week later. He died quietly and peacefully with his children and brother at his side.

I flew to NY the day after I found out about this tragedy. Mark was stuck in Brcko with work. Megan and Cara left school early and picked me up at JFK and took me to my mother's house. Melissa arrived the next day. It was important for me to be with my mom. This was her big brother whom she loved dearly.

Everyone came from all over to pay their respects to Uncle Bennie. He was waked on Saturday and Sunday. My cousin John Vampatella did the service at the funeral home. Uncle Phil spoke about his brother. He did such a wonderful job summing up Uncle Bennie's life. Uncle Phil described him as his brother, his hero, and his pal. He told everyone how Uncle Bennie built the funeral home we were in. How he fought in WWII in 4 major battles - Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Normandy and someplace else. Uncle Phil reminded everyone what a happy person Uncle Bennie was....not a negative bone in his body. He loved life. He loved music and had a great bass voice. And in the last 2 years of his life, he found Jesus.

My cousin Bennie spoke also and explained that he felt Uncle Bennie had been searching his whole life for something and finally fell in love with the Lord. As Bennie said, "Who woulda thunk it!"

John explained metaphorically that Uncle Bennie had a pocket full of pennies and throughout his life he would pull out a different penny but they were always dull. One day 2 years ago, he finally pulled out a shiny penny and with this he found what he'd been searching for his whole life. Peace. People who saw Uncle Bennie would tell you that he truly glowed with joy these last 2 years. This from a man who was always happy to begin with.

Everyone loved Uncle Bennie. He was just a great guy. He will be sorely missed.

This family has had a lot of loss in the last 6-7 years. Fortunately/unfortunately - it brings people together. We have a pretty terrific family so it's nice to see everyone. This is Aunt Minnie - Uncle Bennie's first wife and the mother of Bennie and Jimmy. We hadn't seen her in many many years.

John and Uncle Phil share in conversation at Auntie Irene's house. The usual gathering point for family occasions.

Jimmy greeting Annette with hugs. I hadn't seen my cousin Jimmy in so long, that I didn't recognize him until he took his sunglasses off and I saw those blue eyes.

There are 15 Vampatella grandchildren. Here are Annette, Cathy, Mary, Bennie, Jimmy, Jean, Robbie, Judy, Jen, John, Michelle. Squatting Marie, Joan.
Missing: Charlie and Frankie