George Pistolis
My brother and best friend John I have a few things I like to say; I recall the precious years our families enjoyed each others company. John, my brother, you were a courageous man as you endured without complaining the health problems life imposed on you. Tilly, your wife always by your side nursing you. Despite all these you lived life with a smile and we all enjoyed the laughter of your natural talent to make people laugh.My brother, I remember the horrible weather we ran into on the ship Marine Carp which took 21 days for us to arrive in America in 1946. Father met us on Ellis Island and showed us the huge skyscrapers in NY city and then the overnight train trip to Portland ME.Growing up in Greece we did a few innocent but mischievous things, Johnny, like filling our shirts with stolen walnuts or grapes. We never got away with it though because the watchman always caught us and grabbed us by the ear to bring us home.How can we ever forget the joyful laughter when our children got together, as the time at your home in Dracut, started rolling head over heals down the steep slope in the back yard, then you with the bb gun started shooting the bad guys in the woods as all of us broke out in laughter at the funny stoical faces you were making.John you were blessed with a special magical,yet humble, quality not often seen in others. We all miss this special aspect of your life. As father used to say, John, life on this earth is God's testing ground to test our behavior thus pass judgement.We all miss you John, my one and only brother. Rest In Peace in the House of God.