Guy Ciarrocchi
“A thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”
Angelo Cecco passed away in Paoli, too soon, at age 75. Unfortunately, many readers may not have known Angelo. But he was known and loved by hundreds, if not thousands, across our region and beyond. I know he was known and respected by thousands throughout our community.
You may not have known Angelo. But if you’re fortunate, you know an Angelo.
Angelo was the living embodiment of what the late-President George H.W. Bush called one of our nation’s “thousand points of light:” The people and organizations that make an impact, give back, focus on the well-being others — of our community, our nation.
Angelo’s life was a life well lived. He did everything you’d want to do — and he did everything we should do.
Husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin. An immigrant from Naples, Italy, who loved America. Worked for 41 years in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District. Soccer player, soccer enthusiast. Grandfather. Woodworker. Armchair stock analyst. Grandpop. (Did I mention he was a doting grandfather?)
Catholic.
He not only believed in God, read the Bible and followed the Commandments, he lived the Commandment given to us by Jesus Christ: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”
For years and years, in addition to his devotion to his ever-growing, extended family, Angelo visited four different nursing homes every week. He would offer a Christian Bible study and lead his “congregation” in songs of praise — open to every resident and every member of the staff. And he would visit rooms when residents were too ill to attend in-person.
Did I mention that he battled cancer for 17 years?
His impact? Folks from each nursing home joined his family and friends attending his viewing and funeral.
Impact? My mom — who used to volunteer with my wife at a local nursing home — is now a resident in one of “Angelo’s nursing homes.” Mom is battling Alzheimer’s. Her short-term memory is fleeting, at best.
Mom attends Mass with us most weeks, the same Mass that Angelo attended with his wife, Deb.
My mom knew Angelo and her face lit up when she saw him. And they would talk about his recent visit — and his next visit.
Many communities have an Angelo. They visit the elderly. They check on neighbors. They mow lawns for the old or ill. They’re always the ones organizing meals for friends who are sick. Maybe they have more formal volunteer roles — at a local school, a food bank or soup kitchen, a park or recreation center. Maybe they help run the local Scouts. They coach. They greet you at your house of worship.
Sometimes, they’re in the spotlight. Usually, they are not.
They make things work. They get things done. They make us feel welcomed, loved and valued.
When they strengthen your faith and remind you that God loves you … well, that’s bonus points in my book.
We should give thanks for the Angelo Ceccos in our lives. We should tell our Angelos how much they are appreciated, how valued they are, and the positive difference that they make.
Today in America, respectfully, I’d slightly revise the wisdom of President Bush. The Angelo Ceccos in our communities are one of the Thousand Points of Light in a broad and turbulent sky.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus teaches: “In my Father’s House, there are many rooms.” I believe that there is a room for Angelo. Once he gets settled, I know Angelo will be visiting his neighbors to check on them.
RIP, Angelo Cecco. Well done, our good and faithful servant.
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Guy Ciarrocchi is Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation. Guy writes for RealClear Pennsylvania and Broad + Liberty, where this commentary first appeared. He and his family are members of St. Norbert Parish in Paoli. Follow Guy on social media at @PhilaFreedomGuy.
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