I wish I had a copy of the wonderful speech that Evan delivered at Chris’s and his wedding to share with you tonight. It was extraordinary and moving. He extolled the virtue of his parents in a most profound way where he described a great childhood steeped into a system of values reflecting that of both mother and father. I have never seen more pride in two parents then I did that night. Steve was just glowing and Sheila was quietly basking in knowing this was a job well done. It is apparent that you, EVAN, are the result of those lessons learned. I know that both Emmy and Mikey will also be beneficiaries of those same values passed on from their grandparents.
I’ve known Steve since we were children in elementary school and we have remained very close. I can proudly boast that Steve Gross is the most honorable man I know. And to that end, he found the perfect soul mate with whom to share a life. Like all others, theirs is a unique relationship that only they know. Sheila Chacker, a close friend to all the Philly Boyz and Eddy’s wife of 54 years, once said “every couple has their own dance.” Sheila’s and Steve’s dance is theirs alone. This is where spirituality and practicality mesh into one… powerful stuff. While both reflect and live in each domain, I’ll leave it to you to determine who’s presence is more apparent in each.
Sheila and Steve come to CA frequently to visit the Gross family in SF and almost always come and stay with us for a few days in So Cal. Each visit brings joy, fun and lots o’ laughs, but they also bring a sense of peace and comfart…in the words of Lionel Ritchie, “Easy Like A Sunday Moming.” You can see the trust and commitment they have with and for each other and their love is expressed in many ways. The most important of which is how they put each other in front of self. This is contagious. While they go their respective ways on a daily basis, there is still that oneness that drives this relationship. They care deeply for each other and will not forsake that bond…this is love…real ol’ school.
I could go on and on about the great qualities, characteristics and quirks of each (and there is no shortage), but then this might sound like a classic eulogy. So, I will conclude my remarks with this: Nancy and I celebrated our 50th in 2021 and we asked The Reverend Sheila to be the officiant. She was wonderful. She can touch your soul. She was also the officiant at Chris’s and Evan’s wedding and at that moment Nancy said if and when we have 50th, I want Sheila Gross to conduct the ceremony. While ours was a mash up of the Sopranos meet the Goldbergs, Steve’s and Sheila’s is where Warren Buffet meets Gurumaiya.
As Pop would say, “Cent’anni” my great and special friends…
As Mom would say, “L’chaim”
