We gather here today in remembrance of Eugene Spaziani,
A devoted and humble father, step-father, grandfather, husband, professor, researcher, world-traveler, cat-enthusiast, food-devotee, musician & most importantly a brilliant man of his own.
The very fact that he desired to be buried beneath the plants in his hand-made garden defends and speaks to the kind of man that he was. Even in his afterlife he wished to support the Earth in a positive way.
Eugene Spaziani was a man of his word. He worked very hard throughout the early years of his life to contribute to a society that needed him most. As serious as he was during this time in his life, his heart was full of gold, for us to only later find out. Because I personally only knew him during the later years of his life, he chose to only show me the grandfather side of him, but I felt who he truly was on a very personal level. I saw the way his eyes lit up when he got the opportunity to help another individual during their hardships. I felt the way he gently touched every delicate person, place, or thing. He moved with grace, compassion, and dignity.
Not only did he place a profound impact on the lives of students, research, colleagues, & even strangers, but he heavily impacted those close to his heart – his loved ones.
I know we would all be different people if it weren’t for my grandfather. He made his life spectacular & because of him, all of our lives are too. Because of him, we all have a little bit of his golden heart buried deep within us that guides us through our deepest, darkest places.
Although Eugene is no longer with us in the physical world, his spirit will forever live on through each of us, along with the Earth that surrounds us.
May the plants growing above his ashes take in all his celebrated attributes & shed his light on this Earth for all of eternity.
Rest in paradise, Grandpa, & know that we are all here to continue your positive influence on our world.