Wednesday, November 14, 2018
I met Steve Cesare in 1984 when we worked together as barbacks at the Marriott Hotel in Uniondale. I found his laughter to be contagious and unlike anyone I’d ever heard
Sid, as Steve was known to so many, quickly became one of my closest friends.
He volunteered to bartend at my sister’s wedding when she was married at my parents’ home in Massapequa. To this day it’s the only wedding I’ve attended where the caterers were the last to leave…late the following morning.
John Malchow & I would tease Steve, that his sisters were all so beautiful and perhaps he should consider having a serious discussion with his parents to ask if he wasn’t adopted.
Adopted or not, Steve loved his family. Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Steve’s Mom & Dad can understand why family is so important to all in the Cesare clan.
Sitting in St Frances church in Wantagh this morning to say goodbye to my friend of 35 years, I let my mind wander back some 25 years to June of 1993. The day I married my wife, Denise at the same St Frances church that was now celebrating his funeral mass. In my mind’s eye, I could clearly see Steve, standing up as my groomsman, he was young again, handsome and full of life.
For all the years I knew Steve, it never seemed to matter to him if we hadn’t seen each other for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, he was always happy to see me. He’d greet me with a “Campbell Dude!”, across any room, regardless of who was in attendance and give me a big hug. He wouldn’t dwell on or try to make me feel guilty for not keeping in touch. He was just happy to see me and always made me feel welcome.
The last time I saw Steve was in 2008. We were standing together after the funeral of our friend, John Malchow. We reminisced about our times with John and both apologized for not keeping in touch. When we said our goodbyes, we’d promised we’d wouldn’t let so much time pass without getting together, again. But, life intervened and despite our good intentions, we were never able to reconnect, again.
At mass this morning, Reverend Gregory discussed the difference between a life of success and one of significance. I have no doubt that our friend Steve led a life of significance. He was a generous, loving and caring individual. A person who put family & friends first. He was unique in so many ways. Not just his boisterous signature laugh, but in his unyielding friendship. And, together with our friend, John Malchow, at least for too brief a moment, we were the three amigos. Young, bulletproof and when we were together, time stood still.
I miss my friend Sid, but I know the next time we see each other, he won’t be mad that so much time has passed. He’ll just be happy to see me and he’ll make me feel welcome, again.
I miss you, Sid. Thank you for your trust and friendship. I am a better person for having known you…and that is truly significant.
