In Loving Memory Of

Dec. 9, 1947 - July 19, 1998

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
by: David M. Romano

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you,
For today your life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.
My dear child you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true,
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.





Joel Merry was an exceptional man who never realized how deeply he touched the lives of many people in our community. A respected entrepreneur, a loving husband and father of four, and a dear friend to many, he is sorely missed.

I was fortunate enough to know Joel for 10 years. He was my employer, but more importantly he was my friend. Joel always made time to listen, and truly cared whenever anyone had a problem or just needed an ear or a shoulder to lean on. There was a constant stream of people in and out of his office - family, friends, even business competitors often sought his council.

Joel taught me much about running a small business, but he taught me volumes about life. Joel's wisdom always amazed me, for he repeatedly saw the side of an issue that I had neglected to consider. But undoubtedly his greatest and most amazing characteristic was his total and unconditional love for those around him. You could tell Joel ANYTHING and he was never judgemental or condemning in any way. You knew Joel loved you.

Joel died on July 19, 1998 of congestive heart failure. He is now the guardian angel for all of us left behind who loved him so dearly. While there is not a day that passes without some thought of him, I take comfort in knowing that my guardian angel watches over me, and that we will meet again some grand day in heaven.