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Alan Gemme Obituary
Alan was born September 15, 2006 in Worcester. He is survived by his loving and devoted mother, Naomi Gemme; his maternal grandmother, Deborah M. Gemme of Leicester, his grandfather and grandmother, Alan W. Gemme and Deborah A. Gemme of Millbury; his great grandparents, Wilfred J. Gemme of Worcester, Robert and Constance Herriage of Millbury; Alan also leaves numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Alan was a very loving and caring son, who touched the hearts of everyone he came in contact with from Deacon Gerry Montiverdi, who baptized him to his god parents Amanda McGill and Corey LaPierre. Alan's battle with cancer introduced him to a new extended family of doctors, and nurses at Umass Memorial Medical Center, especially his nurses Lisa "day", "night" Lisa, "overnight" Jackie and Donna, and of course Jen and Mary. Most importantly Dr. Usmani and the rest of the staff that cared for Alan. The Gemme family would like to extend a special thanks to the Child Life and Why Me Foundations for all the support and caring they provided to Alan.
The family would also like to extend their appreciation to Katie Rock, Megan Fantasia and Cindy Cunningham for their loving support during this difficult time. Alan will always be remembered and cherished by his family and all that loved him.
Funeral services and burial were private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Child Life Association, care of the Umass Foundation, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester 01613 or Why Me, 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602, The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 370 Plantation St. is honored to have assisted the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gemme
debbie gemme
July 21, 2008
Alan,you will always be the greatest joy in my life. I will carry you with me where ever i go. I love you,Nana
Nunu
July 20, 2008
My little rock you have been gone for two weeks now and your presence is greater than ever all around us, me mom and nana truely believe you are watching over us my little Angel
Tina Starkweather
July 18, 2008
Alan is the perfect little man in my eyes and now he is the perfect angel. We watched him and now he guides us. I love you Na and you are wonderful and stronger than anyone I have ever known. Although, you have the right to not be as strong at times you will always be one of strength. I am very happy that I'll have Alan and you in my life, always.
Nancy Ambrose
July 15, 2008
Dear Naomi,
I just found out today that Alan lost his battle with cancer. I am so sorry to hear this. Alan was such a sweet little boy with a wonderful smile. I will always remember at The Halloween party how he liked my little poodle and held him so gently.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Take care,
Nancy (formally of Why Me)
Joel Potenti
July 15, 2008
Naomi and family No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
The Joncas Family
July 14, 2008
Naomi and Family,
Words can not begin to express the amount of sadness we all feel for the loss of Alan. He had such a beautiful smile. We only knew Alan a short time and I'm grateful for that time. I wish you much peace from your memories of Alan. Our memories are how we honor our loved ones when they leave us too soon. You are in our constant thoughts,
July 13, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Judge
July 12, 2008
I am so very sorry for your loss. Alan will remember all of those who touched his life. May God be with his family and friends at this very difficult time.
Lisa McLean
July 11, 2008
Naomi,
We worked together a long time ago and you made me laugh and taught me alot. You also aided in helping me to be a strong person with your strength. I knew you had a son but had never met him. You are such a great person and I am sorry you had to experience such grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Love,
Lisa
Shirley
July 11, 2008
Your angel played with mine once, he was adorable and sweet. May God give you the strenght you need to move forward. We will keep you in our prayers
Friends in Leicester
July 11, 2008
To baby Alan's family,
Goodbyes are not forever
And nor is it the end
When angels come to call away
A loved one or a friend.
The empty place that's left behind
Within this world we know
Reminds us just how brief a stay
We have before we go.
So when it's time to bid farewell
To one we'll dearly miss
Let's just say we'll meet again
and promise them with this .....
The true gift is that love remains
Although we now must part...
Until forever and beyond
I'll keep you in my heart.
Jenn Davis
July 11, 2008
Family & Friends: I was reading the paper today and came across the face of your beautiful son-I wish you some peace in this most difficult time; I cant imagine what you are going through; his obituary was so beautiful it brought me to tears-hope you will always have loving memories of your little boy; he has touched me today-
Julie Bastian
July 10, 2008
naomi,
i am so sorry! alan was such an amazing lil boy! i remember we used to sit and laugh at how daring he was.the amazing muscles he had to climb over the gates and up the side of the crib!! i will always love him! and im always here for you!
Mike and Erin Brusa
July 10, 2008
Dear Naomi, you are in our thoughts and prayers, Savannah was so sad to hear about Alan as we all were, she loved to visit him when they were both either at clinic or up on 5-east. Alan was a sweet boy so full of joy even tho' he was going through so much, we will cherish the memories that we have of Alan.
Love Always
Mike and Erin Brusa
Dear Naomi, I will miss Alan very much we had lots of fun together he made me laugh so many times, he will always be in my heart. Take Care Love Savannah Brusa
Tiffany Salo
July 10, 2008
Naomi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are truly a mother to admire for everything you did for that little boy. I'm sure he knows that and is watching over you.
Monique Golemo
July 10, 2008
i'm very sorry for your loss naomi.
if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call
Anne Stiffler
July 10, 2008
Dear Al and Deb,
I am so sorry for your loss and the awful heartache you must be feeling. I have to tell you that the strength your family has shown throughout Alan's illness is awe inspiring. My children and I have been praying for Alan, Naomi and yourselves. It certainly is hard to understand how this suffering came about. One thing I know for sure is that Alan was a gift from God who was sent here to show you love and joy. May those feelings fill the void in your hearts today and always.
Fondly, Annie Stiffler
ryan reynolds
July 10, 2008
my thoughts are with you naomi. anything you need let me know.
Jeanne Martin
July 10, 2008
I will never forget Alan. I loved seeing him (and Mom and Grandma) when Chloe and I visited him in the hospital. You three will be in my heart forever. I am so very sorry for your loss!
Tracy Burgos
July 10, 2008
Deb, My heart is sadden to hear of your grandson's passing. In the days that lie ahead, may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have made with your grandson. The Lord has bigger plans for him in heaven, he is among the greatest angels now! watching over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family, God Bless all of you in this difficult time. Tracy
Sharon (Leger) Shivick
July 10, 2008
Naomi, Debbie, Family & Friends of Alan,
I used to work with Debbie and also babysat for Naomi when she was a young girl living off of Acton St. in Worcester. I am so sorry for your tragic loss of Alan. It seems Alan made quite the impression on everyone he met. I wish you peace and tranquility from the memories you have of Alan. I will pray to God that some day your memories will overcome your grief.
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me, I am only a town away!
With Deepest Sympathies,
katie scott
July 10, 2008
Naomi/family-
What can be said to ease your pain? Not much, but please let his memory fill the void in your heart. You are in my prayers. God bless.
July 10, 2008
Naomi and Family,
Although I didn't personally know Alan I heard stories about him and thought about him and prayed for him everyday.Your story has touched my heart tremendously. We are so sorry for your loss and we want you to know many people are praying for you all. Alan will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. Please be strong and know that he is watching you from above.
chris shane
July 10, 2008
Debbie and Naomi,
We are so sorry for your lost. Alan was a very special kid he touched our lives in many ways Shane will always think of him as a little brother. I will always remember how his smile lit up the room and what a brave kid he was. The creator has many plans for him in heaven and he will be there to meet us when we go to heaven.
love you
chris and shane howard
Friends in Leicester
July 10, 2008
Naomi&family,
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.
Tracy Clark
July 10, 2008
Dear Naomi,
I am saddened to hear the news of your son Alan. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time of loss. I know that your great strength, family and friends will help you at this time of loss.
Remember that "Those who live in the hearts of others never die."
Keeping you in my thoughts during this difficult time,
Tanya & Bryan Holland
July 10, 2008
With Deepest Sympathy
Kelley & Katelynn Fegreus
July 10, 2008
We are truley sorry for your loss. Alan was such a sweety. We prayed for him every night. You are always in our prayers.
Karin Hylton
July 10, 2008
Naomi,
My deepest sympathy too you and your family. You are all in my daily thoughts and prayers.
Kathy (Bachant) MacIntyre
July 10, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all of the family members of little angel, Alan. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Connie & Bob, my deepest, deepest sympathy.
July 10, 2008
The Dragonfly Story
Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, …scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond.
They did notice that every once in a while one of their colony seemed to stop going about with its friends. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily, it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more.
'Look!' said one of the water bugs to another, 'One of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think he's going?' Up, up, up it slowly went...Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. His friends waited and waited but he didn't return.
'That's funny!' said one water bug to another…
'Wasn't he happy here?' asked a second…
'Where do you suppose he went?' wondered a third…No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled.
Finally one of the water bugs gathered his friends together. 'I have an idea. The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.'
'We promise,' they said solemnly.
One Spring day not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broken through the surface of the water and fallen into the broad and free lily pad above.
When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come over his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from his new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself flying about in great curves. As he flew through the air he felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere.
By and by the new dragonfly landed happily on a lily pad to rest. Then it was, that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs!. There they were scurrying around just as he had been doing some time before.
Then the dragonfly remembered the promise. Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water…
'I can't return!' he said in dismay. 'At least I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went.'
And the dragonfly winged off happily into his wonderful new world of sun and air...
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