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Thomas Newnam Obituary
THOMAS ELI SR. 'BUD', March 14,
2006, of Mayfair. Tom served with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. during WWII. Son of the late Eli Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (nee Magnin). Husband of the late Lillian J. (nee Loisch). Father of the late Thomas Eli Newnam Jr. Beloved father of Barbara Schlosser-Tursi, Donna Scamby-Powers (Daniel Powers), Deborah Chakler (Ronald), Susan Newnam and Michael Newnam (Karen). Adored grandfather of Thomas Newnam III, Natalie Newnam, James Scamby Esq. (Mairi), Christopher Scamby (Cristina), William Schlosser (Judy), Gina Scamby-Stowe Esq. (Chad), Julie Powers (James), Stephanie Powers, Carolyn Powers, Kristin DeFinis Arniotis (John), Michael Schlosser, Lauren Chakler, Jessica, Michael and Danielle Newnam. Devoted great grandfather of Brianna Scamby, Claudia Newnam, Fionna Scamby, Isabella Newnam, Perri Schlosser, Aidan Scamby, Ciara Scamby, Liam Schlosser, Gianna Scamby and Declan Scamby. Also survived by his loving sister Agnes Burkhardt. His beloved companion Mary Lodge and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Sat., 10 A.M., St. Bernard's Church. Interment private. Donations in Tom's memory to American Lung Assoc., 525 Plymouth Rd, Suite 315, Plymouth Meeting PA 19462 are preferred.
ALDWORTH FUNERAL HOME
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Newnam
Sponsored by Barbara, Donna, Debbie, Susie and Michael, With all of our love.
Barbara Newnam-Daley
March 15, 2026
Not a day goes by that I don't miss you Daddy. Would give anything for one more hug, one more talk, one more "ACE." I love you !
Barbara
Barbara Newnam-Daley
March 10, 2024
Still love and miss you always Daddy. Many times I can hear your words when I have a question or a decision to make. (What would Dad tell me?) You made me a stronger woman through your wisdom, Wish you were here for one last hug, We will be together again some day. Until then, know that I love you "Ace," and always will.
Barbara E Newnam-Daley
March 10, 2023
It is difficult to believe you have been gone for 17 years Daddy. Your love and strength has gotten us through. So many days I have longed to see you once more, to hear your voice, to have you hug me. When things are rough, I listen with my heart and remember advice you gave to me over the years. I love you "Ace."
Barbara (Ace #2)
Barbara E Newnam-Daley
June 25, 2022
Missing you tonight "Ace." Thinking of all the lessons you taught your children. They have been passed down to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wish I could sit and talk with you one more time. There have been many days when I needed you and would just ask myself, "What would Dad tell you." I love you Daddy, always have and always will.
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March 14, 2020
I'm here, thinking about you, missing you and needing you. I wish you could talk to me. I have so many questions and need your answers. Come visit me in my dreams.
I love you forever.
Donna
February 12, 2016
Hello Sir!
Been thinking about you today. Still love and miss you always. Wish I could pick up the phone and hear your voice again. 'Get 'em #1" or "How are you sir?" or "You're killing me Barbara," and of course, "Help me Rhonda." Sometimes I really need to talk to you but you are in heaven. There have been many times when I can hear your words in my head. I so miss you, Mom, Buddy and Debbie. Hope you are at peace and know how much you are still loved.
Barbara (Ace #2)
Donna
October 8, 2015
I miss you. I think about you so much. I only just realized that we had this site where we can type out what we want to say to you. I haven't been the same since Debbie joined you. I know how happy it must have made you and Mom but it was and still is devastating to those left behind. The pizza just keeps losing slices and it doesn't look right. Dad, I am ready to come home to heaven-whenever God calls me. My faith is strong and I know I will be eternally at peace. Just know that, for now, you are very very missed by your children on earth. We all love and miss you.
October 27, 2010
Happy Birthday Daddy! Today you are 87. It's beautiful outside-the leaves are changing and the weather is getting cooler. The Phillies still suck (sometimes) as do the Eagles (sometimes) but the good news is that Chris is remarried and he and his new wife (who you would adore) are expecting. So it will be grandbaby #15. What a family.
I miss you so much. Still there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. Keep sending me pennies because they make me smile.
I love you and miss you always.
Donna
Barbara Newnam-Schlosser
July 13, 2010
Hello, Sir! Today is a very special day as you now have your baby sister with you. God took her from us rather quickly but we all know that she is in great hands. Aunt Agnes has her mother, father, brother, sisters, husband, son and grandson welcoming her home right now. She asked for you all day Sunday, Dad. Hopefully, you were one of the family members who came to take her to heaven. We will miss her every day as we miss all of you, and Mom and Buddy. Until we all meet again, you are always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
March 6, 2010
Hey. I have a new friend. Isn't it just wonderful to find people you really like when you are as old as me. Anyway, we had lunch yesterday with his wife (they are clients of mine) and the subject of family came up. I was explaining how important family was to you and how you passed that on to me. I miss you. I want to talk to you and hear you back. There are so many things, Dad. Every day, something different. Your wisdom is very much needed. Maybe you can talk to God and ask Him if it would be alright to whisper some advice in our ears.
What do you think about all these babies? Can you guys even stand it? And all because two people fell in love (Tom and Lillian).
We miss you so much that we can't say it enough. I love you Dad and please say hi to Mom because I miss her and love her too. You both are in my heart forever.
Love, Donna
October 27, 2009
It's 4 a.m. and your birthday. I've been up for an hour or so-can't fall back asleep. You are 86 today and it's like yesterday that I last saw you. I wish we could talk. There is always so much I want to say. Finding the purpose and the motivation gets harder as I get older. Forgetting about you, never. I want you here-I need you here.
Your grandchildren are sure getting older. Natalie and Tom are in their 40s-Jim almost there. But the youngest, Danielle, is only 8 and she needs your fine spirit as her life goes on. But the babies Dad are amazing. There are so many of them-Kristin's new little man is Nicholas Eli (after you of course)- Dan's daughters had Veronica and Riley this year so we are up to 14. Gianna and Lexi know about you and Mom and we talk about you guys all the time. I hope you are listening up there on a cloud somewhere. I am throwing you my heart and loves and kisses for your birthday. I know you would think this is all ridiculous but, oh well, its who I am. Just a daughter who misses her dad.
Love you forever, Donna.
April 22, 2009
Hey.
As usual, thinking about you. I see that your cousin, Harry, passed away on Monday. I'm sure you've already found him in heaven. Nothing special going on but I think at this late stage of my life, I discovered opera and I love it. Very strange, huh?
Mom's anniversary is next week, her birthday too. We all miss you both so much. I'm sure you both have seen Gina's baby girls, Talia Nicole (the TN is for you) and Sienna Marie (the Marie is for me). Mom's already got her LJ, Lexi Jordan. We went to see the kids in Boston this past weekend and it was so good to see them. As life goes on, it gets more difficult to go visit as much as we used to but we try.
I love you. I miss you. I think about you every day.
Love,
Donna
Debbie Chakler
March 19, 2009
Hey Dad, I just heard your voice today. I still have voicemails on my cell phone that you left the week you first got sick. It is heart wrenching to listen to them but I can't seem to erase them either. I think about you and Mom everyday, I miss you both so much. It was just the 3 year anniversary of your death and your children all got together, as we always do, to remember you and celebrate your life. So many times I want to call you or go home and see you and tell you all my troubles. You were the only person who truly understood me and now I have nowhere to turn. I love you and miss you. Watch over us always. Love you, Debbie
October 31, 2008
HAPPY 85th BIRTHDAY DAD!!! I'm sure you were watching those Phillies from heaven. They "phinally" did it!!! I love and miss you, Mommy, Buddy, my grandparents, and everyone else.
xoxoxoxoxo
Debbie
Donna
October 30, 2008
They were supposed to win on Monday night which was your 85th birthday but that didn't happen until last night. I knew you were watching. Happy birthday, Dad! Miss you every day of my life.
Donna
November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Dad. And you too, Mom. And everybody else that I love and miss who are with you. It's supposed to get easier in time and maybe it does but it hasn't yet. We're all together for dinner except Barbara, who is with her sons and Kristin who is with John's family. Keep watching over your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They need you.
I miss and love you forever.
Donna
October 5, 2007
So the Phillies won the National East Division but they aren't doing so well in the playoff series. It's been 14 years since they were in the playoffs so I guess its a good thing. I've been thinking about you (for a change) and Mom and wishing you were here so I could talk to you about all of the crazy things that happen in life. Tomorrow we get Gigi and it will be wonderful having her here again for a week. I wish that whole nightmare would be over. Lexi is getting so so cute. I know you watch over all of them. Don't forget about the Boston brood. Bree placed in the Mass. state gymnastics meet and she is now in a private preparatory school in Medfield. Can you stand it? She's 11 already. God, they get so big so fast. Julie's due with her first on St. Patrick's Day. I don't know why I am writing all of this stuff down because I know you know it already.
I just wanted to say I miss you so much. Give Mom a kiss for me, and Buddy, and Grandmom and Aunt Mare and Aunt Irene and everyone else.
Love you.
Donna
September 5, 2007
Hi.
My good friend, Dave, passed away on Sunday. A wonderful, decent, kind man. I hope you met him when he arrived. You will like him. He has a lovely voice and the two of you can sing together. His family is in that shock mode, I think. I, too, will miss him. But I know that I will see you and Mom and Buddy and Dave some day. I no longer am afraid to die. I know you will be there waiting for me and I so desperately want to see your face again. You know what insanity has been going on this year. I know that God has a plan for all of us and we don't know what it is. I hope that His plan for Michael is something wonderful-he deserves it. And for your great-granddaughter, Gianna, who needs you to hug her every single day.
I miss you Dad.
Love,
Donna
Donna
August 14, 2006
It's hot out. August. You'd love it. Laying outside-getting a suntan. I still miss you so very much. I know how badly you wanted to see Lexi and Billy and now you can. They are so adorable. Gina and Kristin are both amazing mothers. How strange that history kind of repeated itself. Gina's baby born in April, 10 days before her birthday and Kristin's baby born in July, 10 days before her birthday.
I know that you can see everything now and you are watching. Sometimes when I'm in my car I talk to you and I almost can feel you.
I think that perhaps by writing I sort of heal a little. But it doesn't bring you back. I can hear you. I can see you in my mind. I just need to hug you.
You thought I forgot about you, didn't you?
Donna Scamby-Powers
April 10, 2006
Dear Daddy,
Are you watching? Do you see how much pain we are all in? I cry all of the time and miss you more every day. Why are you gone, Dad? I need you here. We all need you here. Did you know that something was wrong? Debbie thinks that you did and that upsets me because you should have told me and the rest of us and we would have gotten help for you. I have never felt so empty-so hollow. My greatest fear. Remember, I told you that when you were in the hospital. This horrible fear that you would leave and you did.
I now appreciate grief and mourning. I don't think I ever knew before. I want you back here with me, Dad. I want you back here with me.
Ginnie Moore-Donato
April 3, 2006
My Dad grew up with your Dad and Aunts,my husband and I went to St. James with your mom. We have met several times when your Aunt Teresa has had some get togethers. We loved Grandmom, Aunt Mary,Aunt Teresa, Uncle Fury and you Mom and Dad. Cousin's Joe, Sharon and Angel and I are friendly. We are very saddened by the lost of your parents. We know they had a great St. Patty's Day with my Uncles and Aunt and my Dad Eddie Moore. Just know they are looking down from Heaven protecting you all. The Eddie Moore family.
Debbie Newnam Chakler
April 1, 2006
Hi Daddy,
Today is April 1st and I'm sitting here listening to the birds singing outside and its just so depressing. You were so looking forward to the spring and summer. It's all you talked about. You couldn't wait to take your long walks again and take "Septa" everywhere so you wouldn't have to bother your children. It was never a bother, I loved every minute I spent with you. There just wasn't enough time. I want you to come home. I told you I couldn't wait until the summer either because I have off work and we would hang out more like we used to. This is the first year of my life that I'm not looking forward to the summer.
Yesterday I was at my mechanic and there was a man there named Harry who knew you. He said "Oh yea, Bud, I knew him, great guy. He had the conversion van". Well of course that brought up a lot of memories. All the "tree days" when you would pile up all the grandchildren in the van so they could watch Christmas videos and listen to Christmas music. I hope they never forget that, I know I never will. How will we ever get through Christmas again? It was hard enough after Buddy died. Then Mommy, and now this. It's just not fair. I know God promises not to give us more than we can handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much.
I heard a lot of good stories about you yesterday, everyone loved you Dad. They were telling me how great you were, but I already knew that.
Last night Ronnie and I went to dinner at Macaroni's. I suddenly realized that it was at this time just a year ago that I had our entire family there for dinner before Lauren made her sacraments. It was actually in the middle of March. We were all there celebrating. Me and Lauren, you and Mommy, Kristin and John, Barbara, Susie, Donna and Dan, Mike and Karen, Aunt Agnes and Kathy, Gina and Chad, and Sister MaryBeth. What a beautiful memory.
The day before was Good Friday when we were all together visiting the three churches, even Mommy went, and I went to confession for the first time in over 20 years. I wanted to be a good example for Lauren and the added bonus was seeing the look on your face. I know I already wrote about this, but you and Lauren were my inspiration. Keep talking to me, keep inspiring me Dad.
What an incredible weekend that was. You even stayed after the Mass, the very long Mass, and went to the rectory with me and Lauren to meet Bishop McFadden. You were so happy. Just like when you met Cardinal Bevilacqua and Cardinal Regali and shook their hands at midnight mass on two prior Christmas Eves.
If we only knew just one month later, Mommy was going to die. I was sitting last night in that restaurant remembering all of this and I almost had to leave. It was just too painful. Instead I decided to have a drink and just try to forget.
But I can't forget, I'll never forget. Not even a year later and I lost both of my parents.
Its almost Good Friday again and Easter. I just remembered how I called you on Ash Wednesday and asked you to go with me and get ashes. You said you couldn't, that you didn't feel good. Now looking back, I should have realized something was really wrong, you would never miss getting ashes. By that Friday, you were in the hospital.
When Buddy died, it was right before Christmas, and you died during Lent, (the most religious time for Catholics), right before Easter. I know this is supposed to be symbolic, God is trying to tell us something. I think He is letting us know you're in heaven. All of you. It is a little calming knowing that, but it doesn't stop this agonizing pain. I don't know what will.
I miss you and love you so much. Keep watching over all of your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
Thanks for giving me those signs, letting me know you were okay. Like the word game I was playing on the computer when I made the words "sir, sirs, old, lord, mom and mom's." Thanks, I know what you were telling me. And when my sister-in-law and her daughter went to a physic and your spirit came through. You let me know you were dancing and having fun, that you could finally do the polka (which I didn't know you couldn't do until I asked Mary), that you were with "Mary" (your mother, your sister, and God's mother), you mentioned McMillan which probably meant McMichael Street (you really wanted us to know it was you). You mentioned being in the hospital and having "alot" of doctors around you, and the most amazing thing, the thing that gave me the chills, was the first thing the physic said. She said that she saw rosaries and an Irish Catholic man that was in the military, who had recently passed away. Everyday your children sat around your bed and said the rosary, who knew that but us? I never told anyone that.
I asked you the day you were dying to please, if there was any way possible, to come back and let me know you were okay. AND YOU DID. Thanks Daddy. I love you. Keep talking to me forever.
Give Mommy, Buddy, all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends a big hug and kiss for me.
If you see my friend Marlene, tell her I miss her so much and to bake you guys a cake for Easter.
And also I have some really good friends that passed away, tell them I miss them too - Frank Giacobello, John Gallo, Jeff Ziernicki, Billy Scholl, Wayne McGlotten, I'm probably forgetting some, but give them all a big kiss for me.
I'll write again soon.
Love you,
Debbie
Debbie Chakler
March 26, 2006
Daddy,
Good morning Sir. It's Sunday morning and instead of our usual breakfast at the Coffee Tree, we're meeting at your house to discuss all the things we've been putting off. It really breaks my heart. I'm trying to be strong but this is so hard.
I was thinking about your funeral - everything was exactly the way you wanted it. I'm sure you saw that and were very proud of all of your children.
It all went so fast though, I barely had a chance to talk to or meet all of your friends that were there. Everyone looked so sad. They all loved you so much.
I remember thinking "Who are all these people?"
How little we really know about the characters in the story of our lives. Even our own family members.
Where does all the time go?
Did I waste it?
Did it waste me?
I miss you so much Dad. The "dying" part is hard enough but then I keep thinking that you'll never know how the "story" turns out. The story of your life, your legacy. The babies that are on the way that you'll never get to meet. Its knowing that you'll be missing all of "that" that hurts even more.
They say that you can choose your friends but not your family. But I think you do. Every morning you put them on like a warm shirt, loving them, hating them, it doesn't matter.
I think I chose them a long time ago - before I knew anything, before I was anything. And I also chose you.
Thank you for being my story. The best one I've ever had. Thank you for being my heart.
When I go to sleep I'll be listening for you.
I'll do all I can to make you proud of me. Your words are running through my head all the time. I'll never forget you or Mommy. You were the best parents anyone could ever have. And if one day we get the chance to do it all again, I would choose you again, all of you.
I love you so much.
Love,
Debbie
renee and allen flehinger
March 22, 2006
Dear Deb
Our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. After reading all the messages about your dad, it appears he was a respectful gentleman who was loved a lot. I am glad that you and your family have many fond memories that will keep you going. I know it's going to be hard, but when you feel lonely, think of all the happy times you had together. I'm sure your dad will be watching over you and shining down on you.
Love,
Renee and Allen
Ron Chakler
March 20, 2006
From the first day I met you more than 25 years ago, I knew that we would always have a wonderful relationship. Your soft-spoken gentle personality was comforting, and you had that special way about you that made it seem as if everything would always "work out". You were as much of a father to me, more than a father-in-law. I could always count on you for interesting stories, good jokes, and you were always looking for some good Yiddish phrases to tell all your Jewish friends. For 25 years, we constantly discussed to best ways to invest ALL the money you would win when you "hit the big one". Although that dream never came true, you should realize that you really did hit the ultimate lottery by raising a family built on strong morals, values and traditions. Raising a family is always a "gamble", but there wasn't much luck involved in your case. Your legacy will continue for many generations and I am sure your memory will live on forever.
Zi Gezint, Tom !!
Ronnie
Donna Scamby-Powers
March 20, 2006
Good morning, Dad. I've decided that since I can't say things out loud to you anymore that I am going to write to you everyday.
Today is no easier than yesterday. It is so hard to imagine that I can't call you anymore. The kids are all so sad and depressed by your not being here. We were talking about the house yesterday and your doll collection. I feel sick when I think of selling that house. Since 1967 it has been your house and Mommy's house and I can't bear for it to belong to someone else. The rest of your children are being very strong and you would be so proud of them. I, however, being who I am, sit in a puddle of tears. I miss you. And I'm angry that you left. We weren't done yet. I want you here but I know that God's will is almighty and I can't have you here anymore.
I love you so much, Dad. I see your face and hear your voice in my head all the time. Help me this one last time to get through this heartache.
I'll write to you tomorrow.
Love,
Donna
christopher scamby
March 19, 2006
Good afternoon Pop, I know you're having a blast up in heaven with all the jelly doughnuts and coffee you could ever want! I hope you've been recruited to be the breakfast cook up there since nobody can make pancakes like you. I don't know how you did it but your pancakes were so perfect that they should have been on display at the Philadelphia art museum! Perfect circles, perfect color, and always the best tasting!
I had this dream last night that I came to join you in Heaven and when I arrived, St. Peter greeted me, hugged me, and said: Christopher, we're so glad you are here! You have this gift of making people laugh, comforting them, and being a real sensitive guy. So, your job now in Heaven is to be our number 1 stand up comedian and to share your silliness with everybody up here! Just then, I heard this faint sound of a gentle voice in the background and all this laughter, applause, whistling, etc. I never heard so much joy in my life. I said, St. Peter, you just told me that I was going to be the number 1 comedian up here - that sounds like Pop over there making everybody happy! St. Peter said, No Chris. That's God. He is trying to be Pop!!
I love you Pop! Talk to you soon!
Stephen Chakler
March 19, 2006
Dear Debbie, Ronnie, Kristin and Lauren,
Iwas very sadden to hear of the recent loss of your Dad and Grandfather. I felt truly blessed to have known him, and throughly enjoyed being in his company everytime we were together. I still can't fathom that he is no longer with us.
I will always remember him as being a gentel man and a gentleman. The thing that always struck me about your Dad was that his concern was always for the people around him, and never complained about himself.
He will be sorely missed by all. Again, my heartfelt condolences to all of your family.
Iris Seltzer
March 19, 2006
Dear Debbie and Family, although i did not know your father, from what i have read about him, he certainly sounded like an amazing man. My heart is sad for you. It is hard to lose a parent. Especially hard when you lose both parents 10 months apart. Again, i am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you.
Donna Scamby-Powers
March 19, 2006
Dear Daddy,
Although I thought that Tuesday was the saddest day of my life, I realize now that it was yesterday when I kissed your face goodbye for the last time. Your military funeral was well earned and heartfelt by all of your children. Michael did the best job ever in carrying out your wishes for privacy. The priest who spoke about you during your mass was great. He told us to stop crying because he knew that you were up in heaven dancing and singing away. He could not, however, promise you a pay-out casino. But I thought about that all night last night. Perhaps you have finally won the jackpot you wanted to win your whole life. Perhaps heaven is the jackpot.
Your grandchildren are devastated by your death. We have to be strong for them. Aunt Agnes told me to look for signs when Gina's baby is born because you will be in the baby. I look forward to that. There will never be one day of my life that I won't miss you and cry for you. You were my lifeline and I now have to go on living using the lessons you taught me. I no longer fear death because I know I will be with you again.
I met someone on Friday who knew you all through grade school at Most Precious Blood. Obviously, he was an older gentleman and he came over to me and asked me if I was Tommy Newnam's daughter. I said yes. He remembered you, Dad. He said Tommy Newnam had the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. I thought that you would like to know that. Someone actually remembered you and your fabulous voice from almost 70 years ago.
I will talk to you each day and believe that you hear me. Help me through the rest of my life to do what you would want of me.
I love you.
Donna
Wayne Hardack
March 19, 2006
To the Newnam Family: Over the years, the many times I've been in your Father/Grandfather's presence I've always come away with the same impression which was: "Wow, what a great guy." He had class and a certain easy going style that made him so enjoyable to be around. His is nicknamed, "The Greatest" generation and after speaking with him about the old days and his service in the Pacific during WW II, I am certain that he earned every bit of that moniker. I am deeply saddened to hear that he is gone but I pray that you all will be comforted in knowing that "Tom and Mom" (as Ronnie affectionately liked to refer to them and who's love and devotion to them was obvious) are together again. Sincerely, Wayne
Austin J. Nester
March 18, 2006
To Christopher and Family,
First, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. Nothing can take away the pain of the loss of one so beloved. Just remember to be grateful that you were able to know your grandparents well into your own adulthood. Even long enough to give them a great grandchild. I'm sure that your grandparents were gaga over Gianna. She will always have someone very special watching over her .
God bless you all.
Debbie Chakler
March 17, 2006
Daddy,
My heart is so broken, I can barely breathe. I can't imagine not talking to you each and every day. You ended every conversation with "Bye-bye, love you, talk to you later" or "Goodnight, call me tomorrow, love you". And I always replied "Goodnight Dad, I love you too." We spent almost every single day together since you stopped driving and if we weren't together, we were on the phone for hours.
I'll never forget how you went everywhere with me planning Kristin's wedding. You were as excited as I was. I remember the day we went to the florist in East Falls and then we decided to take a stroll down memory lane by visiting our old houses, church, school, movie theater, "taproom" and playground. We sat outside of our house on Henry Avenue and you apologized to me for bringing us up in that neighborhood. I told you not to ever apologize for that, that those were the best days of my life and that "this is where all the love was". You just smiled.
Then you took me to Marston Street where you grew up. You showed me the church you and Mommy got married in and the room over a bar where you had your wedding reception. I heard all about your childhood and things I had never known about you before. It was one of the best days of my life.
Christmas will never be the same without you Dad. I'm sure we will continue the traditional "tree day" and our annual "Newnam family Christmas party" even though it will never quite feel the same. And who am I going to drag downtown for Midnight Mass at the Cathedral on Christmas Eve? I don't even want to think about going without you.
And then we have our traditional Good Friday outing when we go to visit three churches. Last Good Friday I even went to confession after about 20 years. I told you how afraid I was and you calmly said not to ever be afraid of God. I came out of the confessional with tears streaming down my face - happy tears, peaceful tears. I never felt that good in my entire life. You looked so proud. Thanks Dad, you were my inspiration that day, you and Lauren.
Then a month later Mommy died. I never thought I could feel that much pain again, until now. Only then, you were there to help all of us, to keep us strong and love us. Now what are we supposed to do?
You always told me "When there's nobody else, there's me". Now you're gone and I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
You stood by me this past year through all of my personal problems. You were my very best friend. You listened to me, you encouraged me and made me strong again. You just loved me. You never stopped telling me that or how proud you were of me. I'm going to miss you so much Dad.
I hope that I can be as great a parent to my two beautiful daughters as you were to your children.
I know you're in heaven already, you certainly earned it. I know you and Mommy will be watching over us everyday. Give Mommy and Buddy and all of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins a big hug for me.
Tell them all I love and miss them.
Tomorrow I get to see you again for the last time. After that, I'll only be able to see you in my dreams and in pictures.
So, for now, "Goodnight Dad, I'll see you tomorrow, I love you."
Love,
Your daughter,
Debbie
Peg Palys
March 17, 2006
Dear Debbie, Lauren and Family:
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father is at peace now and not suffering anymore. Some day we will all be together again with your dad and Joey, but until then, they will remain close to our hearts.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family,
Love, Peg
Susan and Joel Levitz
March 17, 2006
.TO THE FAMILY OF THOMAS NEWNAM SR.
We were truly blessed to have known such a noble and kind man.We admired him for his wisdom and we always felt pleasure and serenity in his company.He will be sadly missed by us. Our prayers are with you at this very difficult time in your lives.
Gail Hair
March 17, 2006
Newnam Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Newnam is such a wonderful person and I hope you all know how much your Dad was loved by other as well. He brought so much joy & happiness to this world and to every life that he touched. Everytime he came into our office he was always smiling, always had a joke, he even tried to teach me how to ball room dance one time! But best of all, he always had a warm & comforting hug for us....to which he would say "I don't mean anything by it, I just love you girls." We love him too! I loved listening to his stories of his family & of when his children were growing up, family get togethers....I could see that his family was the most important thing in the world to him, above anything....but I'm sure that you all know that. Listening to him I learned that these family values and strong family bonds are so important in life and because of your Dad, I have changed many things in my life for the better....I just hope that I can make these same kind of memories for my children and family when they look back at family get togethers. I just wanted you all to know how much your Dad meant to others, how he touched other lives...it says so much about a person and how he has a true heart of gold! He will be greatly missed and my life is richer for knowing him!
It hurts to lose someone we love but I like to think of him dancing on the stars......
My deepest sympathy to you all,
Gail
Cristina Scamby
March 16, 2006
Dear Pop: You are such a charmer. The way in which you tell stories from your past is captivating. Such a gentleman you are, too.
I remember two Thanksgivings ago when I was pregnant with Gianna; we were having the most wonderful discussion over Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Debbie's house. I distinctly remember how festive you made that day by reminiscing about and sharing stories from the past.
You must know how much you are loved by your entire family. A father/grandfather is a very precious thing. We are all thinking about you and missing you and we always will keep you in our hearts and minds.
I hope that you are having fun in Heaven. We miss you down here.
Love,
Cristina
phil valentino
March 16, 2006
chris, sue & family ----
my deepest sympathies. whenever we lose a loved one, the hurt & saddness we experience is simply one of the most powerful human emotions. so is the power of the human spirit which, fortunately, lives on forever! his spirit will be with you always! God Bless!
phil
Mike Newnam
March 16, 2006
What can I say, dad, to tell you what you meant to me?
You were there when I needed a calm and soothing voice. Wisdom seemed to be your greatest attribute. While growing up, there were many nights I would come home and cry because I didn't have many friends but you were always there - always my best friend.
You never, ever, let me down. I love you and miss you with all my heart. I hope to keep making you proud of me.
Your best buddy,
Mike.
Christopher Scamby
March 16, 2006
Telephone ringing: Hello?
HELLO SIR!!!!!!
Pop, just hearing that energy and optimism in your voice was enough to brighten any day. I have so many memories of our times together, from pretending to be your barber while you let me try every hair style known to man on you, driving with you down Vista St. while you'd stop at every other house and yell out "Whaddya say.....!!!" . A list of memories would take a novel but I want you to know that I've never, ever looked up to a man as much as you, Pop, and I will always cherish every second that I was able to spend with you! You were the only person that always was able to get me through whatever hardships I had in life. I never feared anything when I talked to you because I felt so protected.
I need to be honest Pop. I'm terrified and I don't know how I'll ever become as strong a person as you. I'll always be talking to you in my prayers and I know that if I listen real closely, I'll hear your voice comforting me with all the affirmations you've given me through the years such as :" Crit-a-pho , you're the best kid I know , I'm so proud of all my grandkids, don't be afraid, you have nothing to be sorry for, you've accomplished so much, don't ever let someone tell you how you are supposed to feel, God is always with you, etc."
You were with me as a baby and you never left me for 32 years, and I thank you for being the greatest man I ever knew. I miss you Pop and I love you so much. My heart is so broken to have lost you, but I know you're in a better place now and you'll always will be watching over all of us.
Good Night Sir, I love you Pop.
Love,
Christopher (crit-a-pho)
Donna Scamby-Powers
March 16, 2006
Dear Daddy,
There are no words that I can write that will ever express how I feel. I always thought that you would be here forever. My heart broke in two on Tuesday and nothing will ever mend it. I know that you would want me to go on living my life and teaching my children and grandchildren everything you taught me. Don't worry because I will never forget the lessons you taught me, the steps you walked beside me,every word you spoke and song you sang. I will especially miss your wonderful dancing and your wonderful voice and goofy jokes. I will rely on the faith you taught me to get me through this horrible pain. I know I will see you again and I know that you can see all of the babies now that you are in heaven. I will continue to do things that matter in this world and I will always do things that will make you proud.
Do not ever forget that I have loved you from the very first thought I ever had and I will continue to love you for eternity. I am proud to say I am your daughter.
Dan misses you and hopes that the two of you can play golf together when he sees you again.
Give Mommy, Buddy, Grandmom Newnam, Aunt Mary, Aunt Irene, Uncle Jack, Aunt Teresa, Uncle Fury, Buddy Burkhardt, Christian and your father my love.
And please tell Our Lord and the Blessed Mother that I love them and thank them for being there for us these past 2 weeks.
Love forever and ever,
Your daughter, Donna.
John Arniotis
March 16, 2006
Hello Sir,
For the short time we had together I can only think of good moments. I did think of you as "My PoP" because you treated me as one of your own and I love you for that. I will miss your smile. Keep an eye on the little ones to come Newt. We are counting on you.
Sal Aloe
March 16, 2006
Donna and family,
You have our deepest sympathy during this time of pain with the loss of your father. You will all be in our prayers.
Sal, Paulette and family
Barbara Schlosser-Tursi
March 16, 2006
Good morning, Sir! How are you, Sir? There is this place on Roosevelt Boulevard that I may need to visit soon, at your request of course.
To you Daddy with all my love - "Did you ever know that you're my "hero," you're everthing I wish I could be. I can fly higher than an eagle, cause you are the "Wind Beneath My Wings."
Adios, Sir. You have a piece of my heart. Keep it safe until we are together again.
I love you now and for all eternity and will be the strong, loving woman that you have taught me to be.
I miss you Daddy but you are always with me, and I with you.
Love,
Barbara (Ace #2)
Kristin Arniotis
March 16, 2006
Pop: My heart is broken and there are no words to describe how difficult this is. I don't know how life will ever be the same without you. There will always be something missing now for all of us. I think the best thing about our family is how much we love. And I know that we all got that from you. I'm so sad that you won't get to meet my baby and Gina's baby. My goal as a parent will be to teach my children to love the way you taught all of us. I do thank God and the Blessed Mother for the 30 wonderful years I was blessed with the gift of you. With all the love in my heart forever, Kristin
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