Mending of the Hearts Project

In Memory of Albert H. Orzel 

Albert’s panel was made by his parents. The design was based on the last Mother’s Day Card he sent. 

Albert was a successful lawyer in San Francisco. He had very strong feelings about equality and civil rights. He was well liked, and had many interests.

In Memory of Ann 

Ann was an extremely caring person. Her warmth, love, and support to her caregivers during her illness were remarkable. She continued to give to others even on the days when she was extremely ill.

The background of the panel is blue, one of her favorite colors; yellow was her other favorite color.

The yellow birds represent the various beautiful aspects of Ann’s personality that are now free from earthly constraints.

In Memory of Bill & Louie

This panel was created to honor long-time partners Bill and Louie. In 1996 their doctor told each of them that they had less than a year to live. Fearing the worst, they decided to design their own fabric memorial. Their good friend Carolyn Smolarek quilted this beautiful panel based on their ideas.

That same year, 1996, marked a milestone in the HIV/AIDS epidemic when the first successful treatment for HIV became available. Bill and Louie began taking this new regimen and both responded well, extending their lives for years. 

Bill was a long time Board member and generous supporter of AIDS Community Services (now Evergreen Health). Sadly Louie passed away in June 2009 and Bill died June 19, 2015.  

In Memory of Bill Andrews

This panel was made in memory of Bill by his friends and family members. 

The city lights and Statue of Liberty signify Bill’s love for New York City. The water and mist signify his ashes which were spread over Niagara Falls. 

He was very fond of Marilyn Monroe and Tracy Chapman. He loved bears and working in his profession as a hair dresser. He loved Halloween celebrations. This was the best mask he ever wore for Halloween. 

Bless his soul… 

In Memory of Bill Coplon

Bill was a lawyer for a law firm in downtown Buffalo. He served as a Board Member, volunteer, Client Services Advocate, and a member of the Legal Advisory Team of AIDS Community Services of Western New York for over two years. He was a frequent contributor to “The AIDS Newsletter” and often participated with the Education Department in public speaking appearances. His outspoken championing of the needs of all PWA’s and their families was an important voice in our midst.

Symbolism of the Panel

• Bill loved his partner Michael.
• Bill loved his dogs and cats.
• He loved the Symphony, Opera, and Broadway plays.
• Bill loved to write and to travel. 
• He loved leather and often dressed in leather.

We’ll miss you Bill!

In Memory of Bill Hadaway

This panel was made by Friends at Bulldog Lil’s. 

Bill Hadaway, also known as Lake Taylor, was a female impersonator and former Miss Gay Buffalo. Bill, performing as Lake Taylor, danced in many fundraising benefits for AIDS. He moved to New York City to dance with Alvin Alley Dance Company. 

Bill Hadaway/ Lake Taylor thoroughly enjoyed dance, theatre, and performing.    

In Memory of Bobby Gillar 

Bobby was a friend to all those in need; he was always there for you. Bobby worked in Hotel Management. He grew up on the East Side of Buffalo, New York. 

His passion was flowers, and you always found Bobby working in a garden. His love of gardening and flowers is why we chose the bright flower border on his memorial panel. The brightness of the colors on the panel represents Bobby’s incredible love of life. He brightened up even the darkest day. 

The photos on the panel were taken from some of his collections of bisque birds. He left his collection of birds to his friend Joe on the last Christmas Bobby was alive. Bobby died quietly, not letting any of his friends know how truly ill he was.   

In Memory of Bobby McDonald 

This panel was lovingly made by Bobby’s friend Greg and volunteers at AIDS Community Services.

Symbolism of the Panel 

• The T-shirt is from the AIDS alliance of Western New York, of which Bobby was a member.
• The Liberty Bell represents Philadelphia; Bobby spoke constantly about the “City of Brotherly Love,” where he lived before moving to Buffalo.
• The scissors and comb represent his profession as a hair dresser. 
• The records represent Bobby’s love for music and dancing, especially. 
• The colors on the panel are all earth tones, which represent Bobby’s taste in colors and style of dress.

The larger panel is filled with the signatures of friends of Bobby McDonald. Each person left their own special message. 

In Memory of Bonnie

Bonnie was a volunteer at AIDS Community Services. She was in her mid-twenties when she died of AIDS. During her three years with the agency, she became friends with many staff and volunteers, who made this panel to honor her memory. 

One day Bonnie told a story about a conversation she had with her mother about all of the changes in Bonnie’s life. Her mother remarked, “Bonnie you sure have grown with AIDS…oh, I mean age.” Bonnie answered, “No mother, you were right the first time, I have grown with AIDS.” Her panel shows a flower in bloom to represent how Bonnie grew and blossomed in spite of her AIDS diagnosis.

Bonnie took charge of her life. She believed in living with AIDS, not dying of AIDS. After her diagnosis, she resumed her education and learned to drive a car, two things she always wanted to do. She became an active member of AIDS Community Services’ speaker’s bureau, and openly shared her experiences with audiences of all ages. Bonnie died at home with her family and fiancée present.

In Memory of Calvin 

Calvin’s Case Manager at Evergreen asked that a panel be made in his memory. Evergreen volunteers designed and made this panel.

Symbolism of the Panel: 

• Calvin loved to cook and prepare holiday food treats. 
• He was very much of a family man and loved the family life.
• Calvin was a tremendous advocate for his wife, who was also HIV positive. 

Unfortunately, at the time of his death, Calvin died alone. His final days were spent at Benedict House where he died.  

In Memory of Darryl

This panel was lovingly made by Darryl’s sister and nephew. 

“Darryl enjoyed going to Church and singing in the choir. Whenever I met a friend on the street, I would always hear about some sort of joke that my big mouth brother had played on them. One of the things I loved best and envied my brother for were his big, brown, beautiful long eyelashes and eyes. He always brought love and laughter into the room.”

In Memory of David

This panel was made by friends of David at Bulldog Lil’s. 

David was a theatre and dance major at a Buffalo area college. David left Buffalo and moved to Boston to attend Boston University to continue his theatre and dance career. He danced with the Sam Fiorella Dance Company of Boston. 

When he returned to Buffalo, David performed numerous fundraisers to benefit AIDS organizations.

In Memory of Devin 

Devin was a volunteer of AIDS Community Services in the early years of the agency’s birth and development. Devin’s apartment was full of music, life, and song. 

Symbolism of the Panel

• The large plant covering the panel symbolizes Devin’s love of plants. His apartment was covered with hundreds of tropical and subtropical plants. 
• The birds represent Devin’s parakeets and canaries that he raised. 
• The rabbits at the bottom of the panel represent his pets and the animals he was most fond of. 
• The musical notes remind us of Devin’s love of music and the song, chirping, that lived in his apartment. 

In Memory of Don

This panel was made by a group Don addressed at a volunteer training session in 1988 at AIDS Community Services of Western New York, Inc.

After his death, the group chose to remember Don with a panel, symbolizing everything he meant to them. 

In Memory of Drew

This panel was designed by the sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma from Buffalo State College. 

Drew chose to spend his last six months in Hawaii because he liked warmth and the sun. The beach scene displays the place where he was happiest.

In Memory of Gary

Gary was a volunteer and client of AIDS Community Services. Gary had a difficult life and had to face many trials. However, Gary never had to face life alone; he always had Sam, his loyal Golden Labrador Retriever. Sam always accompanied Gary. You never saw one without the other. Everyone knew Sam because of the red bandana collar around his neck.

As Gary grew weaker and began to face his death, he began his search for someone to care for Sam. Gary’s main concern, worry, and fear was that he would die suddenly and Sam would be put to sleep. Gary searched for a new home for Sam. Gary’s search was successful, and after his death Sam went to his new home.

The panel is made in honor of Gary’s love for Sam and the search he went through to complete all his duties before he died. His friends still remember Gary’s tremendous sense of duty and loyalty to those he loved and who loved him. 

In Memory of Gene Rebrovich

“Little Gene” was a force of nature. Although he was short in stature, there was nothing little about him! As a window and display designer for Kauffman’s department store, Gene’s creative talents shined for all to see. 

When Gene found out he was HIV positive he became a tireless advocate for the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. He served on the board of AIDS Community Services until his death in 1993.

After Gene died, a group of his friends and caregivers came together to make this panel, and the pressure was on to make it beautiful to honor his creativity. They chose the central theme of Christmas, Gene’s favorite holiday. Every year he threw a huge Christmas party, complete with horse and buggy rides in the heart of the Elmwood Village. He also loved his beagle, Bradley, and his beloved family and friends. 

In Memory of Ronald and Gerald Pierce

Ronald Pierce started out in life knowing that he didn’t want to be forced into anything, and that if he did something, it would be of his own free will. But early on, drugs and alcohol led his life, and for many years his life did not have any direction. In 1986 Ronald began to turn his life around and became active in a 12-step program. Ronald went to Erie Community College for two years to become an Alcoholism counselor. He received his certificate, and even though he only worked as a counselor for a short time, he touched many people’s hearts. His will and determination were strong and Ronald gave to people what was so freely given to him: love and understanding. 

Gerald Pierce started out in life not knowing who he was or what direction he wanted to go. God soon found a place in his heart and Gerald began singing for the Lord at many different churches as well as other affairs. He was regularly reading the Bible and telling people about God. Somewhere down the line Gerald let go of God’s hand for a short time and started to do worldly things; shortly after he contracted HIV. Gerald went to school to become a hairdresser. He finished school, but something was still missing. He turned back to God. Even knowing that he was going to die he was always thinking of other people and his last words were: “Keep hoping, keep praying, and keep believing.”

In Memory of James Gill

This panel was made by Jim’s partner, Paul, and friends, Bob & Yolanda.

James F. Gill was a historian and teacher. He looked at the world with a sense of child-like wonder that was both refreshing and humbling to witness. He used this sense of wonder as a spark that set him in motion. He lived life more fully than anyone else I’ve ever known. He was always willing to try something new, to go the extra mile, and he pulled you along with him. When he spoke to you, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. 

When you look at his panel, you will see reflected the many aspects of Jim’s life that were important to him; the globe represents his love of travel. At various times in his life, Jim lived in Ireland and Germany. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States. The dogs reflect his love of animals and especially our two pets. The shamrocks show his sense of pride in his Irish heritage. The angels reflect his deeply spiritual side and the small T-shirt represents the part of him that was always child-like. It also stands for the child he always wanted but never had a chance to have. Finally, the picture of the two of us shows that we will always be connected by our love. He was my best friend, my confidant, my “shelter from the storm.” He was my love and my life. He is deeply missed.

In Memory of Jeffrey

Jeffrey was and still is a very special part of my life. He showed me how truly he was different than the rest. Together, with Phil and Les, we created this panel symbolizing the special things that made Jeff smile.

The fabric we used was intended for a robe Jeff always wanted, but I never got around to making for him. The puzzle pieces represent our life together, always trying to make the pieces fit, sometimes succeeding, sometimes not. The memories within the puzzle shapes are the things that Jeff loved and that brought him happiness. Jeff and I had a thing about “white,” especially teddy bears, roses, and balloons…

And Honey…I did it!

Just as we promised each other, together with family and friends, the release of a simple white balloon drifting endlessly toward the heavens will symbolize that our love will go on forever…

Always in My Heart,

Your Lady Di  

Remembering Jimmy Smith

Anyone who was part of Buffalo’s LGBTQ community in the 1980’s knew Jimmy Smith. Ruggedly handsome, Jimmy was a popular bartender and later owned an infamous establishment on Pearl Street called Bulldog Lil’s. When the AIDS epidemic began, Jimmy was one of Buffalo’s first activists and fundraisers. Beyond all of this work, he was best known for organizing Buffalo’s annual Gay Picnic & Games, which brought together hundreds of people each summer for good food, drink, and friendly competition.

This panel was made by Jimmy’s many friends, colleagues, and family members to keep his memory alive.

In Memory of Joey

This panel was lovingly made by Joey’s parents. 

“God’s Greatest Gift” was Joey’s first baby card. Joey made his career as a hairdresser, but he also liked helping his Dad at the flea market. Scott was Joey’s last love. Kenny was a close friend of Joey’s and also a partner at Hot Locks. My son was very close to the pastors at Fairhaven Church. 

Joey died at home, surrounded by Scott, two of the pastors from Church and us. I was very lucky as a mother to have had Joey; he gave me more love in 28 years than I could have ever had in a lifetime. God answered all my prayers.

So, if God gives you this gift, 

Don’t turn him away, 

He only has AIDS, 

And wants to stay. 

Every night before he went to sleep, he said “I love you, Mom.” 

I love you too, Joey.  

In Memory of John 

This panel was made by the members of Theta Sigma Tau. 

Upon receiving John’s biography, one of our sisters composed a poem which represented his life. It was brought to our attention that he also loved rabbits and boa constrictors so we incorporated them into the panel. 

In Memory of John 

John’s panel was made by his two sisters, and his niece. The following is their description of John: 

John loved life, and enjoyed life to the fullest. John was not afraid to fight the battles of his life; his illness was one of them. JOHN IS NOW FREE. 

He was an artistic and free spirit. When John walked into the room, he filled it with excitement, love, and warmth. His free spirit and zest for life were shown through his love of sailing. JOHN IS NOW FREE TO EXPERIENCE INFINITY.

Symbolism of the Panel

• The Sun beam was to represent the light John asked us to tell him to follow when he died. 
• The dots of the Sun represent all the love John shared with us that still remains in our hearts.
• The Sail boat, for John loved to sail.

In Memory of Kathleen

We, the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority of Buffalo State College, have made this panel on behalf of the Client Services Department of AIDS Community Services of Western New York. The Director of the Client Services Department, Andrew Mattle, asked us to make a panel to remember Kathleen because her family was unable to do so. We attempted to put onto this panel some of the special loves of Kathleen. 

In a small three by three foot square, we have tried to give you a glimpse of Kathleen: her values, her loves, her joys, and just some of the elements that made Kathleen, Kathleen. 

Everything on this panel stands for a part of Kathleen:

• The Sun and its spreading rays stand for the warmth she had for all.
• The Hands and the Heart stand for the tremendous love that she had for her parents, as well as for her belief in God.
• The Black Jelly Beans – her favorite- “Only black jelly beans, I don’t like the others!”
• The Fish – for her love of Buffalo Fish Fries.
• The Little Children and Animals were her loves.

Kathleen loved people, laughter, and sunshine; we believe that this panel represents her well.

Love,

Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority

In Memory of Lalitananda Dasa

Lalitananda Dasa was a Buffalo native, born Larry Kelly. I thought of him as the Queen City’s Quentin Crisp: while a teenager in the early 70’s, he was dyeing his sandy-colored hair a pinkish color! At 16, he embraced a form of Hinduism that worships the god Krishna, and he was given his spiritual name, which means “beloved of Krishna.” Krishna is the central figure on the quilt panel; he is portrayed here as he traditionally is, with blue skin and exaggerated, almost cartoon-like features. The crown and ornate crown the figure is wearing were hand-sewn in India, to be worn on a small statuette of Krishna. The figure is flanked by the words of prayer common to that sect, “Hare Krishna.” Above the figure on the left are the pink triangles as used by the Nazis to identify homosexuals in extermination camps; to the right, the triangles are inverted, a symbol of power. 

We all knew him as Lalit (pronounce Lah-LEET) or Lal. He was wonderfully playful, yet always seemed mature beyond his years. He was unconditionally sensual, had an unquenchable zest for life, beautiful skin, a glorious smile, frequent laughter, and a very sharp mind. In his twenties he moved to San Francisco; I moved there later, and we became roommates. How very fondly I remember him heading out to South of Market in full leather and a full face of make-up –what a marvel of paradoxes he was: He was what e.e. cummings would call “a delectable mountain” – no end of surprises and mysteries.

Lal’s lover, a man named Lynn, died of AIDS about six months before Lal did. We talked regularly by phone during his last half-year (I had returned to Buffalo). He was very sad to be leaving this world he so passionately loved –not to mention his friends and family in Kenmore. But he had no fear of death: his faith in God was complete. He died at home in Brisbane, south of San Francisco. During his last hours, his sister Helen was with him. So was a member of his religion, who prayed with him, reminding and assuring him of what he already knew: that he would be welcomed into the next world with unconditional love.

This panel was made with love by Tim.

In Memory of Larry O. Newberry

This panel was made by Elizabeth R. Newberry, Larry’s mother, who provided this information when she contributed his panel to the Mending of the Hearts Project:

“During one sleepless night I decided to finish Larry’s Memorial Quilt (the idea of which had been conceived about a year earlier) and it was finished in time to display at our Ripley library for World AIDS Day, December 1, 1990. 

Each patch represents a part of Larry’s life. The long strip on the left represents Larry’s time in Los Angeles. The middle strip from top represents “The Quilt Project;” the 2nd was Larry’s philosophy on a background square of dogs representing one of his dogs; the 3rd a sign of prosecution; next his name square on a second background of dogs for his second dog. The third strip, 1st square represents Larry’s love for the holidays; 2nd square – his trip to Hawaii, 3rd – he was my Valentine’s baby, and 4th is a design that Larry created. The big square at the bottom was taken from a hanging that hung in the home. As a final note, since I intended to eventually join this panel with a larger group, I am making a memorial pillow, using some of the same material used in Larry’s memorial panel, to keep as a little part for me.”

In Memory of Lawrence T. Rose

Larry was truly the “wind beneath the wings” of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

The rainbow colors of that statement represent the pride he instilled in all of his family, friends, and students.

Larry even comforted us by saying that if this disease “got him,” to simply look up in the sky and he would be the brightest star shining down on us – and sure enough, on the day he left us, one single shining star glowed in the afternoon sky.

That star is represented on the right of the panel.

We all hope that we will be graced enough to meet him up there one day. It is this thought that sustains us in our grief…

Larry’s sister, his many friends, and family

In Memory of Linda 

This memorial panel was designed by members of Linda’s AIDS Support Group at Groveland Correctional Facility. Linda died from AIDS a few weeks before she was to be paroled from prison. 

Symbolism of the Panel 

• The green background of the panel represents the color of her prison uniform.
• The dove breaking through the prison bars represents Linda’s spirit, now free from restraints. 

Mark was one of the original members of the Sunday Morning Runners’ Club in Delaware Park. The running group eventually became Frontrunners. Mark enjoyed the outdoors and all activities that could be done there, such as biking, running, hiking, and camping. 

Mark was a registered nurse. His friends and associates from Frontrunners all share fond memories of Mark and he is sorely missed.

Symbolism of the Panel

• Mark was a Registered Nurse (RN)
• He loved the outdoors: canoeing, skating, biking, hiking (leaves/mushrooms), running (sweatpants)
• The Frontrunners shirt was like the one he proudly wore.
• The heart is for his loving spirit and outgoingness. It also represents our feelings for Mark. 
• The runner numbers are from races in which he ran and the numbers on the panel are from his friends. 
• The spoon, knife, and fork represent Mark’s love of food. “He ate like there was no tomorrow.”

In Memory of Michael

When I think of Michael I think of a strong and spirited Italian man with a sharp wit and a dynamic smile. He believed fervently in the importance of family and friends, and was dedicated to his heritage. Michael enjoyed working as an accountant for William-Jefferson Inc. (Arby’s), and juggled a part time job as a waiter for a local Italian restaurant. 

While Michael loved to travel, there was never a question where his hometown loyalties were. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and frowned on any suggestion to relocate outside the Western New York area. Although he often felt slighted by the inevitability of his future, Michael forged ahead in optimism and maintained a full time job up until the day before he passed away. His façade of stoic control was only a form of protection; if you were lucky enough to get to know Michael you couldn’t have helped but to have been touched by his warmth and generosity. 

A Catholic by denomination, Michael struggled with his faith in God but eventually came to terms with the idea that life and death should not be considered as opposites. He believed that it was closer to the truth to speak of dying as an entrance rather than as an exit and aspired to one day enter God’s kingdom. 

“Amazing Grace” was one of Michael’s favorite spiritual songs. As Michael’s partner, I have solace in knowing that he’s finally at peace, however, I continue to feel cheated by the disease that allowed us only eighteen months together. I planted a small spruce tree out in the country in memory of Michael as a sign of hope that he would continue to remain alive in my heart and soul, today and always.  He deserves to be remembered. Nothing compares to you, my friend!

In Memory of Michael Piccini

This panel was lovingly made by Michael’s cousin, Linda. 

Michael loved life, his 3 cats, and San Francisco. His birthday was Feb. 14; Valentine’s Day was so appropriate. He went through forty years of life with a smile & a helping hand. As a doctor in oncology, Michael spent his life helping others.

In Memory of Michael Roberts 

Michael Roberts was a man who loved the crystal waters and warm sun of the Caribbean, loved the rolling hills of the wine country, loved the fantasies of the kingdom of the mouse and loved chocolate ice cream, loved being “Uncle Mike,” loved his God and loved us all.

Michael dedicated his life to giving. Anyone who knew him can relate a time when he made the day a little brighter and the burden a little easier to bear. Somehow he came to a point in his life where he felt he had little left to give, so he gave the one thing he did have left – his life. “Greater love has no one than this…” Only God will judge if he was right or wrong in his belief. As for us, our lives are a little emptier in his absence, yet fuller for the moments we shared his love.

Go now, Misha, find the light.

In Memory of Patrick Guilfoyle 

This panel in memory of Patrick was made by Dennis Long and George Yoviene.

“The quilt panel shows the skyline of Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick lived in East Boston, a few blocks from where I was living at the time. I was a Franciscan Friar (Religious Brother) who wanted to “help” someone with AIDS. I became a volunteer at the AIDS Action Committee as a Buddy volunteer. I thought that I would help Patrick live with AIDS, to challenge him to value each day of his life. 

While with Patrick, I found that it was I who was learning. Through Patrick and his struggles with his illness, his humor and his crazy wit, our friendship grew and so did our sharing. Patrick began to challenge me to live my life. He taught me the value and preciousness of life, and to value each day. “Don’t start living your life or doing what you need to do tomorrow, live your life today!,” he would say to me. I returned home to Buffalo, something that I had been contemplating for years, and started to live my life for myself and not through or for others. THANKS, PAT!”

-Dennis 

In Memory of Paul and Billy 

This panel was lovingly made by Paul and Billy’s sisters. 

Paul was the third boy out of seven kids and was very much in love with Billy Dooley. 

Their favorite color was red, and Billy loved yellow roses, which is the reason for the yellow heart. The panel also includes a picture of their love, accompanied by a rose and a ribbon from Valentine’s Day, their favorite holiday, and a crystal piece for the prism colors they made and loved so much.

In Memory of Paul

This panel was made by Paul’s friend and partner, Anthony Manarina. 

Symbolism of the Panel

• Coat of Arms represents the city of Florence, Italy. 
• “Vinces” followed by 3 crosses was written in his daily diary as a prayer as the days and his disease progressed. Translation: “you will overcome.”

 Paul letters are made from cloth used for the Names Project panel. 

In memory of those who have died from AIDS

This panel is a collection of pockets designed to hold messages left unsaid.

AIDS Community Services of Western New York, Inc. invites you to leave a message for someone you know who has died from AIDS.

Each year, all the messages are ceremonially collected and burned at the AIDS Memorial Service.

In Memory of Randy

Randy and his favorite aunt, Debbie, always joked around together. 

The cards are Randy’s love of poker; he always won, too! Our family and friends get together on the weekends to play cards. This picture has Randy dealing and our family ready to lose to him!

The race car, Randy and his Uncle Buck. He always wanted to race a car around a dirt track: at 18, he finally had the chance to go a few laps.

Once we moved to the country, Randy built model rockets. He would blast them off in our backyard and then send his brother, Justin, to chase them down. Randy used to look outside and say, “It’s a beautiful rocket day.”

Randy loved our dog, Lucky, very much. Randy picked him up at the Humane Society an hour before he was to be put to sleep. That is how he got his name, Lucky.

The poems speak for themselves. Randy left his footprints on many hearts, especially mine-we were always together. I miss him very much. If I could have changed places with him and taken away all his pain, I would have done it in a heartbeat. The doves remind us that Randy is now one of God’s angels.

-Randy’s Mom

In Memory of Rick Miller

The quilt was made with love by Debby Hahn in loving memory of her brother Rick Miller who passed away from complications due to AIDS on February 19th 1995. I myself helped her design the quilt knowing all of Rick’s likes and dislikes well, as we were together for five years and eight months. We all miss him so much. 

The backing of the quilt is done in blue to match the beautiful ice blue eyes he had; his eyes were a trademark, and everyone complimented him on his eyes. The lettering and words on the quilt is his birth date of September 2nd 1959; he really enjoyed his birthday because it usually fell on Labor Day weekend. The other date on the quilt was the date of his death, a very sad day of February 19th 1995. We miss you Darlin. Darlin is an affectionate pet name he called certain people he cared about. 

The tree stands for Rick’s love of nature and change of season. He loved flowers and trees; he was a floral designer, and had quite a “green thumb.” He loved all of the seasons, we used to go walking a lot, and one of his favorite spots was Letchworth State Park. Spring and summer were Rick’s favorite seasons, aside from Christmas. The music notes stand for Rick’s love and appreciation of music; he played the saxophone. He liked all kinds of music, and his real love was Elton John—“Empty Garden” and “Blue Eyes,” he really identified with those two songs all the way to the end. His other favorite was Madonna-“Holiday;” he said that song gave him a pick me up even as sick as he was, he would move and relate to the music. Even on his last days I would play the music for him; it comforted him to the end.

The last symbol was the boat: for Rick loved boating and he was a fantastic swimmer. His sister Debby had a boat, and Rick really looked forward to going out on it when he could. Rick and I met on a boat June 23rd 1989. Rick will always be in our hearts; we will never forget you…We will see you in heaven.

Love Always,

Michael

In Memory of Robert 

Robert J. Monachino (Bobby) was an employee at Buddies Bar in Buffalo.

He loved laughter, Absolute Vodka, pizza, and carpentry. He was an awful housekeeper. He lived his life to the fullest and I miss him desperately.  

One panel was made by his friend, Bruce White. The toy soldier uniform is from a costume Robert recently wore in a play which was performed as an AIDS fundraiser. 

The other panel is filled with signatures of friends and patrons of Buddies. Each person left their own special message to Bobby. 

In Memory of Ron

Ron’s memorial panel was made by the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority of Buffalo State College.

Symbolism of the Panel

• The different fabric patterns symbolize Ron’s diversity.
• The dove represents Ron’s new, peaceful life.
• The Red Ribbon signifies AIDS awareness, while the quote used on the panel exemplifies words Ron lived by. The quote was written by Ron, and was used in his eulogy. 

Alpha Epsilon Phi

In Memory of Rosa

This panel honoring the memory of Rosa was created by the Sigma Delta Tau (ΣΔΤ) Sorority. Rosa’s case manager at AIDS Community Services asked the sorority to make a panel in remembrance of Rosa.

The sorority designed the panel showing Rosa and her three children. The heart in the background is for the love Rosa had for her children. 

The bright colors, which make the quilt stand out, represent the importance of the AIDS issue.

It is very important for everyone to recognize the importance of AIDS prevention and education, and to do something about it.

“Here is to Rosa and her three children.”

Love,

Sigma Delta Tau

ΣΔΤ

In Memory of Russell 

The top panel was made by Russell’s mother, Nancy McLoughlin.

“My son, Russell J. Digati, died of AIDS on August 6, 1989, at the Erie County Medical Center. I was at his side when he died. He fought a courageous battle before death finally came. Russell always worked in the field of social services, and through most of his career he worked with the afflicted and less fortunate, for whom he had great compassion. He graduated from Canisius College in 1970 with a BA degree in Sociology. He had a great interest in writing, music, reading, and plants. His library was very extensive, and he had a large amount of material on AIDS. At the end of his career he held the position of Supervisor with People, Inc. Russell was a very thoughtful and loving human being. He was also a very private person who kept his pain and grief to himself. He will live in my heart forever.”

The bottom panel was designed and created by friends Judy Breny, Susan Cox, Judy Barton, David Dearie, Jolene Ellis, Terry Griggs, Donald Measer, Greg Miles, Dutchie Mosley, Susan Prince, Tom Wienc.

This panel was lovingly sewn by friends of Russ who gathered at his deathbed, and who shared their love for Russ by working on this memorial as Russ worked for healing in his life. He authored the prayer that is found on this panel—and we put this prayer on the quilt because it was the best expression of Russell himself that we all knew of. Through the quiet, the memory of Russell will live on and on, as it does in the hearts of all those who love him.

In Memory of Sally

Sally’s panel was made by staff and volunteers who only knew Sally after her diagnosis of AIDS. 

Sally was a woman in her late seventies who became infected with HIV through a blood transfusion. She was unaware of her infection until she became seriously ill and had to be hospitalized. While in the hospital, Sally received the news that she had AIDS. 

Sally accepted her diagnosis – her family did not. While hospitalized, Sally was informed by her children that she could never see her grandchildren again, for fear the grandchildren could “catch” AIDS. She was also informed that she could never return home. Sally became homeless. The Client Services Department of AIDS Community Services assisted in arranging for her to live at Benedict House, a residence for persons with AIDS. Sally died shortly after her release from the hospital. Some people feel Sally died not from AIDS, but from a broken heart. 

Symbolism of the Panel

• The house – Sally’s home that she could never return to. 
• The empty rocking chair that remains empty because Sally can never return to her room to sit in it. 
• Next to the chair stands Sally’s suitcase packed with her belongings. 
• The word FORBIDDEN stands between Sally and her grandchildren, dividing them. 
• Sally’s heart –BROKEN. 

In Memory of Steven

Steven’s panel was made by his mother and father.

Steven had a very close, loving relationship with his family. His parents think of him as a kind, considerate, giving, beautiful person.

This panel is a smaller version of his panel made for the Names Project.

In Memory of Terry

This portrait represents the final moments of Terry’s courageous battle. He fought to stay with his loved ones for as long as possible. Although he was surrounded by love, this was the moment he knew he must face alone. It was time to rest, and Terry was at peace at the peak of his journey. He now welcomes the sun to warm his soul and to free him of the pain and coldness of this disease.

Terry was a clinical supervisor at several facilities serving developmentally disabled adults, including the Resource Center in Jamestown and Heritage Center in Buffalo. Terry enjoyed his work and achieved his ambition of serving people in need. 

Sadly, this service was cut short due to his illness. Terry struggled through this illness with much courage. He willingly tried each new treatment with hope that is could somehow change his life. 

Terry was a brave soldier in the battle against AIDS. 

In Memory of Tim

This panel was lovingly designed by Tim’s friend, George.

Symbolism of the Panel

• Friendship and Love Forever represent the feelings they had for each other. 
• The musical notes symbolize Tim’s love of the Arts. He supported Studio Arena, Shea’s Buffalo, and the Buffalo Philharmonic.
• The coffee cup was to George from Tim. 
• “Ged” was the nickname Tim called George. 

In Memory of Tom Hammond

Tom Hammond joined the fight against AIDS in Buffalo almost on day one as a volunteer for the Buffalo AIDS Task Force which was later renamed AIDS Community Services and is now Evergreen Health. As a therapist and gay community activist, Tom became an important part of the fabric of the newly established agency. He conducted staff and volunteer training and led support groups. 

When Tom decided to move to Seattle in 1990, it was a big loss for Buffalo and for AIDS Community Services. He packed up his van and drove across country to work with the Seattle AIDS Support Group. There, he happily began what would be the final chapters of his short life.  In 1992, Tom died of AIDS in Seattle, surrounded by his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his amazing smile and his down to earth style. His positive attitude was contagious and he was a joy to be with. One thing is certain: Evergreen Health is a better place because of him.

Remembering Tom Walker

Beloved Son, Brother, Husband, Daddy

Tom’s panel was lovingly made by his mother Donna, his sister Beth, and his two daughters, Hilary and Katelyn.

Symbolism of the Panel

• The rainbow is where Tom asked us to look for him, and it extends from New York, where he grew up, to Florida, where he settled. Tom’s favorite season was autumn, and the leaves show the children still clinging to the branch, and the others in the family are starting on their journeys – we know not where. 
• Tom loved to plant and tend flowers; they surround the family portrait showing the rainbow shirts we made together on our last family vacation. Family was the very center of his heart. His daughters drew self-portraits just like the ones they drew on his favorite T-shirt, and they wanted these to be included on this panel. 

In Memory of Wilma

This panel was made by 8th grade students in Mrs. Nochajski’s Home Economics class at Clarence Junior High School at the request of AIDS Community Services’ staff. 

Symbolism of the Panel:

• The heart symbolizes Wilma’s love.
• The River of Tears depicts a fear of the unknown.
•  The Gray Clouds portray Wilma’s relationship with her parents. 
• The two individuals depicted on the right are Wilma’s parents; the two on the left are Wilma’s sons.
• The Sun embodies feelings, brightness, and hope for her sons.
•  The Bridge signifies Wilma’s hope that her sons and her parents can be a family.