At St. Ephram’s Church in Brooklyn, the parish of Joseph Graffagnino’s
family, noon mass took place without their head usher, Graffagnino’s
father. Instead, the family spent the Sunday after Joseph’s death in
their home on 78th Street in Dyker Heights, where Pastor Donald Berran
consoled them before heading to the church.
“The family are hanging in there – they’re all together. It’s a
large family. They’re very close,” said St. Ephram’s Church Pastor
Donald Berran. “The mother told me she feels like she lost not just her
son, but her best friend. He was always there for her. He was always
sharing everything with her. They really are in shock right now.”
Pastor Berran says Monday would have been Joseph’s 34th birthday.
Now, family, friends and neighbors who grew up with the kid they knew
as "Joey" must prepare for his funeral.
“I just feel for the family now, you know. He’s in God’s hands, but
the family’s the ones that are going to feel it,” said neighbor Sonny
Soave.
Pastor Donald Berran-thank you for being there for so many people. Your job is so important and will be needed even more as times get more difficult in this country.
Blessings,
Mark