Accursio N. Aceste

Accursio (Gus) Nicholas Aceste, what a wonderful strong, romantic name that rolls joyfully off your tongue as you say it. A wonderful name for a wonderful man. The name Accursio is not that common here. It comes from the Latin "Accursius", meaning ready to help. And that certainly was Gus, he was always ready to help. Son of Giusippe and Jennifer, Brother of Francis, Husband of Karin, Father of Joseph and Jenny, Grandfather of Tiffany. As you can tell from the names, family was everything to Gus. He loved his parents, and he loved his older brother Frank. Frank lived with Gus and Karin for most of his life, Gus was always ready to open his heart and home to anyone in need ,starting with his brother. Karin was the love of his life. Married for over 50 years. He called her Pussycat or Blue Eyes. Gus's greatest joy was simply to be with Karin. Over the years they were blessed in many ways. But they also faced great hardships, terrible challenges that might have easily destroyed their love but instead it grew deeper and ever stronger. For many years Gus and Joe worked side by side, It is a wonderful blessing for a father to have a son to work with him and Gus treasured those years. Joe, you will always have those memories of the days and years you spent by Gus's side learning the business which has become your livelihood. In business as in life, following in Gus's footsteps. And now the family turns to you, Joe, to provide the leadership and strength you have inherited and learned from your father. Gus was a hero to Jenny. She saw his strength, courage, honor and dignity with a clarity that sometimes is lost through familiarity. Fathers have a special love for their daughters and Gus loved Jenny so very much, her energy, her laugh and her vivacious personality that could light up a city. In this she is so very much like her father and we rely upon her to remind us each every day. 23 years ago Tiffany arrived as his first and only grand child. She graced his later years as only a grand daughter can. He loved, nurtured and guided her as only a grandfather can. Tiffany you surely know his love for you continues unchanged or undiminished by his passing. When you have children of your own you will be able to share with them the remarkable man you called Gramdpa and it will be your joy and the family's blessing for you to pass onto them his loving spirit. To meet Gus was to like him, and to know him was to love him. He had a big heart, a firm handshake, a wide open smile, heartfelt generosity and a joyful nature. He was a beautiful, sweet man. His spirit was a light that made the world a brighter, better place. And it is his spirit that brings some comfort now in the depths of our sorrow, mourning his loss, and seeking consolation. The memory of his sweet smile, quiet strength and loving kindness relieves the darkness that sits so heavy with us now in the hours and days of his passing. His spirit will always be with us, to cheer us on and lift up our hearts. For many men this would be a fitting moment to conclude, having touched with broad strokes the outlines of Gus's life. But there is another chapter to Gus's life; the final years. And in these years as his body and mind were assaulted by a dreadful disease his spirit became even larger. With the constant care and devoted attention of Karin he never complained. Their love became a miracle to observe. A love that could not be swayed from its true course by any adversity. A love that overcame an impossible hardship, to bloom with a beauty and grace that is beyond remarkable. Their love transcended mere human capacity and lifted them to a state of pure, selfless devotion. Something only saints may aspire to attain. And as we have been privileged to witness this, we have been amazed, awestruck by its power and beauty. And having been touched by it, blessed beyond all measure. When Gus was no longer able to endure, when Karin's selfless, devoted attention could no longer hold back the tide, he passed in great peace, in silence, in the blink of an eye. And in that moment he returned to be with all those who went before him, his father Giuseppe and mother Jennifer, his brother Francis and the host of the ages. He is there now, in that better place, free from all care and suffering, joyfully awaiting the day when we shall be together with him again. Gus lived an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. And so must we, just as he wished. May the joy and beauty of his spirit be an example to us, may his kindness and sweet nature comfort us and having been blessed by his presence may we go on living, growing ever closer and more loving, just like Gus.