Re: Petito-A Note from Gail Petito

April 28, 2000

Dear Gail,

My heart and prayers go out to you. I personally did not know , but I

knew that without him many people with NF2 would still be stuck in chaos,

anger, and confusion about their disease.

Through the NF2 Review he was able to bring together a group of people with

diverse backgrounds with a commonalit y of NF2. For that, I and many people

will always be greatful.

My sincere condolensces for your loss. God Bless.

Mark

----Original Message Follows----

Well, God help me, here it is for the remaining Update list and the Crew:

Dearest Friends,

After a long and hard-fought battle with pneumonia, Petito, my beloved,

passed away Wednesday, April 26th, in the afternoon. If his spirit alone

could have been enough to overcome this, he would be home right now, in my

arms. His body was just too weak to fight anymore. Now he is in the arms of

his Jesus. God gave me 's hand in life, in marriage, six years ago ...

now I have to give it back. And although Heaven is the sweeter for it, well,

this world, my world, seems a lot grayer now.

Please forgive the delay in telling you ... pain is a very debilitating

thing, especially when it's of the heart. With the help of dear friends we

have tried to contact as many people as possible personally, only to realize

that to continue to do so would cause even more delay, thus this posting.

Forgive me also if I have been unable to be the first with word to you about

this.

I cannot tell you how much each and every one of you meant to . And

is very big-hearted - he shared all of you with me. The friendships and love

that filled his life could never be measured. What gifts you all are ... yes

YOU. You made a difference in 's life, as he made a difference in yours.

Lee Iacocca once said, " My father always used to say that when you die, if

you've got five real friends, then you've had a great life. " Thanks to

you, had a tremendously wonderful life. Thank you also for the

loving support sent my way. and I are a team, but I felt as if we had

alot of people signing up to join with us.

's wishes, after organ/tumor (for research) donations, were that he be

cremated and for his ashes to be scattered out in the desert, close to the

cabin his father had built many years ago. In the back of the cabin is a

mini-mountain called Goat Mountain. There is a cross on top of that hill,

and he asked that his ashes be scattered at the foot of the cross. Growing

up, before NF2 began its dirty work, he would often climb it along with his

brother and cousins, and it was just a good memory for . We will be

having a memorial service for on May 7th, with the location not yet

decided. We will keep everyone posted.

Life is so precious. Give your loved ones a big hug and kiss for and

me. Take care. We love you.

- Mrs. Gail Petito

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April 28, 2000

Dear Gail,

After wiping away the dears of sadness that your post evoked, I must tell you

that was so very lucky to have you by his side. It seems that you had a

very special relationship, deep and wonderfully true. He was a terrific man

with a unbeatable spirit except for the multiple physical compliations he

faced---too much for the best. Gail, you are a very courageous woman and

wrote eloquently of your beloved. My prayers for that memories of will

keep you strong through this time. You have the love and supportof the Crew

for sure. I reiterate my earlier offer, can I do anything to help you 'cuz I

am not to far? Let me know. Love, Vicki

April 28, 2000