Remembering Lundy 'Lee' Verdoni

Just a minute to thank you and everyone in the community for your love and support during the last few weeks. As you know my partner, Lundy "Lee" Verdoni passed away April 26, 2011 after 14 years of illness due to HIV disease.

While it was a long struggle, he arranged it with a quiet strength and dignity. He and I together--a public couple, however we were very private people. Our friends, people in the community, were shocked at his passing. But, we knew at some point that this is where we were headed.

I met Lee 19 years ago at Lizzie Bordons II, after the loss of his previous partner of ten years, Jeffrey Banniste of Fairview. We've been together since.

As a man, Lee struggled with self-acceptance and took a lifetime to find peace in his own skin.

Lee was a retired postal carrier here in Erie--the one with the great tan and nice legs delivering mail on Peach Street. After retirement, he preferred quiet pursuits such as gardening, maintaining his home, keeping salt-water fish, and spending time with his brother and sister in law, Dominic and Sharon Verdoni.

Lee is survived by his four children, Lundy Jr., Dawn, Jennifer, and Joshua, a brother Dominic and myself.

While his loss (my loss) is so large, I continue to remember all that he would tell me. Always, always be who you are, to live free and be happy.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and memories, it means so much. Thank you for the flowers--they were beautiful and thank you for allowing us to share our lives with you all. Lee had many good friends in you.

Live Free, Be Happy,

Jack

Photos

Also view photos here.