January 27, 2008 Dear Father Nick: Please accept my deepest sympathy upon the passing away of your uncle, Father Joe Mastrangelo. While I never had the pleasure of meeting your uncle in person, I remember my parents, Alfred and Michelina Retort,speaking of him as Father Joe was the priest who celebrated my parent's wedding mass in September 1953 at St. Lawrence Church in Hillsville, PA. When I told my Mom the news of your uncle's passing away she asked me to express her condolences to you also. My Dad passed away one month ago on Christmas Day and so I can empathize with you over the passing away of a loved one. I know too that Father Joe held a special place in his life for my religious sisters, the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,whom he knew from his younger days of growing up in New Castle. Please know of my prayers for the repose of Father Joe's soul and for the comfort and consolation of you and your family. May the many prayers for all of you give you strength and peace at this time. God bless, Sr. Lisa Ann Retort, ASCJ