February 6, 2023

 

FRED FISCHER

 

Fred died.

Years earlier, he must have had some money,

so he went to a funeral parlor [great name] –

and put down money for his funeral  - 2 days -

afternoon and night – a church service and

a burial.  Paid for all in full. Back around 1950.

Fred outlived everyone in his family – everyone

he knew on the Lower East Side of Manhattan –

and everyone he worked with way back when.

At his funeral there were only 4 people: two nuns

who used to visit him – clean his apartment –

do his shopping – and two priests who use

to visit him.  I was one of the two priests.

Easy visit. Nice visit. I’ve done hundreds

of funerals – but Fred’s back around 1968 -

I remember the most. Why?

 

© Reflections Andy Costello