Gentle Giant

We said goodbye to the Gentle Giant.

His presence was larger than life. When he walked into a room and everyone knew who he was. I am not kidding.

His smile was infectious and he knew how to smooth everything over.

Over the past two days, we have read and heard stories of those he helped. His BOE running mate told me a funny story about how when she changed her hair style, he said “I don’t know you,” laughing with her.

Another story from the Chairman of the BOE, we only “let Tave talk to people, he’d always fix it.”

I knew how entrenched my brother was in Newark. He loved the city and the city loved him back.

What I didn’t realize was how deep his connection was to people in the city of Newark - from the school system as a Board of Ed official, his role at the North Ward Center and with local businesses, the list can go on.

I speak for my Mom and my siblings when I write that we are humbled by the outpour of love, kindness and most of all, YOU.

YOU - the community.

You showed up last Wednesday, the day of his passing on the Zoom call.

Today, YOU, showed up at Branch Brook Park, the level of detail was incredible.

YOU shared your Tave stories with all of us.

YOU parked on the side of the road in the cold.

YOU released the doves in his name.

YOU hung the flag over the bridge.

YOU streamlined it on Facebook live.

YOU hosted us after the memorial services.

YOU showed up today.

We THANK YOU for the bottom of our hearts. We are forever grateful. We know the Gentle Giant will continue to live in our hearts and most of all, in the community of Newark.

Thank you.

Until the next,

EP