Alex Thomas DiPaolo, only child of John and Kelley DiPaolo, of Chattanooga, but formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, died unexpectedly Sunday, Feb 28, 2010, after experiencing a seizure.

He was only grandson to Leroy Everhart and the late Peggy Everhart. Grandson to Sue and Armand Dipaolo Sr. Nephew of Rick DiPaolo and family; adopted Family of Aunt Olive, Travis, Steven, Zach, Tori, Shandi, Betty Phelps, Bill Earhart, Timmy Ries and many others he and we loved dearly.

"Ode to The Boy"

As each of you knows, more than Alex, we called him "The Boy."

He was our one and only. A miracle when there was not to be one. He wanted more than anything to be a Marine. He loved the old veterans. He loved America. He loved ROTC.

His name means "friend of Man" He was just that. His friends called him "The Boy" too.

He was always for the underdog, the oppressed. He had a sensitive spirit for a big man.

He had ghosts that haunted him and losses more than any 20 year old should know.

He loved and prayed and memorized scripture with his best friend "Aunt Olive"

He loved music, guitar and to sing.

He loved his "Big dog" and "Puppy Roo"

He thought his Dad was an intellectual Genius and they spent many scientific hours deciphering life. He helped his Dad start a new company when an old way of life faded away.

They often cruised with music so loud, they both said "HuH?" for a week. They fought over; "no that's my CD" The quest for the perfect guitar was endless.

The Baritone Sax was just his size and the marching band and the friends it yielded remain today.

The Boy at 20 loved space and engineering and philosophy and "South Park".

He called his Mom Punkin head and spaceship and laughed and made fun of her singing.

We butted heads sometimes and he thought I worried too much. He hugged her a lot then Dad called him bucket head and we watched Family Guy and Survivor and laughed like there were no cares in the world. Like tomorrow would always be there.

He hugged us tight when we met and every night, tight like he really meant it.

He said I love you on every call unless a chick was there and even then sometimes.

He had hopes and dreams of fast cars and the place "out back" and "I'll take care of you guys" as if forever was guaranteed.

He was finally happy with the world and his life and felt free to enjoy it. He still planned to be a Marine and realized he missed college and wanted to go back. He had no pain or fear in the end. Though tough outwardly, he declared his faith in the assembly at 16 and God judges the intent of the heart. He testified in the tabernacle at 13 and felt God's presence there. He like us all wrestled with what might be. Know knowing what is,

We believe the scripture that says, "Weep not for these that have have died as if they no hope, for it is we that are left to mourn...

But indeed we do have hope and yes we will mourn but the hope of a gathering of all those that have gone before is ever our strength. Joy cometh in the morning.

Until we meet again our dear Boy...

You have the ultimate healing. You are finally Home Free.

Love Mom and Dad 2-28-2010