Richard Petrone: Missing Since February 19, 2005


2006 Holiday Season
Emotions run very high during the holidays. It’s painful to feel joy when your heart is so empty, but strength comes in many forms. This site has provided an oasis to those who care for these people and their families. A vital link with hope for a resolve to this tragic episode. My primary wish for the coming year is for swift discovery. A light that will shine on the truth that may give solace to those with empty hearts. There is much love here. Being able to read the feelings expressed by everyone is truely a comfort. Thank you.
Michael Nardi, December 22, 2006

Shed warmth and peace in your family and friends hearts, Rich. Let’em feel your warmth from where you are. This is all still a nightmare. Watch over us as we face the holidays. Kiss my nan, mom, dad, and the gang.
cuz’n Donna, December 20, 2006

2006 Thanksgiving holiday
Most times I know you’re coming. You’re always there in the early morning quiet of my ride to work. You’re always there on the special days that bring us all together. But today you took me by surprise.Once at work I’m usually engaged without much time for personal thoughts. But today I stepped outside for a moment as the sky began to lighten and birds chirped away in the trees and in that moment I thought where is my son…why can’t he hear the birds and share this morning’s glory.
Richard Petrone, November 22, 2006

i finished preparing the thanksgiving soup, i finished the sweet potatoes too, and then i finished crying…then i started thinking that, maybe grandmom petrone and sonsini are making dinner too, somewhere…but not here… and maybe grandpop petrone and sonsini are having a drink together with aunt maria and uncle dennis with you little rich…and i thought to myself…thanksgiving…not here…but maybe there…just maybe there…luv auntie
Aunt Lisa, November 23, 2006

From Richard’s daughter:
Dad it feels like yesterday we would be driving to mommoms singing along with bruce or heading to the park to play tennis. You taught me so many things that will carry on with me for the rest of my life. Your birthday just past but there is nothing to celebrate without you here but the memories that will be in my heart forever. There is not a soul on earth that could amount to the love I hold inside my heart for you,you are my father. my idol and my best friend. my heart will never mend until we find justice ill see you tonight in my dreams daddy.
Angela, September 22, 2006

A birthday wish:
As I stare at the ocean my mind wanders and I see you in a daydream memory. Standing at the water’s edge I see a young boy at play in the surf. You are beautiful with hair as gold as the rays of the sun and bluegreen eyes the color of the ocean. You are perfection in motion and at home in your surroundings. You never stop smiling and your joy is infectious. You seem to know everyone and everyone knows you. You are a wonder to behold as you move with the ease and grace of a young athelete. For only an instant I lose track of my golden boy and fear fills my heart. But then I see him further down the beach. He is walking and holding hands with an older man. I recognize the sweet face and loving eyes of his grandfather as they walk off into the distance away from me… away from us who are left behind. This is my dream and this is my birthday wish for you my son, that you are now safe and at peace in the warm embrace of your grandparents’ love.
Richard Petrone, August 29, 2006