To the Zoppel family:
Please accpet my condolences on the passing of your Uncle. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many, many years as my next door neighbor in my boyhood home of Stratford. He was more than a good neighbor. He was a valued companion, a treasured friend. My life is richer for having crossed paths with his. I will always savor the many good times we had together, the many canoe trips, and annual expeditions to the woods at Christmas are foremost in my mind. He was an avid outdoorsman and shared his joy in the natural world with me.
He was a generous and gregarious man, and always had time to share a story. His stories of his boyhood, life in the depression and during the War fed my budding boyhood interests in history. We shared an ardent love of baseball, and I am still the proud owner of a ball he caught in the stands of Connie Mack Stadium in 1932 which he kindly gave to me.
On Saturday evenings he took delight in graciously besting both my father and myself on his basement pool table. I was witness to his devotion to his wife, and the patient care he provided during her declining years.
It is not possible in this short note to fully express the many ways in which he touched my life. I am, no doubt, a better man today for having been in his company. Unfortunately, my professional obligations do not permit me to pay my respects in person, but I hope that these few words may provide some small comfort at this time of loss.
Very truly yours,
Michael H. DiGenova</b></font><br><br>
