Local memorial service for the deceased of 2008

Family members of people who died in 2008 gathered at St. Michael’s Cemetery in East Elmhurst for a memorial service on Sunday, December 14.
The service was organized by Joseph Farenga & Sons Funeral Home, located in Astoria, at 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard.
The purpose of the service was to remind the mourning families that death doesn’t end their relationship with a loved one; it just takes it to a different dimension.
“This is a season of memories. We come together to remember those we have lost,” said Thomas Antonopoulos, manager of Joseph Farenga & Sons Funeral Home, which was founded in 1876.
The ceremony was held in the chapel of St. Michael’s, located at 72-02 Astoria Boulevard.
“In our family, all our holiday activities revolved around [my mother],” Antonopoulos said. “I’m sure we all have memories like that.”
Father John Antonopoulos, of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Astoria, said a prayer in English and Greek during the service.
“Give something from your heart and ask God to take good care of our beloved ones,” he advised. He then read the names the deceased.