By Howard Koplowitz
Warren Hance, devastated by the death of his three daughters in a crash on the Taconic Parkway, urged mourners packed into a Floral Park church Thursday not to take their children’s lives for granted.
“Love your children, cherish your children, kiss your children. And don’t ever forget,” said the visibly distraught Hance, who was comforted by family members and helped down the steps at the altar at Our Lady of Victory during the funeral for his girls – Emma, 9; Alison, 7; and Kate, 5 ; his sister Diane Schuler, 36, and his niece Erin Schuler, 2.
Floral Park, L.I. residents packed the church and an overflow room was flooded with mourners. Neighbors assembled at Veterans Square opposite the church to listen to the funeral over loudspeakers.
In remembering his daughters, Hance said Emma had an “inquisitive mind” and was the “protective mother hen” for her younger sisters and Alison was the one with an infectious smile. When he asked who was the most beautiful girl in the world, he said Kate would always answer, “It’s me, daddy.”
“No 5-year-old should ever look in the mirror that much,” he said of Kate to light laughter in the congregation.
Schuler, of West Babylon, L.I. was driving the wrong way Sunday afternoon on the Taconic Parkway for 1.7 miles when she struck another vehicle, killing herself and the four passengers in her car. Yonkers residents Guy Bastardi, 49 his father, Michael Bastardi, 81; and Daniel Longo, 74, a friend of the Bastardi family, were also killed in the accident.
Schuler’s 5-year-old son, Brian, whom Hance called the “miracle” in the middle of the tragedy, survived the crash and was expected to lead a “normal life,” Hance said.
Hance told of his family’s strong ties to Floral Park. His great-grandfather moved to the village about 100 years ago, both Hance and Schuler grew up there and Schuler has lived in Floral Park throughout his life.
Hance said his great-grandfather made “the right decision” by settling in Floral Park after Hance received heartwarming support from village residents in the wake of the tragedy.
“When you see us on the street, don’t look the other way,” he told his neighbors, noting that they did not have to offer any more condolences and thanked them for rallying around his family.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
