Eulogy to my Father
In loving memory
Shinan Antonio Pereira
Born November 27,1922
Died July 16,1999
Most of you here are part of our extended family and have been with my father for many, many years. I want to take this opportunity to share with my blood family and with you my feelings about my father and his accomplishments in life.
I look at my father in this coffin and know that a part of him, his spirit, will never die because he is in each and every one of you. This time should be more of a celebration of his life rather than a mourning of his death. A celebration because he is not suffering anymore. He is not coughing. He is not breathing heavily. He is not wearing an oxygen mask. He is truly free.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take advantage of 5 rare and precious hours of quiet time on the flight over here from California. My initial intentions were to catch up on work that I needed to finish for my office and as I sat back and finally relaxed I found comfort in reflecting on life with Dad over the past 48 years. I thought of all that had occurred over the years and how our family‘s closeness has always remained throughout. I realized that Dad did not change as much as I had changed in my appreciation of his accomplishments and acceptance of him and his love, as I grew older.
I remember calling out to him as a child in the middle of the night for comfort until mom got home from singing and my father always being there for me. I looked forward to our weekend trips to the museum and the zoo. I will never forget the infamous trip to Florida with my sister, Lenore (who is a research scientist and could not be here tonight because she is lecturing in Boston), the dramatic readings on the Christmas tape, the “Where’s my music?” phrase and so many other
priceless treasures as precious as the gleam in his eyes when he smiled.
I appreciate his character.
His sense of humor is what comes to mind first and makes me laugh. Linda and Lenore were always his best audience, but Tony and I have it in our genes.
His admirable dedication, determination and discipline has influenced my life tremendously and helped give me the strength to believe in myself. This tenacity was passed on to all of us.
His absolute love of animals, which was passed on to Linda.
His appreciation of the arts was passed on to my sister, Lenore.
His musical talents were passed on to me.
His passion to create, build and express himself with pride and dignity through his work has been passed on to my brother, Tony.
My father leaves behind his first love and mother of his children, Nicole.
His second wife and companion, Eileen.
His four children Lenore, Elissa, Linda and Tony.
His eight grandchildren; Jessica, Cynthia, Alicia, Matthew, Charissa, Elizabeth, Krista and Andrea
and all of you who have learned from the Master.
It is said that a man is judged by the legacy he leaves behind and by all those whose lives have changed as a result of knowing him. My father dedicated his life to teaching, instructing, motivating, and disciplining all those who were ready and willing to learn. He served as a mentor to all and was honored and recognized by the Mayor of the City of New York for his accomplishments and contributions to the community.
My father achieved major goals in his life, but what I admire most is that his dreams never died. They will live on in all of you.
He is known as Shinan or The Professor. I only know him as dad and I am proud to have had him as a father and I am proud to be his daughter. May you rest in peace in Christ’s name forever.
Elissa Pereira
I would like to extend my gratitude to all those who have remained loyal to the art and who have made my father’s passion your own. My condolences to all of you who have also lost a father in him. Please continue his work with dignity, discipline, truthfulness and compassion for one another.
