In Mt. 22:36-40, Jesus was asked: "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" And, He replied, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

People who consistently show Christian Values in their everyday dealings with other people, are few and far between. Next week, my friend, Dr. Francis J. Dermody, a local Dentist (70) will be buried. He is with the Lord now, of that I have no doubt, as he was a genuine person, a wonderful man who "never met a stranger†," and once he met you, you were his friend for life. "He worked hard to make the world a better place by generously sharing his time, talent and treasure to further God's mission on earth.†"

I moved to Vero Beach in the winter of 1987 and joined St. Helen Catholic Church. After a few years of getting to know people, I first met Dr. Frank in Youth Ministry. I was amazed at his ease and comfort he had in dealing with people, and teenagers in particular. After 6-8 months, I felt I could not contribute much and left this ministry; working with young people was never my thing, but Dr. Frank excelled in this area. In fact, it became evident that he got along with everyone, because he took time to listen to others and then to act as appropriate. He was a compassionate person always making time for other people.

Frank served as a Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and served in Church, and at the hospital and nursing homes. There our paths crossed again as I served with him many times in the hospital (where visits are usually made as a team of two, then each minister taking a certain floor or area in the hospital). He always had a good word for me, always with a smile, always upbeat. It was always a pleasure to share time with him and then I'd look forward to the next time.

Dr. Frank was involved in many ministries and activities in the Parish. One of those was to help people who were in need. I have often trouble getting around, due to medical problems, and seeing a need, one of our Deacons, enlisted the help of several people he knew and their wives or friends, and one Saturday morning, this group of wonderful people arrived at my doorstep, with vacuums, brooms, cleaning materials, and set about cleaning my small house which was a mess. I'm a bit of a packrat and it got out of hand! Dr. Frank was among these fine people and he worked hard, cleaning, organizing, and generally spreading good cheer, to help me out. And, from time to time after this blessed event, he'd stop me and ask if the place was still in good shape. I wish I had been truthful with him the last time he asked, just two weeks before he passed away, and it was tolerably OK but could use some reorganizing on my part, which I am beginning to do, the last few days and next week. I just didn't want to worry him. Forgive me, Frank.

He was just a year older than me. Seeing people go, and there have been several this past week and earlier, whose paths crossed with me, gives one pause. It means that the end is coming nearer. Only God knows when He'll call us to Himself, but when so many friends leave us, it leaves a void in the heart. Among these were many great people, great like Dr. Frank, people who would not hesitate to help their sisters and brothers, true Christians in every respect.

Dear Lord, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the soul of Your faithful servant, Francis, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Please bless and guide his family and all his friends and extended family, solace and peace. Amen

Fred Schaeffer, SFO, 2/21/2010

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† From Dr. Dermody's Obituary