Harry, as he was known, served in the Navy in the early to mid sixties twice on cruises to the Middle East. Although the exact cause of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Diseases is unknown, it has been recognized by the United States as a service related death because of the percentage of our men and woman who served in the Middle East and subsequentially died from the disease.

After serving his country for four years in the Navy, Harry would go on to serve his fellow citizens for another twenty years, this time in the capacity of a Police Officer in the NYPD. After retirement he moved to the Atlanta GA. area with his wife. It wasn't until 2002 that the killer who had lain dormant in Harry's body came, to stake it's claim.

Harry's two sons also served in the Navy as did his father. Only his brother, who is writing this, broke with family tradition, and joined the Army.

ALS,Lou Gehrig's Disease is a nasty way to go, but through it all Harry remained ever the warrior, never bemoaning his plight and always maintaining his sense of humor. I once asked him how he kept up such a good attitude and wasn't bitter or angry. He replied that It was just his turn in the barrel and anger and bitterness would change nothing.

He was a good man my brother Harry. His life was cut short because he had volunteered to serve his country, thus putting himself in harms way. On March 9th, 2006, after a long and arduous struggle, ALS finally defeated Harry's body but it never took his spirit.

Henry W Eginton