Bob Viccari uses Dom Viccari poem to write song remembering his parents

ELLWOOD CITY − Bob Viccari was inspired to write a song of love and hope based on his Uncle Dom Viccari's memories of family.

The song "Tears and Goodbyes" became a message of love and hope.

When Dom, who died April 11, was confined to his bed, his mind ranged far and wide with thoughts of family and community.

More: Not Forgotten: How Dom Viccari dedicated his life to his family and his community

Because Bob Viccari's work as a cement contractor is seasonal, he was able to spend time with his uncle.

"One day, Uncle Dom said he was thinking of my parents' passing and had written down his thoughts," Viccari said.

Dom wrote: "They kept us apart - We each had a room. 'I could not see you,' they said. It's too soon. I felt so alone without you by my side. Is it real or just in my mind. Now I'm lying beside you and holding your hand. The words I can't say but you still understand. Although you can't tell me, your eyes say the words. God's love is affirmed."

These words became verses one and two.

The message was clear to Viccari who lost his parents, Bobby and Patty, a day apart in 2020.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Bobby and Patty were taken to the hospital and placed in separate rooms.

"No one could go see them. It was very hard. When we knew my father was dying I called the hospital and demanded that they be put together," Viccari said.

On Dec. 17, 2020, the beds were placed side by side and Patty was able to hold Bobby's hand as he died. On Dec. 19, Patty died and her son, Bill, was with her because he had COVID.

"When I read Uncle Dom's poem, I could see it had a rhythm, and I knew it could be a song, but I just could not make it work. Finally, I gave up," Viccari said.

A few days later, Viccari was in his music room looking through a box of cassettes that he and his friend Richard DeSanzo had worked on years before. DeSanzo died in 2005.

"I'm just looking and listening and there it was. The melody was there. It was the God moment." Viccari said.

Viccari wrote the third verse. "God took you first to make a place.  Then he whispered 'come to me.' And see my face - together forever with you by my side - there will be no more tears or goodbyes."

The chorus affirms the hope. "No more tears will we cry. Now there is only happiness in these eyes - with God's love we know no more tears or goodbyes."

"Tears and Goodbyes" is a song anyone who has suffered a loss can identify with. The song voices the universal emotions of loss and grief, love, and hope.

The song was recorded with Viccari singing and playing bass, brother Bill on the drums, and Adam Soergel on guitar.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1979, Viccari, a singer and bass player, had a career playing with a number of groups. 

More: Cancer diagnosis led to music change for Ellwood City's Bob Viccari

Viccari lives in Ellwood City with his wife, Carolyn, and they have two daughters and five granddaughters.

Currently, Viccari is the leader of the First Baptist Missionary Church band in Chewton that plays on Sundays and backs up the choir.

For 18 years, Viccari coached in the Ellwood City Girl's Softball League when his daughters, Nikki and Brianna, were playing.

After a seven-year break, Viccari is coaching again as his 8-year-old granddaughter is playing.

"Now with granddaughters, I may be starting the whole cycle over again," Viccari said.

Stay informed: Download the Ledger app at https://app.adjust.com/ze3yszy?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fcm.ellwoodcityledger.com%2Fsubscriberguide%2F%23apps.