Michael A. Uvanni

In Loving Memory of

3/13/1977 - 10/01/2004

    Sgt. Michael A. Uvanni, 27, of Lynch Street, Rome, New York, died October 1^st, 2004 in Samarra, Iraq. He was born March 13^th, 1977 in Rome, the son of Kevin and Janet Boncella Uvanni. He was a 1996 graduate of Rome Free Academy.
    Mike joined the Marine Corps in December of 1996 and served as mortar man until December 2003. In January 2004, he joined the New York Army National Guard's 2^nd Battalion 108th Infantry where he was serving as a mortar man. He was killed in Samarra during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
    Mike also worked with his uncle and cousin, James and Matthew Boncella, steel construction business.
    While at RFA, Mike was 2^nd team All-League Defensive End for the football team. He loved riding his Anniversary Edition Night Train Harley-Davidson and collecting tattoos. Growing up, Mike had a beloved dog, Bunky, a cat, Baby, and recently D.O.G. (Diogi).
    Surviving besides his parents, are his maternal grandmother, Helen Boncella, Rome; Paternal grandfather, Edward (Dick) and Amy Uvanni, Rome; paternal grandmother, Eileen and Leo Wierzbicki, Rome; special friend, Heather; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Chester Boncella.
    A mass of Christian burial was held on Saturday, October 9^th, at St. John the Baptist Church. Interment took place in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.
    Contributions in Mike's memory may be made to the Rome Humane Society.

Michael's family was presented with three medals
in honor of their fallen warrior,
including the New York State Medal of Valor,
the U.S. Military Bronze Star
and the Purple Heart.

Eulogy for a Hero

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the Gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

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