May 30, 2009
St. Stanislaus Church, Maspeth
Delivered by Dawn McNamara,
Niece of Edward Nubel

We’re here to celebrate the life of our friend, Edward Gustave Nubel, my godfather and my “Uncle Moe.” Edward Nubel was born in Elmhurst, and would have lived there his whole life had they not changed the zoning to Middle Village. And that whole time under the same roof as his twin sister, Betty.

He was a small town guy, living in a big city.

He attended local schools: PS 102, 73, and Newtown High School.

He went on to take drafting courses at Drake Business School in Manhattan. Then worked as a draftsman for a total of 32 years for both M. Rosenblatt and JCPenney where he worked primarily on store design planning.

During his 26 years with JCPenney he was very active: bowling league in Madison Square Garden; ski trips; playing softball in Central Park, attending sporting events and participating in the annual Linguini Club picnics. (A group of childhood friends that had remained in touch and became lifelong friends.)

It was when he retired that he began to pursue what turned out to be his great loves, volunteer work, singing and rooting on his favorite teams, the Mets, Jets, and Rangers.

He began delivering Ryan White Meals-on-Wheels 13 years ago. When they eventually moved to the Maspeth Self-Help Senior Center, he joined the choral group and loved participating in their recitals both at the Center and at the nursing homes they visited. He was never too busy for a recital and liked to help out the center in any way he could.

He was longtime member of the Juniper Park Civic Association and an executive board member for over 20 years. He was the one that would purchase, set up and serve the coffee and desserts at all the meetings, a relatively thankless job.

Walking around all of Maspeth and Middle Village, he had a better feel for the neighborhood than those that merely drove through it.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and worked almost every weekend taking care of the place.

His favorite though was probably the St. Stan’s choir. He had a strong faith and singing helped him express it.

What was it about him that touched us all so much? Was it his sweetness, his lightheartedness, his calming way, his silly one-liners, his undying need to help others?

He was the man that when he first met you, he made you feel comfortable immediately like he’d known you for years.

He was the man that if you asked him when the next Met game was, he’d pull a schedule out of his pocket and tell you to keep it because he had plenty more.

He was the man that even at age 60 could still hit a curve ball.

He was also the man that wore 2 T-shirts, 2 flannel shirts, a turtleneck and his Rangers jacket to an afternoon baseball game in July.

He was the man that told some pretty bad jokes but got you to laugh anyway because he was laughing so hard.

He was the man that would take you to your first baseball, hockey and football game.

He was the man that rang his neighbor’s bells just to give them enough time to get to the door before the ConEd guy rang their bell.

He was the man that sang a solo at every recital after singing with the Self-Help choral group.

He was the man that delivered newspapers to people who couldn’t get out and get it themselves.

He was so concerned for us all. He cared about his family, his friends, and neighbors, his neighborhood. And he didn’t ask for anything in return.

When you’re heading out to a store, ask a neighbor if they need anything.

When you’re in a rush, and see someone you know, take the time to stop and talk, even if it makes you a few minutes late.

When it’s a not so nice day out, and maybe you think about not going to church or doing something you were supposed to do, get out and do it.

And enjoy every minute of it because THAT was what Eddie Nubel was all about and that is how I hope you will remember him.

The following moving words were recited by Tara Tomasello, niece of Ed Nubel at his gravesite…

Uncle Moe –
I can’t even imagine my life without you –
You were always there my whole life being not just a special Uncle but a friend, a sports buddy and the kindest, most honest person anyone could ever have the pleasure of knowing – You were always a true and generous person, always putting everyone’s needs in front of your own – I enjoyed every baseball and hockey game we went to including all of the Edmonton Oiler practices to see Wayne Gretzky, every concert or show, taking all our photos of everyone, changing the water in the boiler and doing what we both loved to do, the gardening in the yard –
I will cherish every moment

You taught me so much Uncle Moe and although I cannot sing like you I promise to take care of people as you did and try to always make you proud – I will miss your knock on the door each morning and
banging on the pipe for you –

My Mom gave me a poem which she found in a book that I’ll read to everyone since it’s perfect for you –

“Some Friends Stay Forever Near Our Hearts”
As we walk our path of life,
we meet people every day,
Most are simply met by chance,
but some are sent our way.
These become the special friends
whose bond we can’t explain.
The ones who understand us and share
our joy and pain.
Their love contains no boundaries,
so even when apart,
Their presence embraces us with a warmth
felt in the heart.
This love becomes a passageway where
even the miles disappear.
And so these friends God sends our way
remain forever near.

I believe God gave you to us as a gift but has now taken you back because he needs you –
I thank you for all the times you walked Cody (your little buddy) and hope he is sitting right next to you in Heaven – Please take care of each other until I see you both again – I love you Uncle Moe – Go fly and dance and Sing with the Angels now Uncle Moe – You will be in my heart as well as many forever –