Posted on 07/06/2005 8:45:18 AM PDT by Brujo
Body of Steelers Fan Viewed in Recliner
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The body of rabid Pittsburgh Steelers fan James Henry Smith, who died Thursday, was laid out this week in what his family said was his favorite spot - a recliner with the Steelers on the television.
Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan ahead for the unusual viewing Tuesday night.
Mourners stood before a small stage erected in the viewing room of the Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home, on which funeral director Roland Criswell had placed furniture, much as it was arranged in Smith's home on game day.
Smith's feet were crossed; a pack of cigarettes and a six-pack of beer were at his side. A continuous loop of Steelers highlights was playing on TV nearby, as Smith was reclined with a television remote in his hand and a Steelers blanket across his legs.
The reaction of Smith's loved ones varied.
"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58, of Pittsburgh, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Wednesday's editions. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."
"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," said longtime friend Mary Jones of Wilkinsburg. "People will see him the way he was. This is just a celebration."
Sorry dear. I just hope this won't start a new trend!
I am sure Clinton has already thought of it.
This is still more reserved than Hunter S Thompson sitting dead in a chair with his family toasting drinks over him.
Oh my.
Sort of kind of NFL ping. Some of you are already here
Pretty tacky. But if the family wanted it that way, oooookay.
...and then Americans will give him a golden shower burial
ping
Some residents of the 'Burgh live and die with football. The rest of the country wouldn't understand.
What did he do in the off season?
Yes. Could you make sure my family knows to bury me wrapped in a Steelers poster?
As I was saying to asphalt in an earlier post...I think I want to be viewed this way...only with Packer gear.
Same thing we do. Spend endless hours debating on the evolution threads. Prepare for fantasy football. Follow NFL Europe. The off-season is not as fun as the season.
Favre sucks, Favre sucks, Favre sucks...
Just kidding, I love Favre. The Packers are okay. I'm guessing you've read his autobiography?
Sure thing. Do they sell a Steeler's coffin? There's a company that makes an official Packer coffin, but I understand it's hideously expensive.
Your offseason comment...the radio ads being run for www.packercountry.com say there is no offseason...
Yeah, yeah. But it's not as interesting as during the season
Oh...forgot something. There really is no offseason. It's freakin July and I just now changed my computer desktop from a picture of Bubba Franks running a touchdown to a painting of a P-51 Mustang...and I'm still expecting my wife to say "Put Bubba back up there!" Offseason? We don't need no stinking offseason!
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