Posted on 07/08/2005 4:50:08 PM PDT by Texas Mom
Deceased Steelers Fan Laid Out at Funeral Home on Recliner in Front of TV, Beer at His Side
The Associated Press
Published: Jul 6, 2005
PITTSBURGH (AP) - James Henry Smith was a zealous Pittsburgh Steelers fan in life, and even death could not keep him from his favorite spot: in a recliner, in front of a TV showing his beloved team in action. Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer Thursday. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan for an unusual viewing Tuesday night.
The Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home erected a small stage in a viewing room, and arranged furniture on it much as it was in Smith's home on game day Sundays.
Smith's body was on the recliner, his feet crossed and a remote in his hand. He wore black and gold silk pajamas, slippers and a robe. A pack of cigarettes and a beer were at his side, while a high-definition TV played a continuous loop of Steelers highlights.
"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," said his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."
Longtime friend Mary Jones called the viewing "a celebration."
"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," she said. "People will see him the way he was."
Smith's burial plans were more traditional - he'll be laid to rest in a casket.
That is truly pathetic. Sorry if I seem disrespectful to the deceased or his family.
Why do you think it pathetic?
Some people want to be FREEZE DRIED and placed on a bench in their gardens ..
Pittsburgh, Once a beautiful and vibrant city, has morphed into a socialistic mecca of decay, decline, and bankruptcy....living on past glory and driven by a bunch of self serving democrat morons.
I wonder how my family will deal with the fact my "favorite spot" involves Jessica Alba and a swing.
Pictures, please.
Pictures, please.
If you are married you may enter the grave minus a body part you treasured in life.
They're gonna freeze-dry my carcass in the act of FReepin', by golly.
Why would someone want to be seen that way - wasting time watching a stupid football game? NO disrespect intended to the deceased. But to be remembered as just sitting on one's ass watching football? I hope he enjoyed his life.
Can't wait to hear what you think about my plans.
I hate going to a funeral home and watching everyone gathered on one side of the room, while the dead person is in the corner, alone. Once people pay respects, they move away from the casket and visit with other mourners.
When I die (and I have told my loved ones & it will be in writing) I will be in the middle of the room and everyone will be gathered around me. I guess you would call me the centerpiece.
I am to be sitting up (or at least not flat on my back) and a Marguarita in one hand and a cigarette in the other. T-Shirt (no bra--will not spend eternity with one of those on) and my favorite Eddie Bauer pajama shorts.
I like that idea. You could have the body wired with a speaker and prerecord some goodbye messages, like "gained a little weight there, haven't you, thunder-thighs?" or "Aunt Martha, I've had a word with the Man and you're goin' straight to Hell!" If you don't lighten up an otherwise dreary occasion, who's going to?
Whooa....Way over the top. What does this funeral have to do with socialism? As far as disrespect, exacltly who was direspected if these were his wishes and his enjoyment in life.
What's disrespectful about that? In New Orleans, they'd have held a jazz funeral; in some places, the "wake" is a huge party to celebrate the deceased's life. My own dear hubby, if he sees this, might ask for something similar--but with NASCAR on the teevee. To me, this sort of thing is more "respectful" really than having them made up like French wh*res and wearing some suit that in real life, they hated to wear.
One of my relatives died a few months ago. They did an ok job on his face, and they had him in what I suppose would be a "respectful" suit--but darnitall, I'll always remember him as a rugged outdoorsy kind of guy who loved to hunt, build things, and garden. The man in the coffin barely resembled the dear man I knew.
I'll say. Bet he is the one that came up with the idea.
It isn't hurting anyone, I'm sure the deceased enjoyed the idea before his demise, and it helped those who are grieving to cope. I have spent countless hours lurking on this site... I'm sure if my family wanted to show me as I really have been in life, having me propped up at a computer with the Free Republic forum showing would be more accurate than having me in a coffin "sleeping" - I am sure I have spent more hours on FR than sleeping ever since I found it.
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