+ In Memory of Tasie (Florin) Bronca

On January 19, 2000, in a Northridge Hospital, a beloved brother, TASIE BRONCA passed away unexpectedly. (The following is an eulogy, as presented by the family for this publication).

Tasie Bronca was born on July 28, 1930, in Bucharest, Romania to Maria and Costica Bronca. Along with his siblings, Florica and Gheorghe Bronca, Tasie led a humble yet peaceful life up to the age of twelve when one day he came home from school only to find his own father had passed away.

From then on, Tasie took over the roll of his late father. He would carry blocks of wood and helped to build railroads throughout Romania in hopes of pocket change so he could buy a loaf of bread for his mother, sister and brother. He only wore hand-me-downs and his shoes, if he had any, were often three sizes too big, but he accepted this all with a grain of salt and kept his head up.

After high school, since he could not afford to go to college, he decided to join the Romanian army. While in the army, he excelled in athletics, particularly bobsledding, boxing, swimming and diving.

At the age of thirty, he started the Academy of Economics in Bucharest and six years later, he graduated with a masters degree in economics. During college, he met Viorica Paraschivescu and together they had a son, Madalin. After twelve years, the two decided to divorce due to un-reconcilable differences.

On May 7, 1974, Tasie Bronca met Gabriela Ungureanu on the way to work. Since that day, they were inseparable. On July 20, 1974, they were wed in Bucharest, Romania. Tasie and Gabriela were soul mates. Through good times and many more difficult times, Tasie was Gabriela's source of strength and support.

On March 6, 1977, Robert Bronca was born to Tasie and Gabriela. A devastation to them both, but it was Tasie who promised to dedicate his entire life for Robert.

Against all odds and hopes for another child, Carmen Bronca was born on August 4, 1978. She soon became her father's little angel. He adored her and Robert and always made sure they had all the best that life had to offer.

During those times, Tasie realized that Romania was not the place where Robert would be provided with a decent life. In 1979, at the age of forty-nine, he left Romania and his wife and children behind, to go to America to start a new life with nothing but the clothes on his back. For one and a half years, Tasie worked in fields and built houses to save enough money to bring his wife and children over. In February of 1981, Tasie had saved enough money to bring Gabriela, Carmen and Robert over.

From then on, Tasie, the head of the Bronca family, did everything he could in his power to provide his family with enough love, warmth and comfort. He fought to put Robert in ail the best schools during a time when children with Down Syndrome were seen as social misfits. Tasie also fought for his daughter Carmen. He would drive her to and from school, ice skating, volleyball, and swimming practice and made sure that if there was one fan to cheer her on, it would be him. Tasie adored Carmen.

Tasie also got Robert involved in the Special Olympics which he volunteered for the past six years and taught Robert how to ride horses, swim, and many years ago: walk. Gabriela had her share of pains and difficulties but she had comfort in knowing that Tasie was always by her side to hold her, kiss her, wipe away her tears, and to say, "Gabby, it's going to be okay'. Tasie was & will always be her guardian angel.

After two weeks of struggling in the hospital, God decided it was time to take Tasie back to be with him in heaven on January 19, 2000. Although he physically left behind Gabriela, Carmen and Robert, he will never truly be gone because he forever lives in their hearts and in everyone else's who ever had the true honor of meeting Tasie Bronca.

He was the most caring, genuine, optimistic, funniest, most loving and loyal man, and will never be forgotten. May God ease his journey into heaven and let him rest in the most beautiful... most sunniest... most peaceful garden in heaven.

The Wake & Funeral services were held (February 3 and 4 respectfully) in the church of the Holy Trinity, by Fathers Constantin Alecse, Gregory Sufchuk (St. Innocent OCA church) and deacon Vasile Simonca. Condolences to the family and may God rest his soul in peace.

A Message from Carmen To Tasie:

Daddy, I adore you and all my life I could not let you know how much I truly loved you. You did everything for me. You were my teacher, my guardian, my strength, and above all, my sunshine. I will always miss you and promise you that everything I do from now on is for you. I want to make you proud of me and hope that every time 1 look up at the sky, I see you smiling down on me. I love you daddy.