Alexander Mark Zupsich

West Point, 1969

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Bill Bahr, USMA '69 on February 17, 2011:

From the classmate Forum posting on the funeral services for Alex Zupsich: Gentlemen: FYI, USMA '69 attendees at some or all of classmate Alex Zupsich's funeral events last Friday included Charlie Adkins, Bill Bahr, Jim Hillebrand, Paul Kessenich, Ed Lachey, Tim Rucker, and Jim Wire. At the mass, Tim Rucker gave a no-notes, beautifully heartfelt eulogy (which I hope he'll reconstruct and post on Alex's West-Point.org web-page). Father Guiney and Alex's American Legion Post Chaplain also eulogized Alex. The burial of ashes ritual in an outdoor chapel, overlooking a snowy glen amidst columbariums and graves, included prayers and a military honor guard's flag ceremony, rendition of taps, and a three-volley rifle salute in the crisp winter air. The wake was at Alex's former-wife Carolee's warm and lovely home. A collage of Alex's photos and eulogies scrolled by on large TV screen. A sumptuous buffet table and bar were near a memorial table for Alex, where photographs and candles were complemented by a pack of cigarettes and an opened can of his favorite Coors beer. Also on the table was a typed, personal eulogy to Alex from yours truly. In closing, Alex's daughter Gina, joined by his daughter Mara and son Andrew playing the guitar, led the group in singing "The Parting Glass." Gina mentioned one of Alex's favorite sayings (the motto of NH -- where they had once lived), to which we toasted: "Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils." In so honoring Alex, his family and friends certainly left a moving testament to his life. Funeral card: "In loving memory of Alexander M. Zupsich. Entered this life January 8, 1947. Entered eternal life January 20th, 2011. Funeral mass held at St. Domitilla Catholic Church, Friday, February 11th, 2011 at 10:00 am. Officiating, Rev. John Guiney. Internment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Section 9A -- Grave 740. -- "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson. Grip hands! BRTTBOTL, Bill Bahr

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