In Memoriam

An unbelievably loving husband of almost 49 years to Audrey, father to Cyndi and Jared and friend to so many lives he touched. He was diagnosed in the summer of 2018 with small cell lung cancer. He set out to battle this and never gave up. Every side effect, every bump in the road, he took with stride and determination.

Marty, as everyone knew him loved the simple things in life. He spent every day with his wife, they were inseparable, and every moment with his children was special and never enough. His kind disposition and smart wit were just two of his amazing qualities. If you were in his presence, you felt comfortable immediately, that was just the kind of man he was, easy going and loving.

If you’ve read this far thank you for honoring him this way. And while you’re at it, throw on some Sinatra, Tony Bennet or Jazz, root for the NY Giants or Mets, order up a burger with well done fries and look up at the night’s sky and stars – those were some of his favorite things.

Born with the gift of laughter—Always in our hearts.

John Doll served a remarkable 35 years at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rising from a junior patent examiner to the Commissioner for Patents in 2005. Before retiring in 2009, he was appointed Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the USPTO. While serving at the USPTO, John was responsible for approving patents for cancer drugs, some of which were used to treat his particular type of lung cancer mutation after he was diagnosed in January 2019.

John was an energetic, charismatic man devoted to family and friends. He loved boating, scuba diving, yard work and tinkering with his 1967 Corvette. His favorite times were spent on family vacations with his wife, three children and four grandchildren. His quick wit, easygoing and welcoming attitude made him a friend to everyone. He volunteered regularly at church and other events and was a generous contributor to many charities. After his lung cancer diagnosis, he became an active advocate for lung cancer research. His story was featured in June 2020 National Cancer Survivors Day video presented by the LCRF and also in a video in November 2020 celebrating LCRF’s 15-year anniversary celebration. His passion for lung cancer research and generous contributions to the LCRF made an impact. He will be greatly missed.

Barbara was diagnosed with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer on August 25, 2011. She lost her battle with this dreaded disease only 56 days later.

Barbara raised two children all on her own and retired in her career as a Real Estate Appraiser. She was the kindest, sweetest and most thoughtful mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her smile lit up the world!

Our donation and support of LCRF is in her honor so that life-saving research and treatment options become available to other families. Our mother was an angel and was taken from us much too soon.

Josephine Finnie Glenn was born on December 30, 1943 and without much time for family and friends to prepare for the void that would be left, she gained her heavenly wings on February 22, 2021. Mom was very health conscious, she ate a well-balanced diet, walked two miles every day and never missed an annual physical—she did everything by the book. Her diagnosis of cancer was a shock to all who knew and loved her.

She went to work as usual on December 27, 2020; although she was not feeling well. She left work early and went to an urgent care facility. The doctor was concerned and told her to immediately go to the hospital. When she got to the hospital she was admitted, given oxygen, and had fluid drained from her right lung. On or about January 1, 2021, the hospital confirmed a diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer. She made the decision to go on Hospice as the treatment plan would have been far more aggressive than she wanted to endure. It was a quality-of-life choice. Less than two months later she took her last breath.

She had such a generous spirit, a pleasant personality and was loved by many. We wanted her memory to live on through lung cancer research. Our hope is that any innovation in lung cancer research will give future patients extended time with their family and friends.

A native New Yorker, born Faye Marie Milazzo in Manhattan, she moved to Staten Island in her thirties to start a family with her husband, John – whom she met while getting her hair styled for a work gala at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. Being her bold, bright self and at the risk of seeming too forward (which was not really something she was concerned about), Faye Marie asked her handsome hairstylist, John, if he wanted to be her date at the gala that night – and the rest is history. Faye Marie was always the life of the party and enjoyed hosting sing and dance parties often, even if it was just her and her daughter, Nicole. “She was my best friend – my biggest fan and my greatest critic, which shaped the person I am today. We enjoyed shopping together, watching TV and seeing shows on Broadway. I miss her more and more every day that passes.” Through fundraising and awareness efforts and events, Nicole is able to focus on the amazing memories with her mom, and stay positive for other families facing a lung cancer diagnosis and journey. She also finds solace knowing that her mom is proudly watching over her and her daughter. While Gracie Faye never met her grandmother, she will always carry the gift of her name. The continued love and support from family, friends, and the lung cancer community, gives Faye’s family the strength to remember her smile, laughter and passion for living life.

In the time after her diagnosis, Erika quickly realized that she needed to be living her best life everyday. During a girls’ weekend she was surprised with matching shirts that said “Best Life” on them. This inspired her to design a “Live Your Best Life” themed shirt for an upcoming event. The design was so well-received that she decided to sell them as a fundraiser for lung cancer research.

The success of this fundraiser helped Erika see the potential giving opportunities available selling merchandise and holding events using the “Best Life” mantra. This is what inspired her to start yEAHbestlife as a brand and non-profit dedicated to fundraising for lung cancer research. She expanded her offerings of merchandise focusing on her theme and made yEAHbestlife.org the home of all of her fundraising efforts and she became a fierce advocate for lung cancer research and awareness.

As Erika herself said:

yEAHbestlife is the culmination of Erika’s dream – to give lung cancer a voice and create an entity to support life saving research and start a legacy of giving and advocacy. The yEAHbestlife team is committed to honoring that legacy by following Erika’s example of advocacy and giving.

Felice Lipit Jentis was only 39 years old when she lost her life to lung cancer. Like many others with a lung cancer diagnosis, she had no symptoms. She never smoked, ate a well-balanced diet, and did everything by the book. Yet, just 32 days after diagnosis, she was gone.

That was nearly 15 years ago. Back then, there were no options for her. No clinical trials, no targeted therapies, and no Hail Mary pass. It was unacceptable, and my family vowed to make a change.

Since the day she died, her family has channeled our grief by investing in lung cancer research. Her memory lives on through the remarkable science that continues to provide patients with new treatment methods and extended survival.

These many years without Felice have been tremendously difficult. But her loved ones are inspired by the promise that research provides, we have been inspired by the groundbreaking outcomes.

Jackie cherished his friends and family. He was the glue that connected us. Tirelessly giving time and energy to those he loved. Even during his battle, he was constantly trying to give and support others. The impact he had will continue to live on through us. His light and presence is sorely missed.

I don’t really know how any of this is supposed to work. I guess most of us don’t. But, I’ll just start off by saying my mom was a good person. That’s it – she was just a good person. Every room she walked into lit up by her laugh, her sometimes very nosy questions, and her love for everyone she met. She had a personality of a firecracker and I like to think that that is one of the main things she passed down to me and I can only hope to turn into at least half the woman she was.

Our mom was a mom to every single one of our friends – welcoming them with a kiss on the eyeball that was so hard you’d be blind for a few seconds after she finally stopped hugging you. Even beyond being a mom though, she was a friend. She was always down for gossip, she was always ready for a drink, and she was always the first one to dance. So, if you remember anything about her, please don’t remember the cancer and the sadness, but remember her love of life and fun.

I could go on and on about how amazing she was as a mom, a friend, a cheer coach (even though she only did it to make everyone laugh), a daughter, a wife, and beyond, but I honestly don’t think anything will do her enough justice.

I love you mom – high as the sky, deep as the ocean. I can’t wait until we can meet again.

Kathy Mecca was an incredibly caring and loving wife, mother, and friend. Her dedication to laughter, love, and family will live on through her memory. She will always be our sunshine.

The world was moving she was right there with it and she was
The world was moving she was floating above it and she was
And she was

Nancy Sue Schpero, of Orange, CT, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2021 in the company of her family after an extraordinarily brave fight with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Warren Chapman and daughter to Edith Schpero and the late Morton Schpero. Nancy was the loving mother of David (Megan) Chapman, Paul Chapman, Martha Chapman, and James Chapman. She was a proud Mimi (grandmother) to Maya Chapman and Luke Chapman.

Nancy is survived by 4 siblings: Dr. Mark (Lynne) Schpero, Dr. Jeffrey (Molly) Schpero, Davida (Steven) Pepe, and Amy (Michael) Greenberg, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Ann (Burton) Kaplan.

Born in Derby, Connecticut on June 10, 1953, Nancy graduated from Amity Regional High School and then attended George Washington University earning a BA and MA in Early Childhood Education. After raising her family she spent many years as an instructional aide at Race Brook School in Orange.

Nancy’s husband and children meant the world to her but her generosity and kindness transcended her family to friends, acquaintances, even people she just had met. Always putting everyone before herself, Nancy was passionate about helping people in any way she could, especially during their times of need. She was always on the move, whether it was running with friends, taking care of household errands, babysitting for many children or mentoring BBYO teenagers. She loved seeing her grandchildren who absolutely adored her and loved the trips to the National Zoo in Washington D.C. every time she visited. All the while she captured just about every moment with her ever-present camera. She will be missed by countless individuals as she touched so many people in so many different ways and was always the brightest light.

Larry Shapiro was born July 17, 1955 and was taken from his family and friends way too young on November 6, 1996. He was a loving and funny daddy, husband, brother, son, uncle and best friend to all. He was constantly challenged, unusually unique and so special. He was always power lunching to make a better life for his wife Lorrie and his three children Danyelle, Jessyca and Max. Larry was the life of the party and would light up any room he entered. His devotion to all of his family and friends will be forever missed.

Michael J. Smithwick, 53, passed away on April 28, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, poppy, and friend to many. He enjoyed coaching his kids’ sports teams in their younger years, and never missed an event, whether it was a career day, art exhibit, theater show, or parent teacher conference. Mike was the go-to guy for those close to him regarding financial issues and spent many years doing tax return services for family and some friends out of the goodness of his heart. Those that knew Mike would describe him as a simple man that took pleasure in the small things in life. He loved deep conversation, coffee, reading, craft beers, history, dark chocolate, and music. Mike was always trying to improve himself. He was passionate about his health, rarely missing a day of yoga/meditation followed by running or strength training. He was kind, compassionate, and had an incredible sense of humor, and he will be missed dearly.

Mike courageously battled his lung cancer with unwavering strength and grace. His journey was marked by resilience, love, and an unyielding spirit that inspired everyone who knew him. Though the disease took him from us, it never dimmed his determination to live each day fully. His legacy lives on in the memories that we cherish and in the hearts of the many people that he touched. We honor his fight by supporting lung cancer research, hoping that one day, others won’t have to endure the same struggle.

Her unconditional love, courage and generosity will remain forever in our hearts and guide her family for generations to come.

Nancy stoically battled Stage 4 EGFR+ NSC Lung Cancer for 3 1/2 years. In her final days, a biopsy revealed that T790M was the cause of disease progression & the complications she experienced in her last five weeks. By then, her body was too compromised to begin the next treatment we were hoping would give her more time. Five days later, she passed away with her family by her bedside.

We have since decided to donate to LCRF in Nancy’s memory. We hope that by funding further scientific research, future patients will have improved treatment options & extended survival times.

Nancy dedicated her life to others. Besides her husband & children, “Nannie’s” grandchildren were an endless source of pride & joy. She was the ultimate Mama Bear who loved and protected fiercely. At just five feet tall, the quote “Though she be but little, she is fierce” is apropos of the extent of her love and devotion to loved ones. The ultimate homemaker & hostess, she was the life of every party & revered as a consummate home chef. Nancy never met a stranger or sparkly outfit she didn’t like. Her smile, endless energy & laughter lit up any room she entered. She loved practical jokes, so it was fitting her favorite holidays were April Fool’s & Halloween. Her bright light & radiant smile will never be forgotten, for she left a little sparkle wherever she went.

My father, Oscar Mario Taborda, was the most selfless, peaceful, virtuous, kind-hearted person I’ve ever come to know. Unfortunately, lung cancer took him very quickly like it has done to so many before. He faced the disease head on and made us his reason to fight. His fearlessness was something we’ll never forget.

His memories, lessons, and stories, will forever live on through everyone who had known him. He was a loving husband to my mother, Blanca Taborda, who lives on cherishing the fact she was able to spend 34 years married to him. He was a brother of nine siblings and an avid soccer player.

I pray for a world without lung cancer. I pray for the daughters, sons, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, and all loved ones who have come across and been affected by this terrible disease.

I’ll always love you pa, you’ll always be my inspiration to be the best man I can be and I promise to forever keep you updated on our soccer games!

Dr. William Charles Timmer “Bill” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the young age of 69 surrounded by the love of his wife and four children after a long and courageous fight with lung cancer. With a smile and presence that lit up a room, Bill was revered by many and adored by his family. We will remember him as the most devoted and loving husband and the best dad in the entire world.

Bill was a strong advocate of cancer research for well over 20 years. He was a compassionate supporter and tireless advocate of various research opportunities. He managed a portfolio of over $100 million of clinical research grants involving brain, head and neck, lung, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and sarcoma cancers, plus neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis at the National Cancer Institute. His passion was evident as he mentored countless colleagues and physician scientists towards the common goal of eliminating cancer and its effects.

“Bill was a guy who, simply put, just got it. He had all the ingredients of a scientist, advocate, and friend while mixing in the bon vivant that kept people excited about what they were doing. His passion for the latest and greatest discoveries and his sense of responsibility for pushing them forward and bringing them to the world were infectious. He saw what things were, told it like it is, and did what had to be done. He was unapologetic but had nothing to apologize for. He was the best of what the NIH and NCI had to offer scientists on their behalf.  And he will be sorely missed. I am proud to have both worked with him to advance our field and even more so to have called him a friend,” Dr. Peter Fecci, Duke Neurosurgeon.

To those who had the privilege of knowing our dad, may the life he lived be an encouragement and inspiration to all of us, to aim higher and strive to live up to the potential God has placed within us, not for ourselves alone, but in order to live and love for the benefit of others.

They say it is a natural part of life to lose your parent but how can a world exist without the person who has loved you and everything you are since the moment you were born and molded you into who you are today? It’s not a world we want to live in but yet we have no choice.

We weren’t ready for you to leave us Dad. I’m not sure we ever would have been ready to say see you later. We have never imagined life without you, your selfless support and unconditional love. You are our hero. To say we miss you is futile. There are no words to express our broken hearts. I know you will continue to guide our paths forward, laying the ground work for our future achievements, and be with us always and forever.

Our dad’s publications and contributions to science and medicine, as well as our love for him will be eternal.

As Jimmy Dugan says in A League of Their Own, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” Our dad was great, that’s why this is so hard. It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done.

We love you Dad. Ditto.