Gabriel Porter's memory from Peter Nicastro

I spent a long time trying to find the “perfect” memory to share, something that truly encapsulated the relationship I had with Uncle Pete. That search is part of why I waited so long to write this, but I realized that what matters most isn’t finding one perfect moment, it’s sharing what Uncle Pete taught me through his consistent involvement in my family. For as long as I can remember, Uncle Pete was a constant presence in my life. He was there for holidays, birthdays, and so many of the moments that make up a family. Over time, he and his family became woven into our own traditions and celebrations. They became part of our family. That didn’t happen by accident. Pete cared deeply about the people in his life, and he made the effort to turn friendship into family. He had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for. What began as a friendship between him and my dad grew into something much larger, a lasting bond between families. That is what I will carry with me. I want to build the kind of relationships he did, to make the friends in my life feel like family. Uncle Pete taught me that, not through a single conversation, but through the example he set simply by always being there.