A Heartfelt Thanks

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Nopper and Palmese families, we want to express our deepest gratitude to The Rockaway Times for their compassionate coverage and support during our time of profound grief following the devastating losses of Charles Thomas Nopper and Jack William Palmese.

Your newspaper’s thoughtful highlighting of both Charles and Jack’s lives has brought immense comfort to our families during these incredibly difficult times. The way you captured Charles’s infectious smile, his genuine care for everyone he met, and his role as a beloved fixture in the Rockaway community truly honored his memory. Your coverage of his warmth at Jamesons, his dedication to family, and the countless lives he touched with his authentic kindness painted a beautiful portrait of the man we loved so dearly.

Similarly, your tribute to Coach Jack Palmese beautifully showcased his 31-year legacy of coaching and mentoring hundreds of children in our community. The articles captured his unwavering dedication to family, his role as everyone’s favorite coach, and the profound impact he had on young athletes through CYO at St. Camillus and the Broad Channel Athletic Club. Your coverage of how he lived by the principles “You learn more from losing than you do from winning” and “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice” perfectly encapsulated the wisdom and character that defined him.

During our darkest hours, seeing these tributes in The Rockaway Times reminded us that Charles and Jack’s legacies live on in the hearts of our entire community. Your newspaper gave voice to the countless stories of kindness, generosity, and love that both men shared throughout their lives.

The Nopper and Palmese families are extremely thankful for your sensitivity, professionalism, and the dignity with which you told their stories. Your support has meant more to us than words can express.

With heartfelt appreciation,

The Nopper and
Palmese Families