First of all, thank you so much to everyone who reached out and supported my family and me during the past week. We have been overwhelmed (in a good way) by everyone's generosity and support. This post will contain information about how we will honor Danny over the next few days, so please read.
Because of COVID, space in the church is limited. Our family went through the unfortunate exercise of making a "guest list" and a seating chart for the indoor-church funeral. Please understand that if you are not on the in-church list, it is not a reflection of how Danny viewed his relationship with you. As we piece his life together, there is a 100% chance we miss people who had very strong relationships with Danny. We ask for your understanding.
Also because of COVID, there will be assigned seats in the church. Seating will be done in "pods" of people who are already close contacts with each other. We plead with everyone that you stay in your assigned seat. This will be the largest gathering in St Stephen's since the start of COVID, and will be looked at as something of a "trial run." If people are not respectful of the COVID-imposed rules, future families will end up suffering via a drastically lowered church capacity for events like this in the coming months. Also, please note that your seat within the church does not necessarily reflect your relationship with Danny. It is more likely a reflection of how we could fit as many people into the church as possible, while doing so safely. Everyone must be seated before 9:30am. Please leave ample time to park and walk into the church.
In addition to the service inside the church, there will be an option to live-stream the service on the internet (I will post a link when it is available). There is also "first come first served" seating in St Stephen's gym. Finally, audio will be broadcast outside the church. Our family completely understands and completely supports people who decide not to travel in the midst of the COVID pandemic. If you choose to honor Danny via the live-streaming option from your home or even on a cold golf course somewhere on Saturday morning, that would be great.
Danny's wake will be at St. Stephen's from 2pm-6pm on Friday, and the funeral will be at 10am.
Our family has no preference on military attire vs civilian attire. If you are/were in the military/FDNY/etc, wear whatever you prefer.
Again - thank you so much to everyone who has comforted us during this sad week.
Service information from Lazear Smith & VanderPlatt:
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Stephen the First Martyr Church, 75 Sanfordville Rd., Warwick, NY. Please use the main entrance to the church off Sanfordville Rd. Masks and social distancing are required. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the number of visitors will be limited at any given time throughout the afternoon. In order to accommodate all who would like to pay respects, the Prials ask that after prayers and condolences are offered, visitors move out of the church to allow others an opportunity to come inside.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 30 at 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Church. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance in the church is by invitation only. The funeral Mass will also be livestreamed through the parish website at www.ststephenchurchwarwick.org. Audio from the funeral Mass will be broadcast outside the church for those who cannot be admitted inside but wish to be present. Those gathered outside are asked to socially distance, wear masks, and watch the Mass on muted personal devices.