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You know Mom, it’s better that I got cancer than one of those little kids; because I can handle it a lot better than they could.' This quote came from my cousin Brian Forgione. It describes what type of person he was just in one little sentence. The courage, inner strength, and always wanting to help and look out for others was who Brian was. Brian was one of the best people anyone knew. The article about him on this website dedicated to him touched me in not only a personal way, but also special way too. It describes who he was, and what he did through out his short life.

Brian was my godfather. I was young when he died, but when I read his website biography it brings back a lot of memories. The memories of all the good times we had together that were some of the best moments of my life. I enjoy reading Brian’s website every once in a while. It never seems to become old, and it sometimes makes me wonder what my life would be like if Brian was still here. I wonder if he would have affected my life in certain ways.

I think Brian was a lot like I am when it comes to sports. He was always dedicated and driven in any sport he played. He was the leader. He was the one giving teammates encouragement when they weren’t doing well. I am like this too. I like to be dedicated, be the leader, and give encouragement. It’s just who I am. It was just who Brian was too. And it is something that his teammates will never forget. Brian was also like me in another way, academics. Brian was a great student. He earned his grades and was an honor student at Dunmore High School. I also am an honor student and work hard for my grades.

The website informs readers who Brian was. He was a great person to be around, was a great influence, and worked hard at everything he did. He always thought of other people before himself. He had the best qualities a person can ask for. There was no doubt about that. Not one person can ask for more from Brian. Unfortunately, Brian lived a short life. But it was a great one and Brian will always be in our hearts.

- Kyle Dougherty (cousin)

Author Flavia Weedn once said, 'Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.' I am certain that Brian had this effect on the many people he met and knew throughout his life. To me, Brian was more than just a cousin. He was a best friend. He was an extraordinary, brave, and courageous young man who taught me so much about how to truly live life to the fullest. I looked up to him as a role model and knew at the same time that he would always be there for me. Brian had a love for children and I believe that brought us even closer together. He never lacked the ability to make me laugh and always knew how to make me smile. Brian knew how to brighten anyone’s day and meant so much to my family and me.

Although I was only nine years old when Brian died, I have many memories of him that will last a lifetime. Often calling me “Zandra,” Brian was always at our house. I will never forget every day after I got off the bus, I would run up the hill to my house and find Brian’s Honda parked in my driveway.

I would run excitedly into the house to search for Brian. Most of the time, I would find him in my bedroom hiding under my blankets and pillows as if

I could not see him. If I could not find Brian in my bed, chances are he would most likely be outside hiding in the backseat of his car behind a towel he had put over the window so I could not see in. After I would find Brian, we would sit and eat an after-school snack. That was the kind of person that Brian was. He loved to make others happy and would do anything for them. My family and I lived right up the street from the Forgione’s growing up. When I would go to their house, Brian would drive me home even though it was just up the hill. I remember several occasions when Brian told me to take the wheel and steer the car while I was on the passenger side. I was only around 8 years old so I felt so cool doing this. One time in particular, I remember almost steering Brian and I into the curb, and Brian bursting into that familiar laugh I will always remember that was so full of life. Even through his battle with cancer, I remember Brian being positive and uplifting, almost as if he did not want me to know that he was sick. But that was how he always was. I continue to think about Brian each and everyday and I look back fondly at all of the great memories he has given to me.

Because I am a senior in high school, I just recently had to complete my senior project. For this project, Katelyn Ehnot and I took action photos all season of the Biddy Basketball teams. Upon completion of the season, we made a slideshow including the photos we took throughout the season. Biddy Basketball hosts an ice cream social in May and this was where our slideshow was presented. However, Katelyn and I wanted to do more. We decided to incorporate charity into our project and donated $200.00 in our name to the Brian Forgione Foundation. Because Brian was such a special part of my life, I felt it was necessary to give back. Brian was a big-hearted individual who taught me so much just by living. For this, I will always be thankful.

- Alexandra Dougherty (cousin)

There are no words that can describe a leader. Intensity, strong willed, passionate are just a few and Brian showed them with everything he did on the field and in life. I remember during the District Championship game when we were down by 7 all of a sudden. We were waiting on the kick off, and Brian gets my attention and doesn’t say a word to me. He just looks at me and the intensity in his eyes and the passion behind the look told me to follow his lead. He was the heart and soul of that team, for only being 5’5 he played like he was 10 times that size. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, and being around him for a few seconds you knew that he would carry you if you stumbled. That leadership carried over into the baseball season, and no matter what was going on he oozed confidence, poise, passion, and intensity. He was always a consummate leader on and off the field. If he knew someone was having a difficult time in school or life he would take his own time to help see them through.

I remember seeing Brian when he was in the hospital, and even going through all of the treatment he still had that look in his eyes. If there is one thing I wish that the younger generation would take away from life it would be what Brian would tell me during pregame. 'Remember we are a team, you lean on me and I will lean on you. If you stumble I will pick you up, if I fall you catch me. You don’t fail me and I won’t fail you.' It’s this lesson that I will always remember about Brian and strive my best to live up to everyday.

- Sean Gallagher (Dunmore High School)

He was the greatest person I have ever met. He could always put a smile on your face.

- John Jezorwski (Susquehanna University, Theta Chi Fraternity)

Growing up I had always known Brian as one of my brother Jim's close friend, Six years ago when I was a freshman in high-school, I began to hang around and develop a close friendship with Brian through Jim and Paul Mackrell. Every time I saw Brian – after the usual roasting and catching up on things – he would always encourage and motivate me to become a successful basketball player, despite what the odds may be or other people’s opinions.

- Pat Doherty (Scranton Preparatory School)

Brian was down-to-earth and always one to make people laugh. Whatever the case, good or bad, he always found a way to lighten the mood. Even through his battle, Brian was upbeat and full of spirit. He never complained and he definitely never quit his fight. His courage was immeasurable. And although Brian left us way too early, he left us with nothing but great memories. Brian was a teammate, a roommate, a friend and a warrior until the end. We love you Rocco and we miss you greatly.

- Mike Davis (Susquehanna University)

I only had the great fortune to know Brian for only a few short years while at SU but during that time I can honestly say that I gained a true friend. Whether it was playing Madden, rearranging rooms at Theta for optimum seating space for either parties or Playstation or just an afternoon ball breaking session for no reason at all; Brian was always there to brighten the mood and give a few shots. No matter how bad a situation seemed at the beginning you could always count on Rocco to make the best of it and somehow bring a smile to everyone's face. He was a great friend and is greatly missed.

- JD Schieber (Susquehanna University, Theta Chi Fraternity)

He always found the positive in something negative.

- Mark Wells (Susquehanna University, Theta Chi Fraternity)

Q4. (Excerpt from a Business School Exam) The unique fact about many, if not all, of Collins’ Level 5 leaders and those defined as Level 5 leaders in class is that each of them experienced a crucible(s) – many with such an intense mental or physical ‘hardship’ that some acknowledge that they are truly lucky to be alive. During this ‘hardship’ period, such as Cullman’s WWII experiences or Dr. V’s rheumatoid arthritis (or Ghandi, MLK experiencing/being the recipient of vicious prejudice) they were forced to become patient or innovative, due to the circumstances of their crucible. In addition, Collins’ 11 Level 5 leaders were appointed to their roles when change was (or shortly would be) necessary at their respective corporations. Each nominal leader had the choice to become ‘modest and willful, and shy and fearless’, or not!

A Level 6 leader is different – s/he has a quiet, self-sacrificing persona and a vehement desire to innovate, drive and lead change, but is different in that s/he has never experienced a crucible. A Level 6 leader inspires all aspects of humanity, and her/his influence is so pure that its meaning can never be skewed to harm others. And just as there are drastic differences between Level 4 and Level 5 leaders, a Level 6 leader is born with a gift to unconsciously share this unique love with everybody around them – without politics or self-promotion. Hence, the world’s most noted religious figures, such as Mohammad and Jesus, are inadequate candidates for this category. Conversely, Mother Teresa not only immersed herself into personally restoring dignity to those in desolate situations, but also served as a visionary for her followers to make peaceful, tangible changes throughout the world. 

A Level 6 leader positively affects every person that s/he encounters. They instantly change your behaviour to an awesome combination of undivided focus, recognition of self-awareness and self-confidence, undeterred willingness to follow ‘the group’s’ vision, and the euphoric feeling that you are part of something on the verge of reaching immortal status.

"I am very blessed to know and be motivated daily by a Level 6 leader. Unfortunately, this leader’s first and only crucible – cancer – took his life at the age of twenty-four."

- Daniel Kryzanowski (Dunmore High School)

As members of the 1995 Dunmore football team, we are very proud of the fact that we were 1995 Big Eleven Champions and District II PIAA Champions. These are two great accomplishments that would have never been possible without #20 Brian David Forgione.

There have been many great Dunmore football teams that have won championships over the years, though there may not have been any that started the season at 1-2. After starting the season at 1-2, the hopes and dreams of a championship season began to diminish among players, coaches and community.

With our backs against the wall, Brian refused to let this happen. Along with the fact that he literally carried us on his 5’5 frame, his strong character, leadership ability, resiliency and football ability led our team to an 11-2 championship season. He was truly an inspiration to anybody who watched him play.

Brian finished the season with over twenty touchdowns and more than fifteen hundred yards. This was obviously important, however it was the things that Brian did and said in the locker room and in the huddle that allowed us to reach our true potential.

You may never be able to pinpoint what it was that Brian did. Many a times you will hear coaches in many sports refer to a great player, a great leader and say, “I don’t know what it is, but he has “IT”. Brian had IT. He was a very unique person. He had a way of making us believe in ourselves. He had a way of making us think that even after being 1-2, we are a championship team. He had a way of making you play harder and practice harder. He had a way of making us laugh when we were down and also had a way of making us serious when we were lax.

At the end of the 1995 season we had a championship trophy and a district medal. At that time, there didn’t seem like there was anything in the world that was more important to us. To this day, these accomplishments still make us very proud.

The 1995 season prepared us all for life after DHS. We all knew the value of hard work, dedication, and being able to face adversity. Our great coaching staff did instill some of this in us, however, this would have never been possible without our leader, our heart and our soul, our friend forever, our teammate forever, #20 Brian Forgione.

- Dunmore Bucks (1995 Football Team)

Story #1

I’m not sure of the year, but Brian was in either first or second grade when the school provided the students to purchase Christmas presents for their family members for $1 or $2. Being a banker, Brian bought a money clip designed in the shape of the dollar symbol ($) for $1 dollar and wrapped it himself and gave it to me on Christmas day. I will always remember his smiling face and look of satisfaction when I told him it was what I always wanted. But I couldn’t let it go with out teasing him a little by saying a money clip gift required a $5 or $ 10 bill in the money clip. Again I will never forget the change in his expression, from happiness to consternation. He disappeared and a few minutes later returned, holding a $ 1 bill tightly in his hand. He had a pained look on his face as he handed me the money. I didn’t know what to do except to thank him and give him a hug and a kiss. I tried to give it back several times that day but Brian wouldn’t take it. It was a special moment with a special kid. I still have the money clip with his dollar still in it in my jewelry box and will treasure it forever.

P.S. As we learned later, while Brian was always tight with a buck he had a loving heart.

Story #2

As Brian’s Nanny and Pop are not here to share their thoughts on their grandson, I’m sure they would not mind us sharing a few things they told Judy and me about him. Brian probably got some of his thriftiness from his Pop. However, he could always get Pop to spring for soda & candy at King Joe’s when he would take Jimmy, Brian and Todd for a walk. I remember Pop telling us more than once how Brian got one thing or another by telling him “come on Pop, be a sport”. I guess they were the magic words, as we still use this phrase, “come on, Pop be a sport”.

Nanny was not a sports fan but would make every effort to see at least one of each grandchild’s games. We took her & Pop to one of Brian’s football games on a Friday night at VJ Gatto Stadium in Dunmore. In the car on the way home, she didn’t once mention how Brian played in the game, but rather talked about the time after the game. First, how Brian thanked everybody for coming to the game and took time to talk to everybody. And how all the little kids gathered around him and how he spoke to each one of them as they hung on his every word.

Story #3

As we look back to Brian’s last year, it is difficult to find many positives to hang on to as he went from hospital to hospital, treatment to treatment, doctor to doctor, and the search for a cure. We were all saddened with his death and it continues today as we miss his presence and all the things that could have been. However, there are things we experienced we will always remember about Brian.

Because some of his tests and treatments were conducted in Philadelphia area hospitals, we were happy we could open our home to him. During these visits we became much closer to Brian as he shared his daily experiences with us. He never really complained or vented how unfair life was. He generally was pretty upbeat, positive but realistic. He was a young adult facing very adult challenges. He once confided in Judy wishing he could be a kid again and only concerned how his sports teams were playing.

One evening he invited an old college friend over for dinner at our house. They joked and enjoyed each other’s company and at the same time Brian busted on him and told him he was eating all of our food. 

If he got home early and felt up to it, he would go over the practice area at Talamore C.C. and hit some golf balls. At dinner, he would tell us how well he hit the ball and some things he learned about our neighborhood. I, of course, would tell him that he could always read a green, but that he was the world’s lousiest putter.

Occasionally, he talked about his treatments, but always complained about the hospital or cafeteria food saying, “it was never as good as his Mom’s or some place in Dunmore.

Brian was Brian during the last year and that was pretty special.

- Bill and Judy Mainwaring (Uncle & Aunt)

The Scottish poet Thomas Campbell once wrote, "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." To be sure, Brian lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

It is hard to put into words all that Brian means to me. One of my closest friends, there are so many things I admire about Brian and many things I have learned from him. 

Brian had an uncanny ability to get along with and interact with everyone. He always seemed to make every person he spoke with feel important. Brian could just as easily talk to a small child or to a stranger he just met as he could to one of his friends. Young and old, friend or acquaintance, Brian always treated others with kindness and respect. There is no doubt that Brian would have made a wonderful teacher because of his ability to relate to and to communicate so effectively with others. 

One thing I always admired about Brian was his loyalty to and pride in his hometown and the community in which he grew up. A few days before I began my first year of law school, Brian and I were having a beer (or two) at Buddy Clarke's and talking about what I thought law school would be like. I vividly remember Brian reminding me to never forget where I came from. Brian loved Dunmore and all that it represents. Whenever I think of Brian and that conversation, I am quickly reminded of not only Dunmore, but of what it meant to him. While Dunmore helped shape who Brian was, there can be no doubt that Dunmore has been forever changed for the better because of Brian and the legacy that he leaves.

By watching Brian bravely battle his illness and persevere with grace and dignity, I have learned how to better handle any adversity I face in my own life. 

I think about Brian almost everyday and continue to look up to him in so many ways. I hope these words honor Brian's memory and do justice to what kind of person he was. He continues to inspire me. 

- Corey F. Higgins (Dunmore High School)

As a friend and teammate of Brian's, some of my fondest memories of Brian are of course on the football field. When you spend that much time together with a group of guys, you become a family. You go through many days of hard work that only a teammate can understand. It makes friendship's strong, and build's respect and admiration for those who go through it together. I am proud to say I experienced that with Brian.

In my mind, I will always remember Brian as the young man who willed a team to victory on an early Fall Friday Night in 1994. Many of us refer to it as the "Come Back" game. We were down 19-0 to Abington Heights with only 1 minute to go in the third quarter. The ball was on about the 18 yard line, and all hope was lost, when Brian decided to make a play the "Borough" will never forget. One play. One moment. I will never forget the stiff arm, the cut back, the broken tackles, the speed. 70 plus yards later we believed, he made us believe. For that one play, under the Friday Night lights no one shined brighter. #20's guts and determination lifted us to victory that night. He made us believe we could do it, and we did.   

Brian,

In life, you taught us how to live, with your passion for life, that infectious laugh, your selfless, and respectful character. And in your passing, you showed us the courage, strength, and faith of a man faced with the most difficult of circumstances. Most importantly, you showed us life's true blessings can be found in the people that we love. To cherish every moment we have, to live passionately, to love and laugh, and most of all to have faith. Your indomitable spirit will continue to live strong in all who love you.

Always in our hearts.

- Carmen Libassi (Dunmore High School)

I can look back on just about any part of my life, and in some way Brian was involved. I experienced many things with Brian and could probably tell you a thousand different stories about him that would show what a special friend, teammate and person he was.

He was the best friend anybody could ever ask for. He was always there during the times you most needed it. He was the type of friend that would cheer you up when you were down, and would also tell you when you were wrong. He carried all of the characteristics of a great friend. He was trustworthy, caring, honest and sincere in everything that he did. Participating in athletics with him was an experience in itself that I will always cherish. I’ve never learned so much from a teammate in my life. From Biddy Basketball to varsity football, I always felt that with Brian Forgione as a teammate, you always had a chance to be victorious. He had a way of inspiring all of those around him. Whether it was through his demonstrated work ethic or kind words of encouragement, he was truly a great leader on any team he participated.

As a teammate of Brian, I can write about many experiences we shared together. As a B-league all star, I can remember a last second steal he had against Holy Cross to win a biddy all star game. As a ninth grader, his two free throws in the last seconds against Scranton Prep sealed a victory for the freshmen basketball championship that at the time meant the world to us. I don’t know how many times I stood in that huddle with him after he had carried the ball time after time, and wondered to myself, “How does he do it?” It wasn’t Brian’s athletic ability that made all of these memorable victories possible, it was that huge heart he had. He would do absolutely anything to see his teammates victorious.

When I think of all of the experiences that I shared with Brian as a friend or a teammate though, I think back to a cold fall day back in November of 1995. On that day, we played the Dallas Mountaineers in the District semifinals. We had been defeated by Dallas two years earlier and it was a very important game in the sense that if we lost our season was over, if we won we would go on to the District Championship. It was also very important due to the fact that Coach Henzes had been hospitalized the week before and would be watching the game from the hospital.

Leading 19-15 with about two minutes left in the game, we were trying to run out the clock when Brian fumbled the ball giving it back to Dallas for one last chance. Dallas moved the ball all the way down the field to about the twenty yard line with only a few seconds remaining and had one play left.

On the last play of the game, the quarterback from Dallas threw the ball in the end zone to the player I was guarding. To put it very simple, the receiver ran past me and if he caught the ball, we would have lost. Luckily, #20 was there and intercepted the ball as time expired. Anybody who knows anything about football could see this was truly a great play made by Brian to win the game. The fans stormed the field and a week later we one a District medal.

When I think of that play though, I think of so much more. I feel that play symbolized Brian. If the kid from Dallas catches the ball, we would have lost and it would have been my fault. I feel Brian making that play was his way of saying, “Thanks for always blocking for me.” I also feel it was Brian saying, “I fumbled the ball, I need to make a play”. He refused to let his senior classmates lose their last home game. He refused to let the season end with Coach Henzes in the hospital, and he refused to let his coaches, teammates and community be denied of a district championship. Something that at that time in our live seemed of utmost importance.

I went through hundreds of practices with Brian and many games as well. As friends, we experienced nearly every type scenario together. Though, I feel that fall day back in 1995 symbolized not only what a great teammate Brian was, but also what a great person he was as well.

Even though it has been more than four years, not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. As a teacher and a coach, during my first few years, I sometimes found myself in the classroom or on the playing field trying to see if there are any Brian Forgiones out there. I stopped doing it after a while. Looking back on my experiences with him, I came to realize there is only one Brian Forgione. I thank God every day for giving me such a saintly like person as a friend.

In closing, whenever a difficult situation occurred in my life, I would always ask Brian for his opinion on the issue. Even though, he may physically not be with us, whenever something occurs in which I need advice, I have learned that I need no more than to pay him a visit. In the past four years, my conversations with him have helped me through some very difficult situations and given advice that has been so very valuable to me. I know just like that fall day back in 1995, he will always be watching over me.

- Kevin J. McHale (Dunmore High School)

All who knew Brian don't need to be reminded of his courage, inner strength, love of people and strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I discovered all those things about Brian the day I met him in his hospital room in Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City in September2001. Soon, I learned that Brian also possessed a remarkable joy and spirit that was present in his love of sports, his dedication to friends and family, his interest in and love of people and his sense of humor. This was made all the more remarkable because Brian's joy shined and was clearly present even when he was fighting and struggling through cancer. 

Even when he was really sick, he still found time to chide me when I was getting ready to do my first Ride for the Roses bike race to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I think he sensed that I was a bit apprehensive about making it through the 40 miles, as I was only about 18 months out from my own cancer treatment. So he reminded me that I was "getting to be an old man" and that he might have to "come out to the ride himself and help push me up the hills." I laughed, Brian always made me laugh, and I knew I'd do just fine. And it was vintage Brian; he was focused on making me feel good, though I knew from our conversations how sick he was at the time.

I think Brian would want us to remember him with his pure joy for life most present in our minds. He'd love to be remembered with the kind of celebration that you all have pulled together today--a round of golf, competitive of course, with family, friends, food, a few cold beers and lots of laughter and tall tales. I'm sure he's looking in on all of us this day, in fact, I know he is, because he's never left us. His courage, friendship, joy and love of life reside in all who knew him. It's his lasting gift, and what a gift it is! So let's celebrate and enjoy the day and each other.

That's exactly what Brian would want us to do!

I'm sorry I can't be with you all today, but I'll be there in spirit and will be remembering Brian with a smile and a full heart.

- Joe Marx (Friend)