Friends and family said their farewells Monday to the Miller Place man who dedicated his life to raising awareness for ALS.

A funeral Mass was held Monday morning for Chris Pendergast in Sound Beach. Pendergast passed away last week after a near 30-year battle with ALS. The 71-year old was remembered as a warrior, a teacher and a friend.

Nancy Vermillion spent the last nine years as Pendergast's volunteer personal assistant, typing his correspondences as ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease, took away his mobility.

Through his Ride For Life charity, Pendergast raised more than $10 million to fund research and help those afflicted with the disease.

Paul Weisman credits Pendergast's support and friendship for helping him live with ALS.

"We always spoke of the four mantras - never give up, never lose hope, always remain optimistic and be willing to defy the odds," said Weisman. "Chris did all of that."

During the service, Pendergast was remembered by his daughter as a doting and loving father - even while ALS robbed him of his mobility.

"I will miss you forever. Rest easy now, dad. I'll see you later," said his daughter Melissa Scriven.

During the service, mourners were reminded that this was not to be a sad day, that Pendergast wanted everyone to celebrate and live life to its fullest.

During the service, it was revealed that Pendergast had planned his funeral to the smallest detail - from the vintage pickup truck that carried his simple pine coffin, to the flannel shirt he was buried in.

Nancy Vermillion says it was a fitting tribute and that she'll never forget his last words to her just days before he passed away.

"I said 'I am gonna miss you' and he said 'I'm just going ahead to check it all out and I'll see you later," Vermillion recalled.

After the funeral, people lined Route 25A to honor on his final ride to Washington Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Sinai.

MORE: ALS Ride for Life founder Chris Pendergast dies