Family forced to remember Vietnam vet father with drive-thru funeral

A family in mourning says they are upset because they can't give their Vietnam veteran father the funeral he deserves.

News 12 Staff

May 13, 2020, 6:49 PM

Updated 1,670 days ago

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A family in mourning says they are upset because they can't give their Vietnam veteran father the funeral he deserves.
Eight weeks ago, the concept of a drive-thru funeral was unheard of -- but on Wednesday, it was the only thing giving Kate Esposito and her family a little peace and closure.
Vincent Esposito, 77, recently died from COVID-19, but because large gatherings are still not allowed, family and friends said their final goodbyes while driving past the flag-covered casket.
"It's extremely difficult at this time. The world is at a standstill, and then all of a sudden your world gets rocked. You lose part of your heart," says Katie Esposito, of Patchogue.
After paying their respects, the procession came to St. Francis de Salles so Vincent could get a blessing from the church.
"My dad was a good man. He had a good heart. He would give you the shirt off his back. He could talk to a wall. He had a corniest jokes, but they made us laugh," says Kate.
Maloney's Funeral Home says the idea of drive-thru funerals seem to have helped families begin the grieving process.
"People are dying alone. And then they're being buried alone because family and guests and friends are not allowed to attend. This provides just a little bit of a forum for them," says Peter Maloney.
Vincent Esposito is being laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, two children and a granddaughter.