Charles Spiteri writes:

Religion teaches us that man’s presence on earth is just a voyage to his final destination to a better life. Everyone experiences the sore reality of a person’s demise and feels the absence of their loved ones for long periods of time after their departure.

This is the sorrow felt after the passing on of the tall but gentle Frankie Mercieca from Xagħra some weeks ago. Born in Valletta, Frankie married and settled in Xagħra with his wife Ġanna and brought up a beloved family.

For a stretch of time, the family settled in the US but the native roots brought them back here to settle for good. Frankie’s presence was always met with alacricity because he showed ease during conversations with friends.

Spiritual matters came first in his daily routine by the hearing of Mass and his involvement in the different groups of the village community all year round. He was keen on talking about health matters and current affairs, as well as adjourned on cinema matters, which made him very conversant and likeable to talk to.

He refrained from gossiping and would normally be found joining groups of ‘boċċi’ players at the village playing field.

His daily brisk steps along Victoria’s roads, as well as his stay at the Xagħra square with friends, will be sorely missed.

His jovial character and smiling ‘Ħi’ greeting to anyone he met will be remembered among friends and people at large who were surprised by his sudden demise at the age of 66.

He will be surely missed by his active wife, as well as by his only daughter Jane Ann and her husband Marcel and granddaughter Alexis.

May God grant him eternal rest.