There's two dates that they'll carve on your gravestone.  Everyone knows what they mean.  However, what's more important is the time that you are known in that little dash in between those dates.  That little dash.

 R.I.P. Commissioner Armando "Manny" Lopez 

January 1, 1950 - October 26, 2003

Armando Lopez, a 22 year resident of Wappingers Falls and formerly of Queens, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. Mr. Lopez was an assistant manager for Money & Banking Dept. Union Carbide Corp/Dow in Danbury, Conn., for 32 years, retiring in 2001. He was a commissioner at New Hackensack Fire Co. and was active as a volunteer fireman for 20 years. Born Jan. 1, 1950 in New York City, he was the son of the late Juanita Rios Lopez and Pedro Rios, who survives in Manhattan. He educated in Brooklyn schools and earned his Business Administration degree from Dutchess Community College. On Aug. 30, 1979, in Queens, he married May Matthews. Mrs. Lopez survives at home. In addition to his wife and father, he is also survived by four sons, Thomas John Fraser of Charlotte, N.C.; David M. Lopez of Brooklyn; Matthew D. Lopez of Brooklyn; Stephen M. Lopez of Wappingers Falls; a sister, Flora Lopez of Brooklyn; a granddaughter, Amani K. Fraser; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

Contributions may be made to the New Hackensack Fire Co., 217 Myers Corners Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

Brother, when you weep for me,

Remember that it was meant to be.

Lay me down and when you leave,

Remember I’ll be at your sleeve.

In every dark and choking hall,

I’ll be there as you slowly crawl.

On every roof in driving snow,

I’ll hold your coat, and you will know.

The house from which I now respond,

Is overstaffed with heroes gone.