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Nehemiah Phinizy
In Memory of
Nehemiah
Phinizy
2017
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The lighting of a Memorial Candle not only provides a gesture of sympathy and support to the immediate family during their time of need but also provides the gift of extending the Book of Memories for future generations.

Jon T. Strauss

During the past decade, I have been a volunteer at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Because of the recent extensive renovations of the Veterans Home, I not been there for about a year. It was only this past week that I learned of Nehemiah Phinizy’s death. Some people spread love by what they do. Others spread love by their words. Nehemiah Phinizy spread love by just being. During the time I knew him as a Veterans Home resident, he was in his late 80’s. He never spoke. But he had a quiet joy about him that made him one of my favorite residents. I would greet him with “Hello, Mr. Phinizy!” He responded only with a knowing, peaceful glance. I would usually find him sitting in his wheelchair at a table. Sometimes I adjusted his wheelchair to make him a bit more comfortable. His face conveyed his feelings of appreciation, despite his lack of words. Until his death, I knew nothing about him other than what was visible. At some point, he had lost his legs, though I never learned how or when. Because of his residency in the Veterans Home, he was obviously a military man, though I never learned about his military experience. Only after reading his obituary did I learn that he was born in South Carolina. As a black man he must have faced discrimination, though I never learned how he dealt with it. I have been unable to locate any photos of him. I would be appreciative if someone would send me one; my e-mail address is JonTStrauss@aol.com . At the Veterans Home, Mr. Phinizy was a source of serenity and comfort. His name, Nehemiah, appropriately means God’s comfort. I remain grateful for his contribution to my life. Jon T. Strauss Bristol, RI
Sunday November 11, 2018 at 9:35 pm
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