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Robert E. Buccini
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Begin forwarded message:

From: WFS Alumni/Development Office <alumni@wilmingtonfriends.org<mailto:alumni@wilmingtonfriends.org>>
Date: June 3, 2015 at 11:31:09 AM EDT
To: Elizabeth Buccini and Robert Buccini '86 <rbuccini@bpgroup.net<mailto:rbuccini@bpgroup.net>>
Subject: WFS Spring Fling Cancelled [html][heur]

[Wilmington Friends School]

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Dear WFS Community,


Because of the many and deep connections of the Friends School community, including leaders of our planned event this Saturday, to the Biden family, we have decided to cancel the Spring Fling. We appreciate the interest and generous investment of time and effort in planning this event, but know that all will understand our need to be respectful of a loss both public and deeply personal. We continue to hold the Biden family in the Light and to remember Beau - who attended Friends from pre-k through eighth grade and who continued to contribute to our school community throughout his life - with the greatest affection and appreciation. Please find below a letter from Director of Communications, Tracey Quillen-Carney '80.

Thank you for your understanding,


WFS Alumni/Development Office


[https://www.wilmingtonfriends.org/image/tracey-2014-2015/150603beau425.jpg]


June 3, 2015

Dear Friends,

Saturday, May 30, marked an abrupt emotional turn. We had a beautiful evening for Commencement here at Friends, with our younger son as a member of the Class of 2015. Shortly after getting home, we learned that Beau Biden had died.

Beau and his brother and sister all attended Friends through eighth grade. Their aunt, Valerie Biden Owens, was a teacher here. Joe and Jill Biden have been wonderful supporters of the Friends community, beyond their years as parents, and Beau was here as recently as 2013, the year of his cancer diagnosis, speaking to students about staying safe on social media and as they prepared to head off to college campuses. Hallie Biden has many friends at Friends and is also a valued colleague through her work at Tatnall.

Those are facts, but relationships can never be captured in facts. Beau Biden was a beloved member of this school community – and he loved it back. A few years ago, he was visiting campus and came upon longtime Friends teacher, coach, and administrator Bill Neff. There was a hug followed by a few tears, as Beau expressed appreciation for what Bill and Friends School had done for him.

I should note, not to claim any special relationship but to explain where my own emotions and impressions come from, that in addition to our shared association with the school, I worked for then-Senator Joe Biden for 15 years, giving me some time with Beau. And our lives overlapped even before Friends, through our car-business grandfathers and a resulting friendship between our fathers.

In every context that I experienced, what I remember most vividly are moments like that day with Bill Neff – Beau expressing appreciation. He was so grateful for what everyone in his life did for him, from members of his family to people who extended momentary kindnesses – to him or to people he cared about. He learned about the fragility of life very early, and maybe that’s the reason he took no gift for granted and gave to others when he could. He was a genuinely good, generous, warm person – sincere and steadfast in his affections, dedicated and courageous in his service, and thoughtful and sensitive with other people’s feelings.

For many of us, it is inconceivable that Beau is gone, unimaginable that this family could suffer, for many of them a second, loss so tragic and premature. Beau’s death is both a public loss and a deeply personal one. We at Friends extend our sympathies and support to his family both as a school community and as friends – we will, always, hold Beau and all of the Biden family in the Light.

In friendship,

Tracey Quillen Carney ’80
Director of Communications


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