TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Trinity Cemetery Statue Captures Couple's 'Endless Love'
Tribune photo by ANDY JONES
William Bissi admires a bronze sculpture of his deseased wife Dorothy and himself created by artist Tamara Gerkin.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: May 15, 2008
Related Links
TRINITY - An artistic triumph either 10 months or 64 1/2 years in the making debuted near the heart of Trinity Memorial Gardens on Sunday when an extended family spawned by a single, enduring and long-ago union gathered for the unveiling of "Endless Love."
The cast-bronze statue of a World War II-era couple in a spooning embrace memorializes Dorothy Jones Bissi and her era-spanning marriage to New Port Richey nonagenarian William Bissi, who commissioned the $30,000 work not long after his wife died, at 86, in June.
Accomplished muralist and first-time sculptor Tamara Gerkin brought the widower's vision to fruition, laboring long and earning, despite the substantial fee, "less per hour than I did when I did babysitting as a kid."
Nearly 20 Bissi relatives comprising four generations attended the dedication, shepherded by the Rev. Bob Zasimovitch of Hudson. All watched and nodded as, with one hand resting tenderly on the bronze representation of his beloved Dot, William Bissi said, "I am grateful to God that he gave me that lady for 64½ years. ... I miss her every day."
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)
* Keep it clean
* Respect others
* Don't hate
* Don't use language you wouldn't use with your mom
* Use "Report Inappropriate Comments" link when necessary
* See Member Agreement for details
TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online Member Agreement | Privacy Statement | Work With Us
Reader Comments
Posted by ( RobKay ) on May 15, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wouldn't you think this story would require a photo to go with it? Otherwise whats the point?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SpanishInquisition ) on May 15, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sometimes, stories like this make me have just a tad bit more faith in mankind.
Today's paper is filled with grotesque stories of domestic mutilation, shootings, and pastie regulations. William loved one woman for 64 1/2 years. It sounds like he actually has a life worthwhile. I hope he is blessed for the remainder of his time here and one day is blissfully reunited with his beloved Dot. May their "Endless Love" last for eternity.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( gram905 ) on May 15, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
OK TBO, I'm with "Spanishinquisition", what good is this lovely story without a darn picture!!!!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( gtrgrl ) on May 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dear TBO, An interesting story but without a photo it lacks. What genius at TBO decided to post a story about something that obviously demands a visual without the photo?!? BTW - Bless Mr. Bissi and thank God that he is one of the few people on this Earth to have had true love.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( flpeep ) on May 15, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This story does restore my faith in humanity. With all the depressing news in the headlines these days, to hear of this man's love for his dear wife is so inspiring. Wow. We should all be so lucky!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( gtrgrl ) on May 15, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thank you for the photo, TBO. I did not expect to see the dear gentleman himself in it. That just makes the image more striking and the story even more touching.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( flpeep ) on May 15, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I just checked back to see if they ever posted a photo, and they did! How sweet! Okay, now I need a tissue!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( misticleansfla ) on May 15, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wow this actualy made me cry reading it with all the killing and other things we all read about latley this story is refreshing
This is the kind of love we all wish we could find
Report Inappropriate Comments