Dear Editor: We attended the funeral Mass for Rusty Staub in St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Fla.

We were surprised to find only about 250+ in attendance as we expected this one to be packed to the walls as it was for the Vic Damone Mass in early February, 2018.

There was no booklet, no handouts and no reception.

The whole service was handled by Msgr. Thomas J. Klinzing who was assisted by Father Daniel Murphy, the Brooklyn priest who was former chaplain of the Mets

The Mass started nicely with a great rendition of “Danny Boy” sung by St. Edward’s music director Maralyn Coscia at which many eyes were seen to be dabbed.

The monsignor remarked at the beginning that he had been over to Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice a number of times in recent weeks, giving Rusty Communion each time and attempting to comfort him, although and most surprisingly, remarked he had no idea Rusty was such a well-known famous baseball player. He said Rusty never spoke about himself, was always only asking about what was happening at the church and about all others who were not well at the time.

One gentleman who was a lifelong friend of Rusty said that Rusty never liked to be singled out or paid much attention to.

Apparently, Rusty always sat at the far back of the church for most Sunday Masses, usually alone, although he was well-known and well-liked by all longtime and regular attendees.

Sally Johnston and Susan Tully, Rusty’s two sisters, read passages from Scripture.

Most surprisingly one of the few baseball people seen and spoken to was Dave Van Horne who was the radio voice of the Montreal Expos for 32 seasons (1969-2000), now the main radio voice with the Florida Marlins, since 2001, who also lives right in the Palm Beach area.

Most likely the big service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Wednesday, April 25, will be jammed as you would expect with some major baseball names in attendance.

CLAY MARSTON

Palm Beach, Fla.