Slipped Away: A memoir about a gentle soul who gave so much love and joy to others in spite of his own depression.

This is a memoir about a gentle soul who gave so much love and joy to others in spite of his own depression. Steve Tarpinian took his own life on March 15, 2015. He was a beloved coach, swimmer, entrepreneur, friend and companion. His vision established the landscape for triathlon on Long Island. Steve's true legacy is the lives that he positively impacted while on his journey. Slipped Away exemplifies Steve's journey and the lives he touched along the way. It include tributes from his soul mate of 33 years, his colleagues, his students, the triathlon community as well as his own writings. The intention of this book is to have Steve's depth of spirit and compassion live on and continue to have a positive impact on the lives of others. All book proceeds donated to project9line.org, a non profit organization of veterans helping other veterans through PTSD and depression by providing outlets in the arts.

About the Author :
Jean Mellano retired in 2010 from a 37-year career in the Information Technology industry. After so many years in the computer industry using the analytical side of her brain, she decided the time was right to exercise the more visual and perceptual side of her brain. Graphic design was a natural next step. Jean began to do the creative work for the event business of her 33+ year soul mate, Steve Tarpinian, designing event logos and promotional print work. Graphic design seemed to make sense, but she never envisioned herself as a creative writer. Her primary writing experience was related to creating computer-related documentation and developing contractual statements of work related to network and phone-system deployments. When Steve took his own life on March 15, 2015, her world changed dramatically and her life was turned upside down. Jean began to take solace in writing about Steve and found purpose in trying to bring more awareness to mental health by telling Steve's story. In addition to her goals of keeping Steve's legacy alive and inspiring conversation about mental illness and suicide, she is donating the majority of the profits from Slipped Away to a non- profit organization that is focused on supporting veterans suffering from PTSD and depression. Steve's writings can be found in Chapter 5 of Slipped Away, including his short story: "A Mouse in the House". Steve was the president of Total Training, Inc., a fitness consulting company specializing in swim, bike, run, and triathlon workshops. He was a member of the USAT National Coaching Committee and a certified USAT level II coach. Steve Dansereau is an artist and illustrator. He resides in New Jersey with his wife, Mary, and his children Julie and Wes.

Review :
"The writing is clear and vivid and captures the unique personality. It reads very well and is uplifting and memorable. It's also - of course - honest in an appropriate way. Very touching." - Vincent Amelio, 9/2015 "Very well written and quite educational. It is a great tribute to the essence of who Steve was and how he lived his life. It's inspirational in the fact that it makes the reader want to engage more in life, in soaking up every moment. He packed more into his 50 years than most would have in five lifetimes. It brings to mind the fact that Steve's life, although seems to have been cut short, had an abundance of adventure, friendship, accomplishment, success ... and certainly, love". - Chris Hughes, 9/ 2015 "When the box came in the mail, I really felt apprehensive about opening it. So far I have read the first two chapters and scanned through the pictures throughout the book. It is cathartic to read. I give you so much credit for your willingness to share such personal moments and raw emotion. But honestly, it's so important for us ( Steve's long time friends, teammates, and fans) to get a glimpse into what he was struggling with. Everyone who knew him on the outside saw a happy go lucky guy. Quick with a joke and a smile. It's hard for us on the outside to even fathom how depressed he was. We knew that he was absent from all the events and practices, but not seeing him does not translate to understanding. It's so hard to understand. I think about Robin Williams when I think about Steve to try to see that all the money and fame can't bring happiness. Both are two men that brought joy to so many people. But not themselves. I'm still sad every day." Gilda Schultz,12/ 2015 "It is written beautifully and produced wonderfully. All who knew him have probably struggled to understand how he could have been so troubled. I thank you for this book to provide solace and a glimpse into a Steve that perhaps, many of us never knew. Your life partner was a very special man and you and all of us were very lucky to have him in our lives and be influenced by him." - Donna DeSousa, 1/ 2016 "My very first reaction was to be amazed at how insidious and vicious mental illness is - that a person like Steve, who clearly had such amazing mental strength that he was able to push himself to achieve such heights and who was able to motivate and inspire others so incredibly, was not able to conquer mental illness. It stands as such concrete evidence that mental illness is so powerful that it could even defeat a person like him who had such outstanding mental strength - just in the same way that cancer can overwhelm and defeat a physically healthy person. Steve, having taken his own life proves what a "sonofabitch" mental illness is." ​-- Ruth Tepler Roth, 4/2017 "It is very powerful and such a great testimony and legacy. Beautifully written, the authenticity is compelling as are the multiple voices (featuring a chorus of folks that Steve continues to touch) amid highlighting an array of amazing talents (really enjoyed A Mouse in the House: )) and adventures. Thanks for having the courage and strength to write this. It did draw some tears for me - but that is what great life stories do." - Dr. John Oliffe, 4/2017; Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia