Wednesday, September 22, 2010
OUR DAD<br><br><br> Looking back on the life of our Dad, brings back so many touching memories. The most valuable lesson he taught everyone was the importance of a close family. His early years were spent with frequent trips to relative’s Marblehead homes. He had a passion for the ocean and in high school had summer work aboard a sailboat. This taste of the sea lead him to later join the Navy. He spent 5 years aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina and travelled throughout the Pacific during World War II.<br><br> During the war years he met Ronnie, got married andstarted his work career as a machinist at General Electric. Dad and Ma raised 3 sons and took great care of us throughout our lives. Dad’s goal in life was to make sure family members had a wonderful time being together. WE celevrated every holiday, birthday, anniversary and family vacation together. Dad was adventurous and brought us to many exciting places. Memorable trips include the New York and Montreal World Fairs, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, Coney Island, Nova Scotia, and everywhere in between. Many summers were spent at Lake Winnipesaukee - swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and of course, over-eating. Joining us at these adventures were Dad’s mother, Helen, and sister, Marolyn, who both held a special place in his heart.<br><br> Although he spent time with his sons, Dad had his own time for fun and relaxation. Dad and Ma often went to the A.O.H. Club in Peabody for outings, dances and trips. Throughout his life, Dad and his father had a boat and went fishing weekday mornings and Saturdays. He always caught enough fish to feed the family, friends, and neighbors. Dad enjoyed bowling and organized the G.E. Bowling league and banquets. The YMCA was a place he visited most days where he socialized, swam, and enjoyed the steam.<br><br> Sundays were very special with our family. There was always something on the agenda after our noon time meal. Dad loved to drive and we would pick up his mother and travel all over New England. We went to beaches, parks, foliage trips, amusement parks, hiking trails, went sledding, swimming, horseback riding or boating. Wherever we drove, Dad would never stop to ask for directions. We always arrived at our destination but sometimes it took much longer because sometimes he took “the short cut” or “scenic route.”<br><br> Sunday night was card night even until this past Sunday. It was a chance for everyone to get together, talk, eat and play various card games. We all had our favorite games and we sometimes argued about the outcome. If there were any question about the play, Dad would always claim, “House Rules!” and rake in the money.<br><br> As Dad got older and his sons moved out, he spent many enjoyable retirement yeaers with Ronnie, his wife of 62 years. They thoroughly enjoyed their time together. They vacationed, travelled and visited friends and relatives from here to Florida. BINGO was on the agenda 3 nights a week. Dining out became a frequent event. Having a grandson, Keith, was special to both Dad and Ma and they had plenty of time to spend with him. Dad and Keith spent countless hours in the cellar at the workbench “fixing things,” which usually resulted in a small fire or electrical shock.<br><br> The last several years were getting to become difficult for Dad. His illnesses were taking their toll on his body. All family members helped him cope with this and spent much time with him. The final blow to his happiness and spirit of adventure was the death of his wife, Ronnie, last year. He was devastated with her passing and didn’t want to go on without her.<br><br> Thanks to the love and support of his family, he was able to live another year and a half. He developed a closer relationship with his sister, Marolyn, and husband Mike, who took him to doctor’s appointments, lunches and visited frequently. Dad looked forward to Marolyn’s daily 8 P.M. supportive phone calls and conversation. Billy moved in with Dad and became heavily involved with his health, medications, doctors, nurses and daily care. He prepared meals and got him eating healthier. Jim took care of Dad’s yard work and visited every afternoon, which ended with several games of Cribbage with Dad and Bob. Bob prepared supper meals and got Dad ready for the evening.<br><br> Dad enjoyed television and loved watching old Westerns, adventure movies, the Food Channel, Red Sox and Patriots Games. His daughter-in-law, Loretta, played Rummy-O, and “May I” with him on weekends. He enjoyed visits from his brother-in-law Harold for Thursday afternoon Cribbage matches. Also, he kept in close contact with his sister-in-law Isabelle through frequent phone calls.<br><br> Dad’s last few months were quite busy. In July he moved into Billy’s new house, joined us for several trips to Mohegan Sun, finally scored a perfect “29” Cribbage hand, spent a week vacationing in Maine, and got his driver’s license renewed at age 90.<br><br> Losing a father who has done so much for his family is very difficult for us. He has given us so many wonderful memories - we will never forget his positive influence on our lives. He is now at peace, reunited with Ronnie, the love of his life. Dad, we love you and we will miss you terribly. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Say “Hi!” to Ma. <br><br>Love,<br><br>Bill, Bob, and Jim<br>
