Friday, March 7, 2014
Elaine, Dannielle, Karl, and Amy, I am so sorry to hear about John. I just found out last night. I know all of us from the restaurant share the void in your hearts with Papa's passing. I haven't seen most of you in years but I swear I thought of Papa and the restaurant almost everyday. Papa was almost bigger than life it seemed. His laugh was big, his smile was big, his personality was big but the biggest part of him was his heart. He listened to us, he corrected us, coached us, he put up with us (and we with him) and he loved us. He was such a large part of all our lives we became a "Papa Family" purely by accident. The friendships that have been forged under John's direction couldn't have been without him and remain unbreakable. Anyone who worked for John for any amount of time can attest to that. I loved Papa and all of the crews I have worked with over the years including all of you. John and the restaurant played more of a role shaping me into who I am today than I could have ever imagined back then when I started in 1984 at 16 years old. I would have never imagined i would spend a better part of 15 years there. And today I am grateful for all of it and all of you for sharing him. And to John I say, "Thank you Papa, you treated me like a son and nobody could ever match that. I have learned much from you that could never be taught. You are one of my greatest friends that i will remember forever, and when it is time for God to call each of us home may we all be reunited in His Holy Kingdom. May you be with your loved ones that have gone before you to Heaven now. God Bless You Papa. Miss you.
