TonyI loved your tribute to your dad. My dad died, of Aids, in 1977, 4 years after open heart surgery. They didn’t know about bad blood then.He was a self-made self-taught man, He left school in the 8th grade to help support 5 younger brothers and sisters.He had a cement contracting business and during WW11 worked for the government as a civilian contractor building airforce landing strips.After the war he started a machine company making aircraft parts.As an only child and a girl, he taught me to shoot a gun, fish, and together when I was 16 obtain our Coast Guard Civilian pilot license.Most of all I admire him for putting up with my most difficult mother for 62 years!
My dad came here from Australia as a young teen, joined the U.S. Navy at 18, survived Pearl Harbor, and worked for Ma Bell for 30 years. When he retired, he went to Sewanee and became an Episcopal priest at the age of 65. He served parishes in Roxboro, NC, Chichester, UK, and Baltimore, MD He was writing a sermon when he died of a heart attack at 80. And I still can’t listen to “Eternal Father” without coming totally unglued.
Thanks for the great story Tony. Your dad is amazing. Like you said many of us including my dad and father in law worked extremely hard. I am proud of my two dads as well and miss them everyday.
I lost my dad a little over two years ago. He was 83. He worked hard all his life raising his six sons and was generous to a fault. My mom and the rest of us miss him every day, no matter what day of the year.
Very nice! Wish I could add, but my Dad was not a hard worker, but a hard drinker. He mellowed as the years progressed and stopped the drinking and made changes. You can teach an old dog new tricks. I deeply admire his will to change and improve as a person still into his late 80’s.
I had two dads. My biological dad was a veteran and then worked in the steel mill but after a tragic event that I won’t go into detail about on this happy day, I was raised by my aunt and uncle. My uncle supplemented his income by being a dj and worked for years as a welder while raising a total of 6 kids. My dad passed on when I was 22, my uncle is soon to retire and the man I now call “Dad.”
My dad’s still alive @ 83. Alzheimer’s has stolen some of his memories, but has left the extraordinarily kind man who married the single mom w/ the scrawny little kid. He never treated me as anything other than his own son.
My dad also left school to help on the farm. Joined the Navy right after Pearl Harbor at the age of 17 and served on The USS Nevada for 3 and a half years without returning home. Saw service in the North Atlantic, D-Day, the Mediterranean, and watched the flag being raised over Iwo from his post in the crows nest.He saw a successful career in the woolen textile business and was one of the few that could make army and navy blankets to specification.In the last months of his life even though cancer was consuming his body, he would not let go until he saw everyone and they promised to “Take care of Mama.” my mom, his wife of 57 years. His last words to her “Always keep the laughter.”He passed in October of 2005. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him…
Last Rose Of Summer Premium Member over 8 years ago
TonyI loved your tribute to your dad. My dad died, of Aids, in 1977, 4 years after open heart surgery. They didn’t know about bad blood then.He was a self-made self-taught man, He left school in the 8th grade to help support 5 younger brothers and sisters.He had a cement contracting business and during WW11 worked for the government as a civilian contractor building airforce landing strips.After the war he started a machine company making aircraft parts.As an only child and a girl, he taught me to shoot a gun, fish, and together when I was 16 obtain our Coast Guard Civilian pilot license.Most of all I admire him for putting up with my most difficult mother for 62 years!
Ratbrat over 8 years ago
Happy father’s Day to all good Dads out there!
Knightman Premium Member over 8 years ago
Happy Fathers Day! Everyone!!!Especially my DAD in heaven!
stasiewicz1 over 8 years ago
A very nice tribute to your father. He is not doubt proud of you and all you’ve accomplished.
ladykat over 8 years ago
@TonyYour tribute to your father is wonderful.
My father died at the age of 55, when I was 14, in 1969. I still miss him and think of him every day.
Retired Dude over 8 years ago
Nice tribute to your immigrant father, Tony.
I especially liked the part about him learning English when he got here. No doubt that was crucial to his success.
Dani Rice over 8 years ago
My dad came here from Australia as a young teen, joined the U.S. Navy at 18, survived Pearl Harbor, and worked for Ma Bell for 30 years. When he retired, he went to Sewanee and became an Episcopal priest at the age of 65. He served parishes in Roxboro, NC, Chichester, UK, and Baltimore, MD He was writing a sermon when he died of a heart attack at 80. And I still can’t listen to “Eternal Father” without coming totally unglued.
wpr over 8 years ago
Thanks for the great story Tony. Your dad is amazing. Like you said many of us including my dad and father in law worked extremely hard. I am proud of my two dads as well and miss them everyday.
Ron-Ar over 8 years ago
I lost my dad a little over two years ago. He was 83. He worked hard all his life raising his six sons and was generous to a fault. My mom and the rest of us miss him every day, no matter what day of the year.
cowin_a over 8 years ago
Very nice! Wish I could add, but my Dad was not a hard worker, but a hard drinker. He mellowed as the years progressed and stopped the drinking and made changes. You can teach an old dog new tricks. I deeply admire his will to change and improve as a person still into his late 80’s.
QuietStorm27 over 8 years ago
Very nice tribute Tony.
I had two dads. My biological dad was a veteran and then worked in the steel mill but after a tragic event that I won’t go into detail about on this happy day, I was raised by my aunt and uncle. My uncle supplemented his income by being a dj and worked for years as a welder while raising a total of 6 kids. My dad passed on when I was 22, my uncle is soon to retire and the man I now call “Dad.”
droneillps Premium Member over 8 years ago
My dad’s still alive @ 83. Alzheimer’s has stolen some of his memories, but has left the extraordinarily kind man who married the single mom w/ the scrawny little kid. He never treated me as anything other than his own son.
zippykatz over 8 years ago
I miss my dad so much, gone 30 years now. I find it hard to even look at the Fathers Day cards on display at stores. Love you, Dad!
lin4869 over 8 years ago
What a lovely tribute to your father. Happy Fathers Day to you also!
neverenoughgold over 8 years ago
@Tony
Nice tribute to your Dad…
My Dad and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but I do miss him a lot. He left our world in 1992 at 73 years; way too early, don’t you think?
neverenoughgold over 8 years ago
So sorry to hear this, NG…
Lagoulou over 8 years ago
How I envy you out there who have good dad stories and memories. My dad was a cruel bully and terrified me….still does in my dreams……
Plods with ...™ over 8 years ago
My dad also left school to help on the farm. Joined the Navy right after Pearl Harbor at the age of 17 and served on The USS Nevada for 3 and a half years without returning home. Saw service in the North Atlantic, D-Day, the Mediterranean, and watched the flag being raised over Iwo from his post in the crows nest.He saw a successful career in the woolen textile business and was one of the few that could make army and navy blankets to specification.In the last months of his life even though cancer was consuming his body, he would not let go until he saw everyone and they promised to “Take care of Mama.” my mom, his wife of 57 years. His last words to her “Always keep the laughter.”He passed in October of 2005. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him…
Saucy1121 Premium Member over 8 years ago
Nice tribute to your Dad, Tony. MIne’s been gone since 1977 (I was 18) and I still miss him every day.
i_am_the_jam over 8 years ago
[salutes]