Thursday, May 11, 2023
I’d like to thank you all for coming together to honor my father’s life. My father was a son, a brother, a husband, an uncle, a dad, a grandfather (Pop-Pop), a mentor, and a beloved friend to all who truly knew him.
Through never ending hard work, passion, and commitment, Dad built a Kingdom of love, support, and safety for not only his immediate family but for all he cared about. A philanthropist by default, Dad was always willing to offer help and support when needed. He was, by every definition, a rock and the foundation of his family.
As a young man working for the phone company, Dad noticed a beautiful young lady at a blood drive and a short time later, he saw that same lady at a Christmas dinner and asked her to dance. That beautiful young lady, as it turns out, is my mother, Linda, the Love of his life. The romantic courtship and love they had for each other was nothing short of a fairytale. Just a few short years later, the happy couple moved to Greenlawn where they built what can best be described as a family dynasty. My dad became the loving father of five: Diane, Lori, Eugene Jr., Curt, and myself, Keith. Additionally, my sisters added two more sons to the family line via marriage, they would be my brothers, John and Dan.
Unfortunately, as with any great love story, there is some sorrow. Our mother and father lost their two oldest sons, Eugene and Curt much too young. Those losses not only strengthened my parents’ relationship but also strengthened my father’s resolve to enjoy his family and their time together while cherishing the memory of his two oldest sons.
As a father and grandfather, Dad, with Mom by his side, was the greatest of champions. Whether it be advocating for their children’s and grandchildren’s health or providing the ironclad foundation for their family in all their endeavors: athletics, education, careers, you name it. Dad has always been the epitome of love, endless support, and encouragement.
Dad loved the family trips that we all took together. From the lakes in Maine, to the tropical waters of Jamaica, and the Florida Keys, as well as the Outer Banks, and countless trips to Florida theme parks. Which honestly, I think he enjoyed as much as the kids, maybe more so. While returning from one such trip with the grandkids there was a travel misstep (he got lost). His grandson, a very young Brian at the time, in confused frustration exclaimed “It’s all PopPop’s fault!”. Later on, when finally home, Dad, next to my mother, laughed. My mother asked what was so funny and dad exclaimed, “Brian’s right. It is all my fault!” Mom asked, “why is that?” And with my fathers all-encompassing pride and charm, he said to her, “I asked you to dance. It’s all PopPop’s fault.” This became our loving family motto. I hope we never stop using it, and that can be all Brian’s fault.
Throughout dad’s life he had many interests and passions. Whether it was playing semi-pro football as a young man, or enjoying scuba diving, as well as fishing, boating, hunting, cultivating his flowers, fruit trees and his vegetable gardens. Dad always enjoyed playing chess, baseball, racket ball, paddle ball, and if my father didn’t know a game, he’d learn it and beat you at it. But by far his greatest passion was growing and supporting his family. Impressive, to say the least. But wait there’s more. Somehow in this full life, Dad managed to build a successful business and maintain strong friendships to his last days. He truly is a renaissance man, and the greatest man I ever knew. I can guarantee I won’t meet another like him in my lifetime. Being the fantastic human being that he was, ever the showman, he was a great entertainer with a good story, a funny joke, even a magic trick or two. One of his greatest magic tricks was how he helped Santa Claus when Santa was so busy making all those calls to the little girls and boys. In that last sentence, to this very moment, PopPop is helping to keep the magic alive for his youngest grandchild
I believe Dad is already busy in heaven. Hard at work, not only building his empire, but reuniting with all of his family, immediate and extended as well, because they all loved him so much and he so generously loved them back. For me, when I close my eyes and think of my father, I see him healthy and strong, late in the afternoon on a perfect summer day, having a catch with my brothers, Eugene and Curt.
Although he will be sorely missed, I’d like everyone to take a memory you have of my father, one where he made you smile or laugh, and embrace that memory, because that is who my father is! That will forever be yours. What an amazing life he led, and it should be celebrated. In my life I will honor my father’s memory as best I can.
I think I can speak for my entire family when I say the world has lost a little color since his passing, but only because he is no longer here to share our love for him directly. The color will return in time. Every time we look at each other and our children, there will forever be a piece of him. This is his legacy.
When I look around, and see all the love in this room all I can think is, Dad, once again, it’s all your fault.
