My Father

My father passed away today. He was 92 years old.

My dad had a long, eventful life. Born in Germany in 1930 he survived WWII bombing as a child and came to America after the war. He joined the U.S. Army, fought in Korea and became a U.S. citizen. In the 1950s he met my mom, got married and had two kids. He lived the American dream.

My father had a 30-year career as a policeman and retired as Chief of Police in Lloyd Harbor, NY. Then he and my mom moved to Florida in 1985 and enjoyed retirement in comfort. My father had much to be grateful for. The above picture was taken of my parents during their glory days; they're sitting in my backyard enjoying a visit in the 1980s.

I've learned that losing our parents is hard at any age. It's as true now as it was 30 years ago when my mom died. The gut-punch hurts.

There will be a memorial service in New York after the holidays. If you have a parent who's alive, appreciate and hug them while you can.

---------

Oh, when the saints go marching in

Oh, when the saints go marching in

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the drums begin to bang

Oh, when the drums begin to bang

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the stars fall from the sky

Oh, when the stars fall from the sky

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the moon turns red with blood

Oh, when the moon turns red with blood

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call

Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the horsemen begin to ride

Oh, when the horsemen begin to ride

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, brother Charles you are my friend

Oh, brother Charles you are my friend

Yea, you gonna be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Oh, when the saints go marching in

Oh, when the saints go marching in

Oh Lord I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in.

Here is a link to a rousing performance by Louie Armstrong & His All Stars, including female singer Jewel Brown -- Song Link -- and a few more photos of my dad.

This last picture is my dad with his great-grandchild, the daughter (Ella) of the son (J.T.) of his son (my brother Richard).