Sunday, December 11, 2022

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.

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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).

23 comments:

  1. Sending my condolences Ally, sorry for your loss.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I hope things go as well as they can, given the circumstances.

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  3. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been thinking of you and him. I know it's never easy to lose a parent. It doesn't matter how old or young, or life lived, it's still a painful feeling.

    Thank you for sharing some of your dad's life story with us and those amazing pictures of your history.

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss, Ally. Indeed it is never easy to lose a parent, whatever age they or you are. Thank you for sharing your Dad's amazing life story. He was an incredible man! xxx

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  5. Oh, honey, I am so sorry to hear that your dad has passed. His was a life well-lived - I'm glad your musical choice is an upbeat, celebratory and jazzy pick! Big hugs and the utmost good vibes to you, my dear friend.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear this, Ally. Thank you so much for sharing his story and some photos. Thinking of you! Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

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  7. I am so sorry to hear he died Ally. It's hard no matter how old they or you are or how long you spent together. I loved to hear his story- I had no idea you were of German descent although your surname could have given me the idea! He looked very happy and stylish in the photos. Sending love to you. I love your choice of music!
    xx

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    1. Yup, my last name means "bumble-bee" in German. Thanks for your nice words.

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  8. I feel sorry about your lost~

    “Never say goodbye because saying goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.” - Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie.

    I know your love is gonna live forever in your heart

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos. May your memories be a blessing.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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  10. I'm so, so sorry to hear about your father, Ally! This was a lovely tribute to him. Sending you so much love!

    -Ashley
    https://lestylorouge.com

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  11. So sorry for your loss. It always hurts to lose someone you love, but especially so close to Christmas, which is such a family focused time. It's nice you have such good photos and fond memories to look back on.

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