This poem was read for Dad at his burial. I thought it was so touching I wanted to share it.  

 

While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going Ashore.."

Nick had a great love for family and for his church. He was also a master of filling his time wisely.  This story happened when the family lived in Torrington and the girls
were in school.

One night Nick had an obligation with the Knights of Columbus which required him to wear a tuxedo.  Their meeting went late. That same night his daughter was in a musical program at school.  Also, the new, nervous and first year music director was being introduced to the Torrington community because  he was to direct his first concert at that time..  Imagine his surprise and bewilderment, when he peeked through the curtain and saw a tall handsome naval officer in a tuxedo, slip into a front row seat just before the program began. What a surprise to an already nervous fellow!  Did he think he was in New Your City where men often dressed in tuxedos? Was the music he had selected been high class?  Anyway, Nick got to the program in time and didn't miss a single note.  I think being there for family was terrific...and what an entrance!