ForeverMissed
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His Life

Dad's Life

June 16, 2015

 

These memories are of my dad’s life. I got most of the info from my mom Barbara his 1st wife. Charlie loved his Budweiser beer, the ladies, Cadillac’s, music, a few favorites were Ray Charles, Al Green, Eddie Floyd and I guess I should say anything Motown. He instilled that love into me, till this day I still listen to his music. I can still remember from when I was about six years old, dad would put on the turntable stereo as he always did. Put Eddie Floyd record on and played “Bring it on home to me” and hand me the microphone.

 He also loved animals of all kinds, I would say one of his favorites the eagle. Growing up he had pigeons. As children we had 2 German Shepard’s and he use to bring home baby ducks and rabbits at Easter for us.  He had a talent for decorating the house, and was a clean fanatic, and he loved to cook. If he was taking my mom out for the evening, I recall him dressing to a T in his leisure suits.

 He was a very hard worker his occupations over the years include a Cook at the White Diamond in Clark NJ. When he met my mother he worked in Elizabeth delivering automobile parts and drove a Crown Victoria.  He worked as a superintendent on Union Avenue and bartender at the Sherry Hill Bar Chancellor Avenue both in Irvington, NJ. My dad took over my Grandfather’s job as the Superintendent at that building after his death. He also worked at the grocery warehouse for A & P. After he married my mom in 1958, they lived in a apartment building in Roselle Park NJ.

 Dad was born at home at 120 Pearl St. Elizabeth NJ. He was one of six born to Elsie and Ernest. Siblings are Elsie, Ernie, June, Christine and Harry. I believe Harry is the only surviving sibling. My grandfather Ernest was in WW1 with the Army, he passed away in 1968 from a heart attack. Grandma still resided in Elizabeth until her death in 1984. My grandma told a story to my sister Debbie, that during one of her pregnancy’s she got up one evening to go to the bathroom and gave birth on the toilet.

 Dad was married 3 times with the last marriage ending in 2010. That was when he moved in with his son Jason and his family, wife Matsumi and their son and grandson Alexander. His 1st marriage was with my mom Barbara, she had a daughter Linda from a pervious marriage. Debbie was born in 1958 and I Brenda was born in 1964. His 2nd marriage was to Pam in 1977 and they had a son Jason together.

 I called dad 2 months before his passing away. I am glad because I told him I loved him and he replied I love you too. Charlie’s famous last words to me and every time we spoke was “ Don’t be a stranger”. My father was very lucky to have a wonderful daughter in law Matsumi that took very good care of him for 4 years. I am so glad and I know dad was very happy to spend those last 4 years with his grandson Alex.