My dearest Dom, you will be sorely missed as my husband and wonderful father to our children. I so enjoyed your sense of humor and great stories about life in Niles, Ohio. As your wife of 65 years, we have such wonderful memories which I’ll treasure forever. Loved you then and will always love you dear hubby.

I’ve struggled to know where to begin in talking about my Dad.  So many emotions, so much to say…how could I ever express and capture the essence of who he was and what he meant to me in a couple of paragraphs. 

My Dad was the most generous, caring person with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.  He could spin a story better than most and boy did he have a lot of incredible stories.  Whether he met you last month or grew up with you on the streets of Niles, he treasured your friendship equally.  He didn’t see “color or class” and he would give you the shirt off his back, and blessed me with this same sense of generosity and volunteerism that has shaped the woman I became. I strongly believe it made me a great wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

There’s no doubt I am “my father’s daughter” from a physical resemblance (thank you Lord for getting my Dad’s fantastic head of hair!). But for those of you who knew my Dad, there is no doubt that he passed along so many other remarkable characteristics and traits that I have embraced my whole life: witty, jovial, a sense of fairness, deep love of family and friends, Italian cooking, the value of an education, love of red wine, a strong work ethic, football fanatic, good sportsmanship, competitiveness, a sense of community, a gambling bug (“but don’t go overboard Angela!” he would say), a sense of giving back and volunteering, the ability to plan a good party, and the list goes on and on!!!

From the time I was a little girl, my Dad made me believe I could do anything I put my mind to.  He made me feel self confident and instilled a sense of “whatever you do, give it your all”!! Many people thought his old world Italian ways would never allow him to let me “go away to school” when it came time for college, but nothing could have been further from the truth.  He encouraged me from a young age to explore new and different horizons in pursuit of my education. Don’t get me wrong….my Dad and I butted heads at times as we were both so much alike!!! My Dad was a firm disciplinarian and there were times I felt that wrath (my brothers would tell you not as much as them….and that I got away with a lot haha) but I have to say he was always fair and took the time to make sure you understood a “life lesson” in each situation.

I cherish the many wonderful traditions we grew up with and have embraced them with my family.  I can see how my children treasure and value these same things and how their Papa instilled such a heartwarming spirit throughout their lives. My Dad was the life of the party, would talk to a stranger like he was his best friend, loved to eat, made friends wherever he went, went out of his way to help someone out, and loved to chat it up with all the little old ladies.

My one regret is I never got the chance to take my Dad to Italy; but I will make that trip, I promise you Dad and I know you will be with me in spirit, enjoying every last glass of vino! You are in my heart always and forever….Angela

As I reflect on my father’s life and our relationship, it became clear the blueprint he left for me.  The memories that flood my heart since he has passed are soothing to my soul.  My father was an active, present influence my entire life.

As a young boy my father was a disciplinarian.  He was tough but fair.  He had his rules and you followed them.  I didn’t always follow the rules and experienced my share of punishments.  My dad would always explain what I did wrong and then send me to my room.  He would give me time to think about what I did.  I would prepare my defense and present my case when he came back.  I didn’t win many cases, but a few times I was able to soften the punishment.  That meant I avoided the paddle.  You see, my father was Old School !!  He taught me to be responsible for my actions, be accountable.  He taught me to stand up for myself if I thought the punishment wasn’t fair.  My father raised me to think for myself. 

As I became a young adult my relationship with my dad became more like a mentor.  I was in my 20’s and I thought I knew everything (HA-HA).  As my father, he would tell me what to do.  Now, he would guide, letting me make my own decisions.  My dad would always tell me that actions speak louder than words.  My dad was REAL !!  What you saw is what you got.  He was a loving and active father growing up; and he knew it was time to release the reins.

As I matured in life through my 20’s and 30’s, my dad was like a safety net.  I knew my dad was there anytime I needed him and his knowledge.

As I became a husband and father, my relationship with my dad became something new.  The day my dad told me about his Florida train trip, was the day our relationship became a friendship.  Stories from his life became a norm anytime we would see each other.  How I loved talking to him and hearing about his life experiences.  My dad was a great storyteller!

My son Dominic is turning 21 this June, and I see myself releasing the reins.  Thank you dad for the blueprint, the foundation.  See you again my father, my mentor, my friend.  

I love and miss you
Lou