Dad with his grand-daughter Stephanie, picking apples.

Johh was the son of Daniel and Florence.



We grew up looking at this picture of Grandma & Grandpa.  Unfortunately, it is one of the few pictures we have of Grandma since we were pretty young when she died.
I have memories of her though, since they lived across the street from us before we purchased thier home when they decided to move to Florida.  Grandma would hide treats in her apron pockets, and the house always smelled so good.

This photo was taken sometime in the 1980's.  Probably around '88 which would have meant Dad was around 45 years old.

It was taken at Downing Park located in the City of Newburgh, NY.  Andrew Jackson Downing was very influential to the City of Newburgh.  The park was part of the original Downing estate at one time.  The whole Historical Preservation movement originally started right in Newburgh, NY. when a group of people tried to save the Dutch Reformed Church from Urban Renewal.  They succeeded and the church became the very first Historical Landmark of the preservaton society.

John Jr at 6-7.

Dad's first born son.

His pride and joy.

Found tucked into a safe place in Dad's wallet.

I have to admit.  This photo of Laura has always been a favorite in our family.

Laura had asked me to look around and try to find her baby pictures that Dad might have, espescially this one and the other of her in the playpen.

Sorry Laura, couldnt find them....LOL.

This is one of two baby pictures of Laura that I found tucked away in Dad's wallet.
His first born.
His first love.

When Dad first moved to Florida, he lived in Deerfield Beach.  Anthony moved to Florida too.
Laura and I decided that Dad just had to meet his grand-daughters and flew them down to meet their Grandpa.

This photo was taken when Dad worked for the city of Boca Raton at the beach.
He loved that job because he could sit in an air conditioned booth and meet lots of people. It wasnt a strenuous job so it was perfect for him.

Found among his belongings was this card with photo from when Dad was enlisted in the US Navy.
So handsome.  So young. 
Before marriage. 
Before children.
The promise of the future ahead of him.

I remember this because it was one of the few times I would allow myself to be in a dress.  I also remember Aunt Amelia taking the picture.  Yes, we are all assembled on the Bluff.  Dad cherished this picture of the four of us.  Simpler times.

Although Dad could'nt be there to see his eldest son become a Navy Chief, he was so proud none the less.
Those who were able to attend were John's wife Ana and son Cole,  Grandma Lucy, Anthony and Roberta.
John is kneeling over on the right hand side.
Dad was given a challenge coin by John Jr. to commemorate the day. 
It will be placed with Dad upon inurnment on April 24, 2013 at the National Cemetary of South Florida.

Dad was in the US Navy as well and was a Petty Officer.  He served 5 years.  4 years on the USS Caliente (that is were he became an "Atomic Veteran" by witnessing 3 nuclear tests) and 1 year on the USS Sirius.  He was a Dispensing Clerk and a Petty Officer as well as being in charge of the 40MM gun.

Before his nephrostomy.  This is one of his favorite pictures. David and I were getting ready to return to NY so Dad snapped some pics before we left.  They were still in his camera.

This letter was originally written on January 11, 1995.  Before I was married, before I was even engaged to my wonderful, loving husband David.  After my dad passed away I found this letter tucked into a secret spot in his filing cabinet and realized just how much he cherished it.  I would like to share it here.

January 11, 1995
Dear Dad,

I was sitting at the kitchen table finishing a book I was reading. "Insomnia" by Stephen King.  I got up to make my tea.  I had worked late tonight so I figured since the ride home had'nt 'calmed' me down then I would relax with a cup of tea before bed.  It was snowing out and everybody on the drive home was a Sunday driver-like they'd never seen snow before. 
I was standing there squeezing the teabag and I found myself suddenly crying.  My eyes welled up with tears and they were rolling down my cheeks.  I looked out my kitchen window and thought, "Now why on earth am I crying?  I'm not unhappy!"
I reached up to brush the tears away and I realized in an instant why I was crying...It was YOU Dad. All these thoughts of you came flooding into my mind at once and I started crying.
I was'nt angry or hurt or upset. I just realized I loved you so much in that instant that my heart reacted before my mind could understand why.
I remembered everything in that instant Dad.
I remembered climbing into bed with you when I was so small just so I could sleep next to my Daddy. I remembered seeing you at the table in the kitchen on Bay View laughing really hard about something and I was looking at you thinking you were so, so handsome.  The times you used to take us to Crestview and all your Company Christmas parties.  Skipping school so I join you on your route when you were with Combined Life Insurance Co.
I remember the time I was crying on the couch at Henry Avenue and neither one of us could figure out why!  But you held me and told me that I would be alright.
I remember the time I gave you those copper trees on stones that I made in school. I thought they were nothing, but you were so touched by them.
I remember the time the two of us were living on Third street in that tiny apartment after you and Mom split and I decided to bake you that chocolate cake just because I wanted you to know that I loved you.  Do you remember you had cried?
Staying up late playing "Parcheesi" and "Sorry".  No TV, you could'nt afford the cost...we only had the radio.  Ringing in the New Year listening to the radio and going out onto the back porch banging on pots and pans! We probably terrified the poor neighbors!
I remember something else too Dad.  Something you told me a long time ago.
Something to the fact that, in the end, all  I have is a name and reputation and that as I grew up, that was the only thing that I could really take with me, whether I wanted to or not-so don't damage it.
Those were'nt your exact words but I remember you telling me that in the little apartment.
I remembered you and I being on the stage at NFA were I received my award for the Jewelry Competition sponsored by Cornell's Jewelers.  I remembered how proud I was, not because of the award but because you were standing there beside me and I was thinking, "Yeah, that's MY DAD." and EVERYONE saw us up on that stage.  I still have the newspaper article.
I remembered everything. It all came so fast Dad.  I guess I could'nt pin-point exactly all of them afterward, but I remember some.
I remember bad times too Dad.  I kept thinking, "So much wasted time, so little precious time."
So many thoughts in my mind Dad, it's so hard to put them all on paper.
Sometimes I get so angry.  This family has been through so much, and we've all fought so hard.  Each of our own little battles through life has made up one hell of a war.  But we're all still here, thank God.
I've always been so proud to be your daughter, Dad.  The name you gave me is the name I will take to my grave, with honor.
No matter who I marry and become his wife.  It will be his name I might answer to when called but it's the name given to me by you that I will have engraved on my heart.
And it's this family that I love so very much.  Although your phone may not ring with the callers voice my own or a letter may not show up with my handwriting on it, I am ALWAYS thinking of you in my heart.
My heart is that call, that letter.

I love you Dad. Always.

Remember,

Roberta