My Father had a life with many different lifestyles at each turn. Everyone who met him, loved him. He had that personality that reached out and made you feel at ease. 

He was primarily, a Musician, playing guitar, steel guitar, piano (Organ with foot pedal bass in the early years.) He and his duo Partner/Drummer, Charay, played the "Red Shutter's Inn" in White River Junction, VT for over 9 years. The Polka Dot Diner next door had a "Lou Burger" named after him, since he frequented the diner on many occasions. (Still the best crispy greasy French Fries Ever!)

It was the strange and funny little things he would do that made him unique from anyone else. Playing "Raindrops keep falling on my head" back in the day, he would hide a squirt bottle of water on stage and, when no one was looking, spray it on the dancers. He would laugh at the dancers who had no clue where the "rain" was coming from!

He would then play the "Chicken Dance Polka" and all of a sudden there was a rubber chicken tossed to the dance floor! Crazy? Possibly! But his sense of humor was always a bit strange, yet wildly funny.

He drove a limo in NYC/NJ, owning his own company for a while. He owned a Novelty Shop (aptly named "The Funny Farm") and a few convenience stores. As well, he owned a Liquor Store/Deli "Lemoine Fine Wines and Spirits" Off of 9W in NJ, where he also sold his own label of "Lou's Booze." I once spent a summer in my teen years, working the deli portion of the store. I remember Eddie Murphy coming in once. I felt so silly counting him back his change as he paid for a "Playboy" or something equivalent at the register. This was in the late 70's, the height of the legendary SNL. The store being on the way into the city. 

I would remember as a child my father would pick me up from school, his beard, that he began to grow in January, was a Full Bright Green color by my birthday, March 18th. He used green food dye to color it right before walking to school to get me. My response was always, "That's my Daddy. He's so Silly!" We walked all the way home as the other parents would just shake their heads, yet smiling at the weird dad with the green beard.

It became a joke that I would always say, "Daddy don't do dat" when he did some strange or silly thing.... and there were many.

When we were moved to Florida, Lou would always drive 24 hours straight, just to have a few hours to spend with us. 

I will never forget how he helped Cassi, his granddaughter, get to her early morning Jazz Band sessions when she was in Middle School. He would drive up from St Pete and drive back down to get her there on time. Lou went to as many concerts as he could. For his Grandsons too!

Of course, I am remembering all the fun and good times. That's all I wish to share. As I got older, I took care of things for my dad for a long while. He got into some, well shall we say, "Mischief!" with properties he bought in different states. I do not wish to go into the gory details. He lived with us on three or more occasions that I can remember, and for a few years before we finally found out he was in the hospital, we hadn't spoken to each other. Yes, he was Stubborn, and so was I. The details of all of that will be kept in my head forever, but I am glad to say, I saw him before he left us, and I made sure he knew how much I truly love him. 

When all others were non-supportive, My Dad was always there, with a proud smile and the best advice! "Just do what you do hon!" Most of what I know about Music, I learned from him. 

We believe Dementia starter early for him, although most people couldn't tell. People took advantage of him. He wanted to save the world! His Faith in God empowered him to give and give, until he had nothing left for himself. Shame to those who exploited his helpful and giving spirit.

I love you Daddy! I always will!