Our Five Ring Circus: Celebrating Life

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Celebrating Life

Yesterday, my Grandpa was laid to rest.

My Pap was an amazing man. The best way to describe him was larger than life with an incredible sense of humor.

He was born in 1920, in Pittsburgh, to a German family. He grew up speaking both German and English. After graduating high school, he served in the Merchant Marines and Coast Guard during World War II. At the cemetery yesterday, a flag flew in his honor.

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My Pap was a big man, towering over most. He was over 6 feet tall, had huge hands, and was built like a linebacker. He was drafted for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was back in the day when they didn't make much money. He chose, instead, to work as a conductor on the Pennsylvania Rail Road and Conrail to support his wife and 2 daughters. He loved the Steelers, and remained a fan until the very end.

My Pap was a very intelligent man. He loved engaging in a good debate! He loved to read, work on puzzles, garden, paint pictures, and watch football. He was a kind, honest man and would help anybody out. But one thing was certain-when you were around my Pap, you laughed a lot!

My Pap left behind many loved ones. We gathered yesterday for a short, private ceremony. The casket was open, and honestly, I was glad. He looked nothing like he did on the day that we found him in the nursing home. He looked like my Pap. It was good to see him one last time, and to say goodbye to a wonderful man.

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Rest in peace, Pap. You will be greatly missed.

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On the car ride home, in a van packed to the brim with family members, one thing was evident: My Pap's incredible sense of humor lives on in all of us! But that? That's another story.

13 comments:

  1. Great post and tribute to your grandpa! May he rest in peace now :)

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  2. I was thinking about you today. This is a great post in his memory!

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  3. What a wonderful post to honor someone special. He sounds amazing and so does his story. I will be thinking of your family during this time.

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  4. Sounds like a wonderful man! My prayers and thoughts go out to your family. {{HUGS}}

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  5. What a wonderful post about your grandpap. I'm sure he's smiling down on you all. Take care hun. XO

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will most definitely be missed.

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  7. such a sweet post! for sure, he's at peace now wherever he is :)

    lots of hugs,
    Marice

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  8. So sorry to hear this...He was quite a guy - and we all are thankful for his service to this great country!!

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  9. What a great legacy he has left! Beautiful post.

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  10. Sweetie I am so sorry. I missed the earlier blog posts or I would have offered my condolences sooner. Bless your family and your grandfather. xoxo

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