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.




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.



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





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.