Sponsors: www.cailorfleming.com/ hbkcpa.com/consultants/james-dascenzo/ Lk 6: “Stop judging and you will not be judged...Forgive and you will be forgiven...”Fernando. Fred. Freddie. Hon.
Dad. Foh-pa. Bop. Grandpa Marinucci. Honorary big brother. Mr. Marinucci. Marinuch. My Father was called many different names by a myriad of folks. I simply called him Pop. I was pretty much the only one who referred to him that way; I think that’s why I loved calling him it so much? Pop wore many hats. Most of them knit with a big fluffy tassel on the top. My favorite is the red, green and white one with the holly pin he always wore a Natale. That’s “at Christmas” to the average non-Italian bear. Indeed my Pop was so many things. He was the hardest worker I’ve ever known, sometimes holding down three jobs at a time to provide for all of us. He was a black belt in karate, a first-aid responder, a master gardener. He was a scuba diver, a swim instructor, and a lifeguard. He was the most patriotic American EVER. If you didn’t vote—even if the candidates were unopposed and no issues were on a primary ballot; you didn’t tell Pop because voting’s a right and privilege he took VERY seriously. Pop was a serial teaser and a voracious reader who enjoyed a cup of Joe with his NY Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and local papers every Sunday. He seemed partial to a columnist in the Life section. But then, who doesn’t love Burt Cole? Yes, Pop liked that. He also liked to advise and would often toss out his famous “Lemme give you a little speech” line before launching into what can only be described as a monologue of the SALIENT POINTS of a matter. Know what? He was always spot on. Pop also really liked: •The original “Star Trek” series; “WKRP in Cincinnati”; “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”• The Steelers and THE Ohio State Buckeyes. • The warmth of Florida in winter…and watching the sun rise any day of the week. • WYSU/Classical Music ... especially Italian opera, of course. • Dark chocolate…but like bitter dark. • Burnt stuff; i.e. chips, popcorn, basically, most foodstuffs. At restaurants, he’d have the chef “slightly burn” his entrée on the RARE occasion he ordered steak (pun intended). • ”Take me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. • Baked apples and pears; oven-toasted almonds. • Gruyere cheese. Mozzarella cheese. Ricotta cheese. Parmigiano cheese. Pecorino…Okay fine, the man liked his cheese. • Big, seven-course, whole-family dinners with everyone crammed around the table eating, debating, laughing. “That makes my heart smile,” he’d say. And Pop liked reminding us: “If you’re ever in trouble, just dial M for Marinucci and I’ll be right there.” He always was. I’m not really sure what to dial now that he’s up there, so far out of my area code. Man, his baby girl misses him tons already. One thing I do know as I’m navigating my new normal of a world? Pop felt fortunate. Not one for PDA or really mushy fuss of any kind, he repeatedly told me how lucky he was to have found such a wonderful partner to walk through his journey with him; how blessed he was by his life with my Mom; how much he respected and adored her. He loved his children dearly, too…but his grandkids? Let’s face it, those three musketeers kicked the original trio of us right to the curb, Capisce? They were literally the light of his life. Faith, family, and tradition were everything to him. As for that little mini-me I birthed? That’s clearly Pop reincarnated. So even though we lost him last week; Pop’s still here –and that makes my heart smile. I know I’ll see you later, Pop, but “not if you see me first” (like you always replied!). Love you, Pop...
12 Comments
Diane
3/9/2020 10:36:29 am
If a man's success is truly measured by what his wife and children say about him, then much like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," your Pop is the richest man in town... #InOurPrayers
Reply
Amy Simmons
3/9/2020 10:43:10 am
Patty, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sending you a great big hug and sending a prayer up to the Big Guy for your Pop. : )
Reply
Leigh Ann Sayers
3/9/2020 11:25:45 am
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. Memories are the bonds that hold you together when someone passes.
Reply
Kimberly Walters
3/9/2020 11:27:45 am
Beautifully written my dear Sista! 😘
Reply
Lynda Anderson
3/9/2020 01:03:50 pm
An amazing tribute to your dad. Peace and comfort to you and your whole family ❤️
Reply
Catherine Humphries
3/9/2020 01:26:12 pm
Patty, What a wonderful tribute.. My heartfelt sympathy.. May Almighty God continue to grant your mom, and you, your entire family, His Divine Peace and Comfort, that surpasses all human understanding.. +Amen.
Reply
Carolyn DeChurch
3/9/2020 03:32:15 pm
Amazing life!
Reply
3/9/2020 05:37:05 pm
Oh, my dear, sweet friend! Your Pop will be with you every day in every way. You will see him, hear him, feel him in everything you do. He will send you little reminders that only the two of you understand and only you will know. He will be with you every step of the way, guiding you and loving you. And he will always, always be so very proud of you and the wonderful, special person you are. I am crying along with you and understand that “lost” feeling you are experiencing. Many hugs, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and always! ❤️
Reply
Carol Koutsourais
3/9/2020 07:29:14 pm
That was so beautifully written, Patty. 🥰
Reply
Nick Giancola
3/9/2020 09:09:23 pm
Beautifully written and nothing short of the truth.
Reply
john Hummel
3/9/2020 10:22:59 pm
Beautiful, Patricia.
Reply
Ronda Tatgenhorst
3/10/2020 12:30:54 pm
Oh Patty. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I'm so sorry about the loss of your Pop. What a blessing it was for you and your siblings to have such a great man be your father. To know without a doubt that your daddy loved you, was always there to fight for you and guide you is a blessing not many of us have. Praying God heals the broken places inside your heart as only HE can. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you my friend.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |