My Dad passed away on Jan 26, peacefully and on his own terms. He had just returned from a short hospital stay. He lived a quiet life and an ordinary one as far as people saw. What most people did not see was his devotion to caring for my mother for twenty years and his community work. He never talked about it nor complained about anything. That was my father.
However, he was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, attaining his Fourth degree status. He was President of the Holy Name Society, always helping to raise money for causes in not so glamorous ways. Many years he stood outside supermarkets selling chances for AHRC. He volunteered as a helper at Bingo every Friday night for years. He was an umpire for the local little league before they were paid for 16 years. In retirement, he was a fifteen year, active volunteer in Glen Cove at the INN. Yes, I would say that my Dad was a community minded person who worked tirelessly for others while rearing five children and in retirement.
Yes, his family will miss him but his life's work is something to be proud of.
Last but not least, he was a public school graduate and WWII veteran who never missed Mass. He did not proclaim his faith but he lived it in quiet ways. What better legacy could he leave?
