Dad was the only child of Irish/Canadian immigrants who came to the United States in the 1920's looking for work. He was born in 1925 and his mother almost died in childbirth so he was raised by his Aunt Mary for several years while his mother recuperated. Mary died and he returned to live with his mom and dad when he was about 5 years old. He became very independent and self reliant as the result of his early experiences, a trait that would stay with him for a lifetime. At 17 he joined the Navy and fought in WWII. He returned and found work in the steel mills with his father. He developed a taste for the demon rum and all but destroyed himself and his family with his early escapades. He stopped drinking for life at the age of 36 and became a determined worker and friend to many. His independence and sarcastic Irish wit made him a favorite with his friends and his willingness to go the extra mile for anyone in need endeared him to many. Dark humor often put him at odds with self righteous folks whom he found to be a distinct pain in the ass.
Dad was an avid reader and worker of crossword puzzles most of his life and became quite learned. At the age of 48 he walked into the Buffalo Board of Education and took the GED exam without studying and passed with Flying colors. He went to college at the age of 65 and took courses in Psychology and Sign Language in which he also excelled. He was proud of his intellectual capabilities and developed them right up to the last days of his life.
Dad was often referred to as the Angel of Death as he was at the side of all his friends as they became old and sickly. He drove them to doctors appointments and went to everyones funeral as the old gang thinned. Being with him at the end of his life was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am forever grateful for his willingness to share himself in this most private of times.
