Sunday, September 16, 2018
Uncle Larry will always be remembered by me as a man who worked very hard all his life, doing the best he could for his family and, whenever we talked, always seemed to explain life in a most positive light. As a kid I made may trips into Maplewood Village for a cut and conversation! Make no mistake this example has served as an inspiration to me and likely many others who had the privilege of knowing him.
I smile now thinking especially about Sunday's at Grandpa's house. As a young adolescent I soon learned, from Uncle Larry and Dominic, that getting to the house early on Sunday morning meant you were accepted into the "meatball sandwich breakfast club"...mashed up Grandpa's meatballs and "gravy" on chewy Italian bread. Truly there is nothing like it a 9 AM. So, anytime I'm at a place that sells "breakfast sandwiches", I think to myself...no these are not the original. They have no idea.
During my years in high school, playing football for Columbia, I remember getting to Grandpa's house after thanksgiving games...everyone was already at the house by the time I got there. What a scene with the anticipation of turkey soup, the dinner to follow and of course the lemon meringue pie! He and I talked football at the end of our team's (very poor) season...but always uplifting...that's how I remember him.
Francesca and family, please know that you all and Uncle Larry are in this nephew's thoughts and prayers.
Mark