I imagine most folks have great memories of time spent with their fathers. As my wife will attest, I have a very poor memory. Most of the specifics memories I have of Dad revolve around me being rightfully disciplined for some screw-up. But the general memories of Dad are worth sharing- as they have influenced me greatly.
But a bit of context. Dad was born in a West Virginia coal mining camp to Italian immigrants in 1922 and though a product of the Great Depression, he was emblematic of the American Dream. After a stint as a Marine in the Pacific Theater he worked for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA for 42years. It is there that he met my mother, and together they had 7 children (me being the youngest).
Dad was 46 years old when I was born (Mom was 42) and my vague recollection is that Dad’s attitude was “been there, done that” with respect to my childhood. But a man can still have a tremendous influence on a person even from a distance. Dad was not like the fathers of my friends - he was a whole generation older. In a way, I always felt older than my peers. Dad, like many of the men who built this nation, was well versed in many disciplines. He could fix just about anything. He even built the house that my sister still lives in today. In addition to his mechanical prowess, he was an avid reader, dancer, bowler, horse shoe pitcher, and pinochle player. Dad really could do just about everything. And that was his greatest gift to me: the attitude that you can do anything - you just have to put in the work. It’s a combination of fearless, self determination and stubborn refusal to be beat. The only limitations we have in life are those that we impose upon ourselves. That and TIME. You only have so much time so - you better get to work.
Thanks Dad, I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for your example - and a boot in my backside pushing me to achieve more.
- John Pantalone
