My Grandfather

On Saturday my grandfather, or as we all called him, Pepere, passed away. He just turned 84 on Apr 29th. He led a long and full life. His first wife, my Memere, passed away too early in 1981. Ten years later Pepere remarried a wonderful lady - Louise.

When I was 14 my dad received orders to Germany, and thus began many years of correspondence with my Pepere as we sent letters and cards back and forth. I treasure those writings from him now.

When I was living in CO I flew to CT to surprise him for his birthday. At that time it was thought that he wouldn't have many more birthdays. That was in 1998. Pepere lived with the affects of 2 strokes, Parkinson's disease and other ailments/medical issues that cropped up over the last few years.

These pictures are from 2004. We had plans to visit my family in CT and unfortunately, Louise passed away just a month before.

Still, my Pepere hung in there. He waited around to see his beloved Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004, and again in 2007. It seemed like you would usually see him in a US Navy hat (he served in England during WWII) or a Red Sox hat or shirt. If the Sox were playing they were either on the TV or radio (or both!)

That's why I'm so fanatical about the Red Sox and why I love being a fan. It's my birthright; it's in my blood :) and of course I have to do right and raise another generation of Sox fans.

Rest in peace, Pepere. You were much loved by your family and friends and will be missed.