That’s a tough one, when there are so many. I’m going to have a few honorable mentions.
I will pick my Dad. Born June 24th 1931 and passed away February 7th 2021, Super Bowl Sunday which was very fitting.
He was the youngest of Four. Two Sisters and another brother. He grew up during the depression. He and his brother had to help support the family
My father had a scholarship to Ohio State to play football but he couldn’t go because of what I just mentioned.
He also served in the Army for 3 years. So he’s a veteran.
He loved American Football. We were all born in Cleveland ,Ohio moved to Pennsylvania in 1961 when I was in infant. He loved the Eagles and I’m so glad he got to see them win the 2018 Super Bowl and hopefully another one in nine days! From a different viewpoint upstairs.
He opened up a telecommunications company in 1965 and sold it in 1982. He retired at 50 years old. He almost lived to be 90. That’s close to 40 Years of retirement and being able to enjoy life because of the hard work, dedication and BRAINS.
More importantly than his financial success was his love and compassion for his family. He did anything and everything for me. I got in so much trouble in my twenties and early 30s. And then I finally got my Act together. He bailed me out of many situations until he learned tough love and not to enable.
Honorable mention,his brother my Uncle Ed. He had an Eighth grade education and became an Aerospace engineer for Martin Marietta in Florida. He and his colleagues helped test and design the Pershing missile system during the Korean war. He was a genius he could build and make anything.
My Uncle Ed also served in the Navy. UDT and fought on Normandy Beach where a large percentage of them perished.
Last but not least my grandmother. She Came From Italy when she was 18 years old, 3 weeks after she got married. Simple woman and a GREAT cook who lived a long, long life. She lived to be 98. She had Seven siblings, Five of which lived between 97 and 103 years old. Three of them over 100. Simple down to Earth, caring and loving people.
How many people could say they had a grandparent when they were 48 years old? My oldest brother was 55 when my grandmother passed away. A lot of great years and great memories.
For the younger ones, cherish your parents and grandparents while they’re still here.
Time flies and eventually all we will have are the memories.
P.S. the late great Jeff Beck was also born on June 24th. 13 years Junior to my father. I saw that fine gentleman in 1980 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia and in 1989 at the Spectrum with Stevie Ray Vaughan.
RIP all of the above