• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

A Tribute To My Father

S

subwoofwoof

Super Member
He passed today, a frail, helpless man with no will left to live. Eighty-six years of life. A father of 5 children, of which I was the second born. I was supposed to be the boy he wanted but instead he got another girl. So at birth I was nicknamed after him. I was Antoinette, but would always be known as Toni, girl Toni.

He was a strong father figure. Raised in Brooklyn, the only boy of three children who were first generation Italian Americans. He had to be tough, his father made sure of it. He fought in the streets and in the ring. He served our country in WWII and Korea and came home with a purple heart. He made me tough too. He left when I was 13 and I saw him very few times after that until I was a young woman. I made peace with him many years later and let him know that no matter if we didn't see eye to eye on everything in life, he gave me life and for that I would always be grateful.

I am the woman I am today because of my father. Good, bad or indifferent, he is a part of me and always will be. One thing I am certain of, he will never leave me again. This time he's truly gone and there are no more words. I held his hand today and sat with him for a long time before he passed. I said my goodbyes and told him I loved him. It would be the last time he would hear those words from me. I'm thankful for that opportunity.

Dad, you were a kind soul inside that tough exterior. Everyone who met you was an instant friend and you never met a stranger. People who didn't know you missed out on something special. People who did know you were very fortunate and will tell anyone who asks what a special person you were.

This is for you big Tony, rest in peace. Tell mom and Jess we miss them and love them too.

I love you.
 
Register to hide this ad
Big Tony obviously raised a fine daughter. I'm sure he was as proud of you as you of him.

RIP Big Tony. Condolences.
 
I'm sorry for your loss.

My mother passed several years back at 86 also. A week doesn't pass that I don't think I will call her and talk about something. I can't. But as time passes you get used to it.

God Bless!
 
May the soul of the faithful departed rest in light eternal.

...and God's Peace to you, Toni. That is as moving and loving a tribute to a real human being as I have read.
 
it seems like this is all i ever say to anybody but it's from the heart.
i wish you peace.

and RIP, Tony.
 
Toni, my deepest condolences for your loss . . . my mom and dad, first gen Americans, also grew up in Brooklyn (in Flatbush, where else!?!), though he is not Italiano like us!, he is of Scottish descent . . . in fact he may have been one of the fellows your dad fought with outside the ring! . . some 17yrs ago my mom passed suddenly and unexpectedly at 67 and I've always felt 'cheated' in that I did not get to privilege of tending to her when her time came . . . it is so great you were able to be by his side on his journey home . . . Big Tony may gone from your hands, but he can never leave your soul and your words about him make it evident that he has left quite a legacy for the rest of us . . .
 
My sincerest condolences to you and yours, Toni. A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your Father, may he truly rest in peace.
 
You sound like a remarkable person, very much as you describe your dad. My sympathies and thoughts to you and your family.
 
What a beautiful tribute! My condolences to you, Toni. Both my folks are 81 now & we face a similar future- one of lifes hardest truths.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom