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A PATRIOT'S PASSING
Me ^ | 12/19/01 | Self

Posted on 12/19/2001 5:49:08 PM PST by TheRightGuy

A PATRIOT’S PASSING

He was born the youngest to immigrant parents at the onset of the Roaring ‘20s. In his teens he struggled through the depression years of the 30’s in a tough Ohio steel town. Playing hardnose high school football gave him the opportunity to attend a college he could never otherwise afford.

The day after Pearl Harbor he left college to join the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a 1st Lt. and B-24 bomber pilot on combat missions from bases in North Africa. Returning to the States in ’43, he married his high school sweetheart, and served as a test pilot in the B-29 bomber program, based in New Mexico.

After the war, he completed his undergraduate and graduate education at Northwestern University and served as an elementary school teacher, at a time when a public education actually meant something.

He progressed into administration and served his far South Suburban Cook County community as School Superintendent for over 20 years. He also served as the Regional Superintendent for Special Education in South Suburban Cook County, Illinois during the 70’s.

He took an early retirement, disgusted by the increasing powers of Teacher’s Unions and the ever-growing dominance of federal government programs.

He loved God, and was the ultimate churchman: a charter member and Elder Emeritus in his congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

HE LOVED HIS COUNTRY! He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the best friend a man could ever have.

He was my Dad. And,. tonight he’s gone.

I ask you not to grieve with me,
but to CELEBRATE the passing of a true PATRIOT!

Thank you.

TRG, and family


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To: TheRightGuy
God's eternal love, comfort and blessings upon you and your family at this time and always.
101 posted on 12/20/2001 4:31:19 AM PST by nancetc
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To: TheRightGuy
My prayers are with you.
103 posted on 12/20/2001 4:40:12 AM PST by ohioWfan
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To: TheRightGuy
Being that you are now here, fighting for freedom and truth in the Free Republic, I see a family tradition forming. Your father is most certainly proud of you and fully realises now what you are doing here. In fact, he knows better than you do now the full impact of your efforts. People here on this forum don't fully realise what is accomplished here.

This will be the best Christmas he ever had. And now he needs no wings of steel to fly.

104 posted on 12/20/2001 4:42:18 AM PST by Arthur Wildfire! March
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To: TheRightGuy
Major bump for a true Patriot and his son, who I know first hand is a true Patriot.

God bless you and your lovely wife and family in this time.

105 posted on 12/20/2001 5:51:59 AM PST by diotima
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To: TheRightGuy
God bless you and yours at this time of sorrow at the passing of your father.

My father has a biography that reads a lot like your father's with respect to his service to this nation in World War II combat (U.S. Navy LCI Commander in the Pacific) and his commitment to it for decades following. He has been close to death several times over the last few years and the thoughts and prayers of many friends on this forum helped us through those times.

I know that your father is in a better place now, serving with distinction. I know you will see him again.

All of this reminds me of a saying a like to apply to my father:

"If I can be half the man my father was, and raise my sons to be twice the man I am ... I will have contributed greatly to society."

Again, may the Peace of God, that passeth all understanding comfort and keep you and your loved ones.

106 posted on 12/20/2001 6:06:50 AM PST by Jeff Head
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To: All
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.
107 posted on 12/20/2001 6:35:57 AM PST by TheRightGuy
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To: TheRightGuy
With tears welling up....Here's to your DAD and men like him, there are damn few left! A big PATRIOTIC bump!
108 posted on 12/20/2001 6:43:25 AM PST by PISANO
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To: TheRightGuy
May God Bless your family over this holiday as he has in giving you such a fine father for all these years.

Mine has been gone for over 30. He, too, was a WWII Army Air Corp. vet stationed in New Guinea for three yrs. returning home diseased and permanently affected. But he raised 7 sons and ran his own business until his death.

I blame the heart attack at the age of 51 upon the 3pak a day habit. (Hint, hint.)

109 posted on 12/20/2001 7:28:20 AM PST by justshutupandtakeit
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To: TheRightGuy
I am sorry for your loss and I know you will miss your Dad. Carry every memory and all that he taught you in your heart, for he shall ever be a part of you. May God wrap him in His arms and pat him on the back for a job well done.
110 posted on 12/20/2001 12:56:04 PM PST by Faith
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To: TheRightGuy
Thank you for the lovely post, and may God bless you and your family.

I lost my father, with a similar story to yours, on Veteran's Day, 2000.

It's hard, but his example will never leave you.

111 posted on 12/20/2001 1:20:16 PM PST by Molly Pitcher
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To: TheRightGuy
Goodness, forgot this part! We moved to s. Cook County in 1960, and my mother still lives in Flossmoor...
112 posted on 12/20/2001 1:22:04 PM PST by Molly Pitcher
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To: TheRightGuy
Here's to one of the good guys!
113 posted on 12/20/2001 1:23:04 PM PST by Redleg Duke
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To: TheRightGuy
Ping for running and not being weary....

For five generations our family has always said the 121st Psalm before any journey and at the final journey.

114 posted on 12/20/2001 1:24:44 PM PST by N. Theknow
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Comment #116 Removed by Moderator


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