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The night before my dad died (this past Thursday) I hadn’t slept in days. Fearing that if I just *blinked* I would miss something..his last word, his last breath, his last anything.
Nothing really seems to make sense right now. People keep saying how strong I am. They keep telling me I will break. But, I am his daughter..and quite frankly..he never broke.
He dealt with fear, death and hardship with bravery, kindness and his incredible story telling abilities. He had a story for everything and everyone.********
ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours were scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, and from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Moritz Funeral Home, 98 Route 303, Tappan, NY. A funeral Mass is at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 28 at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Fremont Avenue in Park Ridge. ALSO SEE: 'Irish Wake' Set For Popular Bartender At Davey's In Montvale.
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The week before his diagnosis we had watched "Big Fish" (the Tim Burton/ Daniel Wallace movie) together at home. It was a favorite movie of my dads...one that made *him* cry (which was almost impossible.) The significance of that time watching that movie together has sat with me throughout his diagnosis and the deterioration of his health.
He never wanted treatment as an option. Whatever time he had left (big or small) I had to accept because that is what he wanted.
“What’s life without fishing, cookies, or ice cream?” he’d say..if anyone asked him to “hang on” or consider treatment or alternative options. “What’s life if you can't think long enough to have a lucid thought or tell a story?” he'd ask.
Death did not become him. He was more than cancer..he was more than the last few weeks of his life. His presence is and was bigger than his physical body.
Sometimes my dad would tell his stories about people at the bar, or people he'd met that he loved and laughed with.
*Only ever briefly understanding his penchant for his customers, humor and storytelling.*
The spontaneous outpouring of affection and support from my dad's customers/friends has been overwhelming. The fact that almost every person has written or posted or texted a story about my dad is the best way to keep his memory here with us and I hope to continue his page for as long as possible so we can continue to do so.
To let everyone know…My dad read/ or listened to every post/message until Friday morning…thanks to all of you he was able to smile a few more times before leaving.
Love to all his crazy hooligans. Xo
https://www.facebook.com/deliciz.booze
-Kristin
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