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Cony, along with Rabbi Jennifer Jaech, is the author of "He's All I Have: Nurturing A Young Child Through The Loss Of A Loved One." Cony and Jaech are hosting a book signing and discussion at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson at noon on April 20.
After his father died, Cony's family never brought him up. Cony's companion was Monny, a kewpie doll his father bought for him when he was two.
Cony decided to team up with Jaech, the rabbi at Temple Israel, to give the perspective of a clergyperson on grief. The book alternates between Cony's life story with Jaech offering advice.
"The book has gotten a great response," Cony said. "Women have said they need two boxes of Kleenex when they read it. People are fascinated by it."
Writing the book also has helped Cony deal with the death of his father.
"I would run upstairs and show my wife what I had written and I would usually have tears in my eyes," Cony said. "This was a phenomenally cathartic experience."
Cony's father was a humorist who wrote comedy for comedians like Jack Benny and Red Skeleton. Cony became a writer and would give speeches to business managers about how they can use a sense of humor as leverage in their work. He later worked in advertising and as a graph designer.
"I try to find out his good traits and package them inside of me," Cony said.
If he could talk to his dad today, Cony said he would simply ask one question.
"Dad, how am I doing?" Cony said.
To purchase the book, click here.
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