Always laughing! — with Joe Sheila Dana Lisa

Who does Mom love best? — with Brothers Joe and John with their Mom

— with Dad and "daughter numero Uno.' Longbeach

From Frankfort he came with a grin,

With meatballs and jokes built right in.

He’d fry up some dough,

Put on quite a show,

And always let laughter begin.

He’d welcome you in like a friend,

With a story, a snack, and a blend

Of warmth and delight,

A hug that felt right,

And a joke that would never quite end.

His table was never too small,

He had room and a smile for all.

From shrimp scampi flair,

To baccalà rare,

He cooked like he’d just won it all.

But more than the meals or the cheer,

It’s the love that we all hold most dear.

He saw us as gold,

Let our stories unfold,

And made sure we always felt near.

To his wife, he gave all of his heart,

Nearly sixty-five years from the start.

To his kids, he gave grace,

And his grandkids the space

To be silly and wild and smart.

When the sun warms your face or you smile,

When you pause and feel peace for a while—

That’s Chip saying, “See?  

You’re right where you should be.”

Still guiding you, mile after mile.

♡

Sending love and thoughts to the whole family x x 

Sending love and sympathies to the entire family. 

I am very sorry for your's and your family's loss.  Your Dad as I have mentioned in the past was a very good friend of my Dad's back in Frankfort, NY. They grew up together and stayed friends throughout their lives. When my father was sick in the hospital your Dad stayed in contact with me even to the point where I would get your father on the phone per his request and he and my father would talk. Your Dad felt so bad when my father and his best friend passed away. Your Dad stood up in my parents wedding and he remained a family friend. Your Dad was a great man and great friend. Always great to be around him when he would visit his hometown of Frankfort. I am sure he and my father are now reunited and laughing up a storm as they always did. Cherish the memories and know your Dad is always looking down and watching over all of you and your Mom. ❤

Condolences to the family.   Joe had a wonderful sense  of humor. Ron & Joe would tease each other on various things. Always laughing.  All 4 of us enjoyed many days at the movies  & going out to lunch. We had our last breakfast with them the day he left for Calif. Ron passed last Oct. & they're probably picking out the next movie. Will miss you

I will never forget the times I visited my brother and his wife in Florida.  They were the greatest hosts and Chuck and I always had a great time.  Remembering the many walks with Joe and his canine friends in the varied developments of Hobe Sound; the beautiful modular home he lived in;  the beautiful flowers and the warm, sunny weather;  the restaurants;  bowling   with his teammates.  Never a dull moment with my brother; memories I will cherish always.  Can't forget our trips  to Dana's house in Michigan and  our trip to North Carolina to attend Nicholas' wedding.    I will always keep him  and the lovely family he left behind,  in my thoughts and prayers.  God Bless.  

When I was 14 we moved to New Hampshire from Utica.  Dad would do anything for us and Friday night he drove me 2.5 hours from Manchester to Stowe Vermont to meet my Utica friends for a ski weekend. Their bus was late and he stayed there with me past 11pm until they arrived and then he drove 2.5 hours home... and then 2 days later did the same again to pick me up!  Nothing was ever too much for my Dad!   

And there were the drives back and forth to pickup a carload of giggling teenagers.  He'd drive the 5.5 hours to Utica, pick up 4 of my friends and drive back. He'd take us to Hampton Beach and he and my Mom put up with (and enjoyed!) all the laughing and middle of the night cookie baking to make the drive again the following weekend to take them back.  

I have so many amazing memories with my Dad.  I hope others will share their stories here!

Dad's self portrait! LOL!!