THE WALK, an Ode to my Grandpa

I walk at a molasses pace
From the opposite side of
His third leg
Creak creak
Sang the cane
The 90 year old man
Did not want to be babysat
But he didn't mind me
Everyone but me
Acted like grandpas can't do anything
Especially after his fainting spells
But with me he is free

My father was a faithful, loyal, and humble man who loved to tell stories and collect things that might become antique.  He also loved to take naps.  I'm glad he got to know my wife and kids.

Dad you will be missed.  May you rest in peace.

THE WALK, Ode to my Grandpa

I walk at a molasses pace
From the opposite side of
His third leg
Creak creak
Sang the cane
The 90 year old man
Did not want to be babysat
But he didn't mind me
Everyone but me
Acted like grandpas can't do anything
Especially after his fainting spells
But with me he is free

Special Remembrance

My father was a very gentle, kind and loving man. His family and faith were very important to him.  He was also very happy with few complaints, usually smiling.  He was very quiet unless he was talking about religion, politics or saving the honey bees from extinction.  

I would like to share a few memories of my father.  My Dad really enjoyed desserts.  One weekend a couple of years ago, my father and mother traveled to my Uncle John's house for a reunion with cousins.  It was a very cold weekend.  At age 92 it was hard for him to travel and his neck and knees were hurting.  They were supposed to go out to dinner and Dad had made up his mind to stay at the house while the others went out to eat.  John told Dad, if you go you to the restaurant you can have dessert first.  So Dad orders ice cream before his dinner of chicken fried steak, and he was happy.  Then after dinner, everyone was ordering dessert and so Dad ordered dessert again - blueberry pie and now he was twice as happy!

Usually Dad made up his mind to do things his own way and was not easily persuaded otherwise.  When my mother was in the hospital for shoulder surgery Jo Ann stayed a few days with him to keep him company.  Dad mentioned that he wanted to go to 9:00 o'clock mass.  Jo Ann said no she really wanted to sleep late and go to another mass. Dad was upset and did not like that answer. In the morning when Jo Ann awoke, Dad was nowhere to be found. He no longer drove, where could he be?  After a short while he returns home and he explains, "You would not take me to 9:00 o'clock mass, so I called a taxi and went to mass."  So my father had a stubborn determination but he also had a very strong faith.  Lately Mom and Dad were still going to church often, without assistance, even though both were using walkers.

My father also really enjoyed and loved his family.  He had to wait until he was 42 years old until his dream of having a family was realized.  He was content to be home watching TV, eating meals or doing nothing as long as he had his family around.  So after my mother was in the hospital for a month for meningitis, he was very happy to be reunited.  I brought my mother home and she was heading towards the house with her walker.  Here comes Dad running down the porch steps; okay running as fast as a 90 year old could.  But Dad was very clumsy in addition to being old and unstable. And so Mom shouts, "No! Do not come down the steps, I will come to you."  Too late, he was rushing towards her as fast as he could.  In my mind I was reminded of a typical movie scene of two lovers in a meadow running in slow motion towards each other to be reunited. Mom with her walker, Dad with his cane, they finally joined in a great hug and kiss.

I think my father lived by example and showed us how to give kindness and respect to all, to pray and go to church every Sunday, to be grateful for what you have and to love your family and friends.  Oh and don't forget to have dessert!  We loved him and laughed with him and he will be greatly missed. I love you Dad.

Anthony was a sweet and gentle soul.  I will miss seeing his sweet face.  Ann my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love you.

On behalf of the Santos Gomez and Santos Garcia families, we send you our deepest condolences. Hugs from Mexico.

Uncle Anthony was a great man. He will be missed. Hugs and Prayers from Indiana.

Love The Hughes Family

So sorry for your loss. God has given us a life span of 70 or 80 years if we are strong. Mr. Anthony enjoyed a life well lived. He was especially strong.
Ps. 90:10 May you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many.

Uncle Anthony was such a gentle and joyful man. He loved his family so well! He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Anthony Thomas Caronna Jr.

March 18, 1923 – January 1, 2018

Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home

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