First I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to attend today and/or yesterday to mourn the loss of my father Michael, but more importantly to celebrate his life of 75 years.  Everyone had a different but unique relationship with my dad and today I’d like to take a moment to share a few stories of mine with you to reflect on our father-son relationship.

What I’ll probably miss most about my dad are those phone calls in the car on the way home from work.  I could always count on a pleasant conversation with my dad on almost any topic including sports, weather, politics, etc. It was always an easy conversation with lots of laughs, very rarely any tension.  Those conversations always put me at ease after a tough day at the office and then quickly in the right frame of mine to enjoy my family upon arriving home.

As for sports, my dad wasn’t too impressed with today’s sports heroes.  He would always tell me “Frank, Mickey Mantle never had a bad game”. He would get upset with today’s athletes for not signing more autographs.  He told me a story that while growing up in Brooklyn he lived in the same neighborhood as Hall-A-Famer Duke Snyder during his playing days with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  My dad would ride his bike by Duke’s house and ask his parents if Duke arrived home yet from the game, quite different than today.  

Then there is golf.  My dad was an avid golfer that played about 3 times a week.  I could always out drive my dad but his short game was fabulous.  If he hit a ball into a sand trap, no big deal, no panic, he would pop that golf ball up high and almost always land on the green in a good position for a short putt. I remember for this 70th birthday I flew down to Florida and we just played golf and more golf.  Wow, that was fun.  So glad I did that trip.  He would always say “Frank, remember when you came down to Florida for my 70th birthday and we played some great golf?”.

Regarding weather forecasting, my dad was always a weather enthusiast.  I remember as a little boy shoveling snow with my father, he would talk extensively about the jet stream and the different storm tracks.  Now as a Meteorologist, looking back I smile knowing my dad had a part inspiring me in my career today and for the past 24 years.  What’s funny after receiving my degree in Meteorology from SUNY Albany back in 1992, my dad still thought he was more knowledgeable than me in weather and you know what, that was quite fine with me.

My dad always amazed me in subtle ways.  Back in college dad knew I was investing a lot of time and energy in one of my Calculus classes.  So one day he tells me “Frank, if college doesn’t work out, no problem.  I can get you a nice job in my electrical union with good pay and benefits.”  That was so powerful, hearing from your dad that failure was okay!  That statement really took a lot of pressure off me & I began to excel in school.  Now looking back as a father myself I say “very impressive dad, well done!”

Then there is Father’s Day.  Every year I call my dad to wish him a Happy Father’s Day, make sure my gift arrived safely and see if he likes it.  His response every year – “Frank, you’re my Father’s Day gift”.  For a simple man he always knew how to make me feel special and loved.  Thanks Dad!

Finally, in closing, think of some special moments with your dad or loved ones and share those stories frequently.  Take the time out of your busy schedule to reflect and embrace the good times and let the not so good times just be background noise.

Thanks again everyone for attending today.  Your presence is a wonderful tribute to my father and my family & I.  Thank you and God Bless.

Written by Frank Nocera / Read by Teresa Nocera / May 12, 2016 / Brooklyn, NY