This page is for our Grandfather and my best friend. My best memory of Big Al was when I was about 5 years old when he lived in Boston. I remember him filling his Zippo lighter with fuel and when he was done, he lit the lighter but he had fuel on his hands and it caught fire. I remember him looking at his calloused hand and shaking it off as if nothing happened. I thought, man, my Grandpa is Superman!. I will always keep this memory close to my heart.
His hands were one of his trademarks, we lovingly called them his "meat hooks". They were strong, calloused and represented the man he was and will always be. His handshake was strong and firm but gentle. A strong soul, although he is no longer physically here, his spirit and soul make a strong presence every day in my life. Jokes or pranks, I know that my Grandpa is somehow behind it! And I SMILE.....;-)
His most noticeable trademark although, was his smile. That smile could make the quickest friend. He was known around downtown Boston for decades, his smile always noticed first. Every time I saw Grandpa, the smile appeared,,,,,and I always smiled and my heart was lifted, no matter how bad of a day I had or mood I was in! That smile was so contagious!
I had the luck, fortune and pride of having this man in my life for almost 40 years . He gave me so much guidance and direction, not just with my work crew, but with my walk through life in general. I miss our talks and our gentle disagreements. He knew just what to say to make me laugh again. Our bantering was a source of entertainment for the both of us.
He was a smart, gentle man. The best way I can describe him is a gentle spirit...my best friend.
Grandpa, I miss you so much. I miss my friend. I know you're around me, I feel you through every step of my life.
Stay out of trouble up there Grandpa ;-)
Dodeff
