My Grandfather, James Francis Murray was born in the Bronx, New York on May 3rd 1932 and was a great man whom meant the world to my entire family, up until his passing at the age of 83 on March 13th, 2016. My grandfather was the son of two Irish immigrant parents and the youngest of 5 children having three older sisters and one older brother. In high school he was an accomplished athlete being a champion swimmer as well as captain of the swim team. After graduating high school in 1950, he joined the United States Airforce for 4 years serving as a flight mechanic during the Korean War. After leaving the service in 1954, my grandfather became a welder and then went on to marry my Grandmother, Kathleen Sheehan in 1957. Shortly thereafter in 1958 he brought his first and only child into this world my mother, Kathleen. After losing his job as a welder, my grandfather started a new chapter in his life by joining the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) in 1960. His time with the FDNY was probably some of the best and most memorable years of his life, as he loved being a firefighter, …show more content…
He was always actively engaged in his community and family. He was a part of various organizations such as the FDNY Retired Firefighter Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Knights of Columbus, where he became the chapter’s grandmaster. Furthermore, he became stronger in his religious beliefs becoming an active member of his local parish over the last 20 years of his life. Eventually, he became one of the churches ushers, greeting ever members that walked into the church and assisting the priest with the service. Lastly, my grandfather helped to babysit my sister and I when we were younger, being a significant part of both our lives. Up until the last few months of his life, my grandfather lived with my grandmother in their first home that they purchased in 1972, after they left the Bronx to move to upstate New
As far back as I can remember, you have been my personal hero and I owe so much to you, not the least of which is a Marine Corps heritage for our family to include a fantastic career in the Corps for myself. Had it not been for the photos of you and Uncle Bernard in your dress blues, setting on the dresser at Grandma and Grandpa’s house, I may never have joined the Marine Corps. Looking at those photos every time I went there always made me proud of you and Uncle Bernard and were a continuous source of intrigue for me. Those photos along
The 1960’s was a time of war, politics, and a trip to the moon. For some it was a turbulent time filled with chaos, while for others it was a peaceful, prosperous time. For my grandfather, Robert Mammini, it was the decade of his life where he would settle down, start a family, and experience a most memorable decade. He was married in 1961 at the age of 24 to my grandma, Mary Mammini. During this decade his family expanded and he had three children. His first born Kim, my mom was born in 1962, followed by my uncle in 1964 and later my aunt in 1966. He and my grandmother lived in Concord, California just several blocks from Clayton Valley High School. It’s weird to think they lived two minutes from where I live now. With my grandma’s hands full with three kids it was up to my grandpa to be the working man. He worked at James Nelson Company, a booming heating and air conditioning company, in San Francisco where he made good wages and was given great benefits. With the good pay my grandfather was able to easily afford a brand new home priced at $22,000, which included 3 beds and 2 baths. This decade was the start of a long ride for the Mammini family filled with incredible world events that we will never experience again.
I truly enjoyed my time spent with Murray. Both he and his wife Francis graciously welcomed us into their home, and made us feel like familiar friends. It was wonderful to hear him share stories from his life and I thank him for his openness and honesty. His insights about the trials and tribulations of life were applicable to a person of any age. Many times over the last few weeks, I have found myself thinking about something that he said. Murray is truly full of life and has a lot of spirit!
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all of you for your compassion and for being present here today. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Mauri-Lynne, and I'm Lionel's daughter. Dad was devoted to every one of you. We all hope that you'll share your memories of him with us, if not today then in the weeks and months to come.
away in 1998 at the age of 91. His son gave him a well commemorated funeral, and
I’m glad we have Maurice, my mother’s younger brother here today. Ella, her older sister, unfortunately couldn’t make it, but I know the news of my mothers death hit her hard. And I know that she prayed with all her will, for my mother.
“Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. Jackie had 4 brothers and sisters and he was the youngest of them all Jackie like most African-Americans was poor as a young boy and he was raised by his mother only. He attended John Muir High School and Pasadena Junior College, where he was an excellent athlete and played four sports: football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was named the region's Most Valuable Player in baseball in 1938. Jackie’s older brother was in the Olympics for the 200 meter dash and finished in 2nd place just behind Jesse Owens. Jackie would have graduated from UCLA if he would have not run into financial problems his last year, which forced him to leave.”(Jackie Robinson Biography).
Forever will I be thankful for the love he gave me, and even more so for the family he left me with. Collectively, we have been and will be loved more than I personally could have ever asked for, by my grandfather and by each other.
There was too much time spent away from his family and he wanted to get back trying to spend all the time he can with them. While he was out being a family man he still donated a lot of his time to train the local police department, on how to be effective in combat training and to approach situations the best way. But, his most memorable thing he ever did was he spent time with other Veterans who suffered with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and helped them cope with what they have, so they can live on with a normal
His was a life worth emulating: a life of great faith and generosity, a life of service to others, a life of simple joys. Our father couldn’t walk down a street without whistling, couldn’t pass a stranger without saying hello, couldn’t see a need without reaching into his pocket.
I walked downstairs to the basement of my grandpa Jack’s. His house was in boxes. his memories, life, and possessions neatly sorted into cardboard boxes. I slowly walked to the closest portion of his life. It was labeled Keegan. My mom walks over with tears in her eyes.
By definition, my grandfather is handicapped. However, he doesn't act as though he is, and he certainly does not want to be treated in any special way.
In December 2002, my dad’s boss called telling him, he was to be deployed in January 2003. Being 5 years of age I didn't quite understand what he would endure, all I knew is my daddy was leaving us for 7 months. The morning of my dad's departure came quickly. I'll never forget the goodbye that changed my outlook on family and love. At 5 am my father walked into my room. Scared and nervous, he was crying… I had never
Before I begin I would like to thank all of you here on behalf of my mother, my brother and myself, for your efforts large and small to be here today, to help us mark my fathers passing.
My grandfather was a very loving man, he loved his family more than anything he had