Handsome Hal. He got that name not only because he was good-looking, but more importantly, he was ATTRACTIVE. People have always been attracted to his smile, his mild manner, sense of humor and quick wit. To his humbleness, curiousity and genuine interest in what you were saying when speaking to you. He was very accepting and non-judgmental, which made everyone feel they could just "be" when around him. And though he was not outwardly emotional, he had a big heart and was extremely warm and loving.
He was a simple man, in a good way. Simple pleasures made him happy. He was very laid back, "chill" as my nephews would say. He didn't often get riled up, but if he did...we would be scared and know we pushed it..
Dad was a bit set in his ways...and didn't like confrontation. Sometime indecisive or just, delayed in making the big decisions.
He truly enjoyed running his daily "chores," washing cars, sweeping the yard, barbequing, carving the turkey on Thanksgiving, going to the bakery for fresh bread and pastries and appetizing on Sundays.
He was passionate about food-especially Italian cuisine. He loved cooking...and eating. He loved watching the Food Network and Cooking Channel. And he always shared recipes with me. Whenever he and Cathy came to NY or LA, we planned the trip around meals. I would make reservations at restaurants he had read about or of his favorite chef. And when he cooked, he had total command of the kitchen. It was so much fun to watch him. I too love cooking, drinking good wine, keeping my car clean and sweeping the yard. Everyone always says, "you're your father's daughter."
He loved his family, especially his mother, Betty, our matriarch. He idolized his older brother Marvin and laughed with his baby brother Chuck like no one else. He adored his nieces and nephews, Alice, Rebecca and Seth. He was a wonderful father to me and Steven and although my Mom Marlene and his marriage ended after 38 years, my favorite memories are of us as a family and him as a wonderful father and husband. He was stern but gentle at the same time. He very rarely yelled at us. One look was all it took.
Never in a million years could I have imagined a more frightening and tragic time in the world. But in some twisted way, I am thankful for being "stuck" in Florida for the chance to have spent time with him in what turned out to be his last days. Heaven got one of the good ones. May he reunite with our beloved grandmother, Betty Pa, our maternal grandparents, Nana and Papa Joe and his brother Marvin and sister-in-law, Sybil who he loved dearly. May he shine his bright light on all of us still here on earth and give us strength to get through these tough times and coming days, months, years without him.
I love my Daddy. Every year without fail, we would send each other a beautiful Valentine's Day card. We always both wrote, "you'll forever be my favorite Valentine." I will forever miss you, my favorite Valentine.
