Father’s Day 2025

June, 2025

Dear Dad,

I wish I could go to one more baseball game with you. I wish I could have one more lunch with you at the Silver Grill in downtown Cleveland. I wish I could receive one more letter from you telling me how my high school, college, graduate and hometown teams were all doing. I wish we could bake brownies one more time. I wish that you had not left so soon. I was only 26 and learning of your sudden death was devastating. I loved you. I still love and miss you.

Above all, I am deeply grateful that you were my father, that we had so much fun together, that you could see me graduate with my Master’s because you were very proud, and that you could attend my wedding because you were very happy for me. Thank you for being such a great dad.

During the celebration of Aunt Helen’s life in April, I thought a lot about you and Mom. I remember how you loved to visit my aunt and uncle in the summer because you and Uncle Pete could talk about baseball and because Aunt Helen was always sweet and welcoming.

I remember how you loved history, so on weekends we would visit the homes, libraries and cemeteries of the eight Ohio Presidents. You always helped me with my history projects and that made them much more fun. I still love history and your grandson has the heart and mind of an historian! Alex reminds me a lot of you. I wish you two could have met in person but I know you watch over my children. Thank you!

I remember how fun it was to shop for a tie for you before Father’s Day and to make you a special dessert for the celebration. After I got my driver’s license, I could come and pick you up after work or drive you to our Indians games. I have so many happy memories!

Fred is so much like you—kind, smart, funny, supportive and gentlemanly. I miss you but I am very grateful for Fred, who has also been a great dad!!! I feel truly blessed.

Love,
Helen