Well, some uncomfortable news

[RoninPA]

But I consider everyone on this forum to be family.

My 93 1/2 year old Dad just passed away (Oct 3, 1929, May 12, 2023) He had a stroke 14 days ago so we knew it was his time to meet with his redeemer. A full life, join the US Army during WWII (under age, 16, his sister signed the enlistment papers), Basic at Fort Knox, then joined the Constabulary in Germany. Battalion Commander found out his real age but knew Dad was sending most of his money home to his mom. The commander also lived through the Depression so he told Dad, "I won't say anything if you don't" but he told Dad that he couldn't go out on patrols any. He made him in charge of opening and closing the Rec centers, gym, etc. On his off time Dad made extra money shining shoes, uniform brass, and cleaning rifles. When he got out, him and mom moved to Niagara Falls where Mom had a job with a chemical company and Dad used his GI Bill to learn the auto body trade. He also joined the Navy Reserve for that little extra money (there wasn't an Army Reserve Unit there.) Well in 1950-1 he got called up because of Korea and joined the ships company (he is/was a plank owner/holder) of CV/CVA-34, the USS ORISKANY a new Essex-class aircraft carrier. He did his Korea tour with the 5th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. Lots of tales form that journey . Couple of years later, relocated back to the State College area (central PA where he grew up) and became a prison guard (Corrections Officer in todays language) at the Rockview State Penitentiary (now Pennsylvania State Correctional Facility at Rockview).

Lots of great memories that will be treasured until my time comes to join him.

 

[Cholo]

I'm sorry to hear that, Ron It sounds like he lead an incredible life!

 

[Snake45]

Sorry to hear of your loss, Ron. I lost my Dad in 2018 and I still miss him every day. May God comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow,

 

[NH Rugerman]

Ron
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad, we are never ready to lose our parents so my thoughts are with you today. He is with his Savior, awaiting for you to join him in God’s perfect time.

God bless you and your family at this very sad and difficult time.

 

[hittman]

A life well lived!
So sorry for your loss Ron.
God Bless

 

[turd]

That is a tough thing when you lose your father. Mine died in April two years ago at 94. Like Snake said, I miss him every day. WWII vet in the Navy, joined at 17, so somewhat similar story. Find comfort in the Lord. So sorry for you and your family.

 

[WAYNO]

I am very sorry for this.

I Pray for Blessings, for your Dad and your family, as well as everyone else touched by your Dad's passing.

Wayne.

 

[noahmercy]

Although I am sad to hear of his passing, I am so glad that your father lived! Men like him and my grandfather (who would be 97 now if he were still with us, and served in WWII on one of the first Essex-class boats) certainly helped propel our nation to a level of greatness not seen before or since. Prayers of peace and understanding to his family and friends.

 

[Bob Wright]

And another of the Greatest Generation leaves us. My condolences to you and your family, and my prayers for your comfort in these times.

Thank you for sharing that with us here.

Bob Wright

 

[Watertender]

Ron I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Joan and I will say a prayer for him. I liked the electric chair story that you told me about him. He sounds like someone that I would have gotten along with very well. You are right about being family too. I consider you and Jackie as both friends and family. I am not going to be at the Ohio show in July but hope to make the Alabama show in January. God Bless My Friend!

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

So sorry Ron to hear of your dad’s passing. I can’t certainly understand the loss as my dad is gone as well. May the Lord comfort you and your family.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Blessings, Ron. 93 years is a good long time for a man to be allowed to influence the world. Be proud and get some rest.

 

[rugerguy]

Ron sad news indeed and our thoughts and prayers to you and the family May he rest in Peace...........

 

[Gator89]

My condolences on the loss of your father. You describe a life well lived.

 

[06dilly]

Thanks for sharing a little of his story, Ron. A life well lived. You have much to be proud of and I know it helped me as my dad gets closer to the golden shore. All the best to you and your family.

TomD

 

[Johnnu2]

Sorry for your loss Ron...
He will now rest in peace, and watch over you once again.

J.

 

[welder]

Ron, I am very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am thankful for your Dad and the life he lived and for what he stood for and what he represented. He and others of his generation are special and we all share in your loss.

 

[Threespears]

Condolences to you and your family and God Bless your Father.
my Dad also enlisted at age 16 for the Marines during WW2. He passed away two years ago. He was combat wounded 50 percent disabled how ever you couldn’t tell. I miss him dearly, however I’m glad his pain both physically and mentally are no longer haunting him. And he doesn’t have to witness what this once great country has become

 

[protoolman]

Sounds a lot like my dad's story he's still around though. I salute your father and wish him well as a fellow brother in arms on his next journey after a life well lived.

 

[wolfsong]

...Amen. Rest in peace, sir.

My condolences. Peace and God bless.

 

[Colonialgirl]

Sorry to hear of your loss; Sadly as WE grow older we lose our friends and what hurts most of all is the loss of our family.
My Dad (also a Navy Vet) died some years ago; Then lost my Mother, then my little brother and finally my older brother who was my best friend all my life.
Your Father will be waiting at the Golden Gates when you arrive some day in the future.

 

[Mobuck]

My Dad died in 1990 and Mom in 2000. Their last picture together hangs above my desk and I look upon them often. I continually try to live my life in ways that they would approve of. I'm the oldest living male carrying our surname and it's important for the younger generations to have a lead to follow.

 

[turd]

I continually try to live my life in ways that they would approve of. I'm the oldest living male carrying our surname and it's important for the younger generations to have a lead to follow.

This.......

 

[SteveRuger]

Sorry For Your Loss!
Lost My Dad in May 2019 I understand the pain & loss!
Prayers you & your loved ones.

 

[2Late45]

Sorry for your loss, try to remember and celebrate a life well lived.

 

[arfmel]

My condolences, Ron.

 

[SamV]

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing some of your father’ history with us. I am glad that he was able to spend so many years here on earth. I only had my father until my seventeenth birthday. He passed away too soon. I send a prayer for you and your father.

 

[tazbigdog]

Sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts for you and your family.

 

[Mike J]

I am sorry for you loss. Thank you for telling us about his life. It is a hard thing when one's father passes. Mine died in 2003. I still think about him & the things he taught me.

 

[vito]

My condolences on your loss. Your memories will help you deal with this. But we never fully get over the death of a loved one, we only learn to live with the reality that all of us are mortal. My own Dad died relatively young back in 1975 and I still miss him, even though I am far older than he ever got to be.