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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Dziadek aka Grandpa Ted


My baby girls Polish Grandfather aka Dziadek to them passed away late in the afternoon on September 11th, 2009. Ted was a good man with a heart bigger than life for his daughter and all of his grandchildren. I’ll miss his quick wit and dry sense of humor that always had you doing a double look and laughing after you realized what he said. He had a tough fight his last days but his loving wife Marney was there by his side and cared for him till the end. My personal thanks go out to the visiting nurses and hospice people that worked so hard to keep him comfortable in his last days.

Telling three out of five daughters that their Dziadek had passed away was tough and I lost it at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of our family chat at the dinner table. I called my oldest daughter and lost it again. I did too many phone calls where my emotions just got the best of me. I loved the guy a lot and his passing hurts to the core. My wife and I may have separated but my relationship and affections for the man that was her father never were part of the separation. He was a good man, a good father, a great grandfather, a thoughtful friend, and always cheerful even though he was in pain for oh so many years.

I think he was an amazing man and I will always cherish the memories he took the time to build with and for his grandchildren. He wouldn’t miss a birthday celebration, Christmas gathering, Thanks Giving gathering, or his favorite event Easter dinner that he cooked himself. One huge ham that he special ordered that was always the best part of the meal. It was always a laugh as he cut and served the ham, some for the table, a sample for the chef, some for the table, a sample for the chef. Quality control was in his blood and he just had to make sure that every bite was just as delicious as the previous. Easter Sunday will never be the same again without him.

All I can say now is that I loved the guy, I’ll miss him, and I can only hope to be half the man he was. I’ll miss you Ted and so will all the girls from the Irish clan side of the Tuminski family that are so proud and loved to call their grandfather Dziadek. From all of your O’Keefe girls, Christine, Nicole, Kathryn, Shannon, Casey, and Hannah, you will always be loved and truly and sorely missed. Rest in peace Dziadek.

For my friend Ted and from my friend Mike...

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Your friend Matthew aka Papamoka

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8 Comments:

Blogger Sue said...

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news Matty! pop-pops are soooo soooo important to children, I witness that every day with Amelia and her Pop-pop. I'm so sorry for your girls, wife and for you sweetie! Hope you find comfort in God and the good memories of your dear Dziadek. xoxoxox

8:05 AM  
Blogger B.J. said...

I'm sure Ted's family made his life heaven on Earth. You all have that to cherish. My thoughts are with all of you. Love, BJ

11:58 AM  
Blogger Papamoka said...

Thank you Sue and BJ. I'm taking the girls shopping tomorow to get appropriate outfits for the services. Can't afford it but have to do it.

9:33 PM  
Blogger Sue said...

Mat I will never forget going shopping for an outfit when my sister died at the age of 37. It was like I was in a daze and everyone around me was laughing and trying on clothes oblivious to my reason for being in the dressing room trying on dresses. Surreal for sure. I cry for your loss...xo

9:50 PM  
Blogger Pink Granite said...

Please accept my sympathy on the passing of your friend and family member.
Peace...
- Lee

11:07 PM  
Blogger Machinist said...

I'm very sorry Matt,for you and for your girls. I hope warm memories and good friends and family can sooth the pain and ease the emptiness you must all feel.

1:42 PM  
Blogger Michael Boh said...

I'm sorry to hear about your loss PapaM - my sincere condolences to you and your family.

11:40 AM  
Blogger The GTL™ said...

Wow, I'm so sorry to be so late to the table, brother, but may Ted RIP and may God comfort you and yours during this time of great loss!

12:36 PM  

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