Eulogy for Grandpa
On March 21st the LePera family lost a real family treasure—one that does not occur very often—one to never be forgotten.
At age 101, Grandpa, was a window into the past—a walking encyclopedia of our past century.
A real phenom. And although a lot of his education came from books, much was gained through life’s experiences. And it was those experiences that made his personality so magnetic. He was someone that anyone would enjoy talking to. He had a real social ability—one that made a lasting impression—one to always remember. Perhaps it was because Grandpa could detail events that occurred over the past 100 years like it happened yesterday. Grandpa could bring you all the way back to 1912 when the Titanic sunk and then bring you up to living through the Roaring Twenties, Johnstown Flood, The Great Depression, all of our presidents, world wars, inventions, computer age, and the closing of a millennium.
But rather ironically, no matter how old Grandpa kept getting, he still seemed to possess a very young quality. For example; he had a memory that would not quit. In fact his memory included somethings that most would have hoped that he’d long forgotten, but never did. He also worked full-time until he was 70, drove until he was 91, and at the young age of almost 102, he never had a wrinkle!
Through it all Grandpa had a very keen wit and laughed very easily. He saw humor in others as well as in himself and isn’t that what life is all about? Well, Grandpa knew that. And just to rub it in, he would always jokingly let everyone know what numbered pension check he had received and we can safely say that it was well into the 300’s.
But despite it all, Grandpa, otherwise known as Ralph, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa or the Patriarch of the LePera family, led a full and rich life. He has seen and done it all. He had a positive effect on his family and in turn was very loved. He will be greatly missed. And as it was stated, as long as you say the name Grandpa, he will never die and his memory will live on forever.
God Bless you Grandpa.
We love and will miss you very much!
Love Tom, Sue, Stephen, Zachary</b></font><br><br>
