Charlie Stanislav
Kathy, Michael,Mark, Jim & Mary:
As you know I met your father at St. Ann's in 1994 when Pat & I moved to live full time in Bethany. We became good friends and golfing buddies. Tony, Bob Patton, Bill Middendorf & I formed a regular foursome and enjoyed each others companioship & stories as well as golf. Bill was the first to go"over the bar" now Tony has joined him & Bob has been struggling with alzheimers much longer than your dad & but for that fact would have clearly attended your dad's funeral mass.
Pat and I will misss Tony as we missed Ann your mother for as they say: "They were nice people". The thing that I have observed in all of this is the humility that marks your father's charachter continues even now in his death.
If I could I would set the record straight to credit your father's contribution to his country and to us. But, I can not because I do not know the details. You must know that in WW2 he was in the thick of the worst part of it as a"frogman". Also, part of his "re-enlistment twice" was during the Korean War.
Also, his service as a fireman in the District of Columbia was terminated after 24 years not out of choice but necessity. The injury to his back sustained while fighting a fire required his disability retirement.
I hope you remain unashamedly proud of your father. It was an honor to know him.
Charlie