My dad passed away Saturday morning just 41 days short of his 98th birthday. The number 41 is significant since that’s the year my dad raced to the nearest recruitment station to enlist in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor.
While he wanted to be shipped to the Pacific (to exact retribution) he was told, instead, the only immediate opening was with the U.S. Coast Guard.
He signed the papers and forever rued the fact that he wasn’t alongside his brother, George, fighting Nazi Germany or with his other brother, Chris, doing battle with the Japanese as a member of the fabled Merrill’s Marauders.
But, make no mistake. He served his country.
Pop-Pop, as he was known by family, friends and restaurant waitresses alike, lived a very, very full life. Indeed, his life spanned 17 separate presidential administrations.
He was not a superstar in business. Instead, he put in his time as a blue-collar worker raising three children in a decidedly blue collar town. But he, and my mom, scrimped and saved to assure all three of their children would be able to attend college.
Pop-Pop really didn’t come into his own until my son, Chris, and daughter, Catharine, were born.
Any shortcomings as a father were more than made up by his being a superb grandfather and, in the past year, the proud great grandfather to Adrian Joseph A.J. “The Juice” Cody who, ironically, marked his first birthday on the very same day Pop-Pop passed away.
I would be remiss in not singling out the remarkable relationship formed between Pop-Pop and Chris, my son, and his first, and only, grandson. They spoke every single day over the past few decades.
I’d like to end by explaining the headline: Semper Paratus. It’s The U.S. Coast Guard’s motto and, translated, means “Always Vigilant.”
Pop-Pop was always vigilant of the phenomenal family he had surrounding him and always insisted we spend as much time together as possible. We did so, right up until the moment he drew his final breath.
I’m still hard at work arranging for my mom’s and dad’s ashes to be interred at a Veterans Memorial Cemetery in NJ (replete with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps).
If you should be so inclined, you can make a donation in his name, Arthur Cody, at the Coast Guard Foundation. The instructions are self-explanatory.
Semper Paratus, Pop-Pop.
Steve, what a lovely tribute to your dad! the part about Chris was especially poignant. I’ll always remember growing up together at 53 Highland Place. It’s a beautiful wedding photo, thanks for sharing. I especially loved your mom, she was always so kind to me and my family. love, ann
The old man sounds like a true American Hero. I can see now, where you get some of your swashbuckling style and good looks from. A life well lived. We here in London are all sorry for your loss – and are sending love across the pond to you and your family.
Dear Steve,
What a beautiful tribute to your father that could only have been outdone by the love, respect and devotion you gave him during his lifetime. I too lost my dad this year, ( he was 102 ) and I miss him terribly. I wish you strength as you grieve his loss and celebrate his life. Carol
Thank you, Carol. My apologies in not replying sooner. I do appreciate your kind words.
Deepest condolences, Steve. What an extraordinary man; explains a lot about the character so many of us have come to recognize in you.
Pat
Thank you so much, Pat. Any success I’ve enjoyed is in spite of, and not because of, my dad’s unbelievable drive and determination.
Steve, this is a beautiful and kind memorial. What a nice man. So glad he was in your life for so long. My condolences to you and your family.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. My sincerest condolences, Steve, to you and your family.
Thanks, Mary. fYI, both my dad and mom felt that Dick was the real reason behind our success.
Steve, clearly your Dad was quite the man and father. Your writings about him and your reverence towards him are an example for us all. May your memories of him sustain you and your family during this sad time.
Your words mean so much, Gerry. Thank you.
Steve, my deepest condolences for what must be a great loss. I’m sure he was so very proud if you and yours. What a tribute and legacy. Sending a prayer and a hug.
Thanks so much, Judy. He was proud of the accomplishments of all three of his sons. I just happened to be the one who had the opportunity to repay that pride through blogs and Tweets.
Steve, my sincerest condolences. I hope your wonderful thoughts give you strength through this difficult time and live on in your memories. I know they gave you a lot of your own “North Star.” He sounds like an Admiral of a man, father, husband and friend.