A TRIBUTE TO OUR DADS

Sunday is Father’s Day and The Evangelist asked diocesan employees for their thoughts, appreciations and remembran­ces of their fathers on this very special day, which we hope will inspire our readers.

My father led by example as much as by word, so his lessons about not bragging meant that he did not brag about himself. 
As a result, I did not know of many of his good deeds until after he died. For example, at his funeral, one of his friends told how, when Dad was leaving a local diner, he would give cash to the owner so that homeless people asking for food might not be turned away. 
I wonder how many other good deeds he did that will forever remain unknown to me.
— Walter Ayres
Director at Diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice

My dad has always been one of my closest friends. He’s given me his love, time, and affection during times when I desperately tried to close everyone out. He has always been there, no matter what, on the sidelines cheering me on. Leading by example, he taught me to find strength in vulnerability and that anything can be achieved through hard work. He is the most supportive person in my life and words can not describe the gratitude I have for him. 
— Franchesca Caputo
Staff Writer, The Evangelist 

My father used to tell my two brothers and I that we were the “best thing that ever happened to him.” He worked as a rigger in the steel mills in Pittsburgh before losing his job and eventually, after some lean years, found a job with the city. Through all the tough financial times, he always found time to play catch or take us to the park on the weekends. Faith was part of his life and he was a long-time cantor in our church. He taught us to respect people of all races and religions. He died in 2006 at the age of 67; way too young. The last words he said to me was that he loved me and I cherish that. Now I find myself saying the same thing to my son that he “is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
— Mike Matvey
Editor, The Evangelist

My father’s love does not wait for special occasions such as for Father’s Day. His love is constant and strong. He has always had a tremendous work ethic of a rare, tremendous kind, and has been a dependable leader and provider for a stable home. I ask for his thoughts as a mentor, and the results protect me; His counsel is wise. He emanates strongly to me: purity, stability, loyalty and thoughtfulness. I am also grateful for his generosity in having seven children; my brothers and sisters are a tremendous gift I will continue to treasure thanks to his impact on his loved ones.
— Renée Morgiewicz
Coordinator of Parish Services & Respect Life Ministry

Ever-resourceful with a roll of duct tape and full of tall tales, you can always count on my dad, Giovanni Sr., for a creative solution and a captivating story. Whether he’s met you once or considers you a loyal customer, he calls you family and is always ready to break bread with you. Just be forewarned. His mischievous ways may inspire him to sneak a hot pepper, the hottest from his garden no less, in your homemade pasta dish only to sit back and savor your reaction. His abundant love and support for others, unwavering strength in trying situations, contagious laughter in times of celebration, and passion for his artisan craft are just a few of his noble qualities I admire and strive to embody daily.
— Giovanni Virgiglio, Jr.
Diocesan Chancellor and Superintendent of Catholic Schools

My Dad was a very special person to both my brother and I. He taught us what it means to be a man. Someone who is caring, kind, good sense of humor, humble are all qualities that describe my dad. His greatest joy was watching us play sports growing up and as we got older attending games or just hanging out and talking. It was during these times that we got to know not only our dad, but Gary Evers. He wasn’t perfect, the very purple jump suit he wore was not the best fashion decision, but there is no one else I would rather have as a father. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of him and a lesson he taught me or a funny story to share. We continue to feel his presence in all we do as Kevin and I try to become more like him. I hope to someday be a good father just like him. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
— Brian Evers
Associate Director of Safe Environment
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

While an accountant by trade, my dad has always been a teacher. When I was 5, he taught me how to tie my shoelaces: make the bunny ear, loop the other string around, pop it through the hole. Like magic, a knot appeared. He’s taught me so much since: how to drive, how to stand up for myself, to not be afraid to go for the last cookie, to hear both sides of the story, and – above all things – about the importance and sanctity of golf. I still have so much left to learn, but I have the best teacher – and dad – to help me figure it out.
— Emily Benson
Staff Writer, The Evangelist

Dad lives his faith quietly, faithfully. Every day before leaving for work, he could be found in his chair in the living room, saying morning prayers. If we were with him in the car, we knew we couldn’t turn on the radio till the morning offering was said. The most comforting prayer we heard over and over was his request for a faith-filled spouse for each of his kids. On the morning of my wedding day, it was my turn to wake up and say a prayer of gratitude for my soon-to-be spouse, and for the man who had been praying for us all along.
— Kathryn A. Costello
Communication Specialist

My father, Bruce Bott, passed away two years ago after a 10-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a Catholic school champion with a 40-year tenure at one school, Fordham Preparatory (Bronx, NY). More importantly he was an amazing person who I could not begin to describe in this short passage. We all miss him dearly and cherish the time we had with him. While dad did many things well, he excelled at treating people with respect, even those he disliked. I think our world would be better place if we all tried to be more like my father in this one area. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
— Christopher Bott
Associate Superintendent of Schools

Back when I was 11 or 12, my dad would take me fishing on Noyack Bay on the Long Island Sound. We’d rent a little putt-putt boat and motor out to the point where we could clearly see the Sag Harbor water tower. That was the best spot for weakfish. I didn’t want to bait the hook, even though the white squid we used was worthy of frying up into calamari. I didn’t want to take the fish off the line once it was caught. In fact, I didn’t even really like to eat the fish back in those days. And every trip out on the ­water meant an early wake-up capped with a dose of Dramamine, but those memories make me smile even now. The sitting and waiting for a nibble, the peace and quiet of the water, the sun warming our skin — one of the rare times it was just me and my dad. The photo of me standing next to my father and holding our catch is one of my ­favorites, a reminder of a time in my life that was all too fleeting but left a permanent imprint on my heart. Thanks, dad!
— Mary DeTurris Poust
Director of Communications