Dad
By: Teresa Marchesano
Most people knew my Dad as Milton, Mick, Mr. Coley, or Chief. To me, he was just Dad. My first memories of him are as a child. I can remember looking out the window waiting for him to come home from work. He looked so handsome in his uniform. I could always tell it was him by his walk. It was very distinct. I was so proud of him for his service to our country. On his time off, he loved to go for drives in the country with the family, which is one of my favorite things to do with my family. While he was in the Navy, I got to live in Virginia, where I was born, Ireland, and Maine. He retired from the Navy when I was 10 years old. We moved to Pensacola, Florida where my parents bought The KarmelKorn Shoppe in Cordova Mall. Because I was so young, I had to prove myself before he would let me work there. I was jealous of my older sister Sheri and older brother Randy who worked there from opening day. I spent a lot of time in the back room peaking over french doors to see what was going on. My heart’s desire was to be a part of that. My dad taught me how to make change, because 37 yeas ago, the registers didn’t tell you how much change to give back. After I proved myself, he let me start working in the shop. I started making cotton candy and became very good at it. So good in fact, I was the one that made most of it. We worked 7 days a week for 7 years with no vacation, but it was okay because we were together. My parents worked very hard and through their example, I learned the work ethic I have today. After 7 years, we sold the business and shortly after that I married my husband Ralph who was also in the Navy at the time. We moved to Long Island, NY for the next 6 years. It was hard to leave home and my parents, but my mom had set the example of how to do it by being a military wife. In 1986, we moved to Texas. My parents fell in love with Houston and the low cost housing was too much to resist. Within 3 months, they had sold their house in Pensacola and moved to Texas where they have been since. What a blessing it has been to have them play such a huge role in raising our 4 children who are now adults. They have been there for every milestone in our children’s lives. My dad was always there to listen and give advice, if we asked for it. He gave selflessly of himself. I have always had a strong sense of family and that gift I contribute to my parents. I will always remember my dad as a gentle giant, full of love. He died surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. I was privileged to be at his bedside when he drew his last breath and his spirit passed from this world. There is a deep ache in my heart, but I am comforted in the knowledge that I will some day see him again. My dad was my hero and he will always hold a special place in my heart.
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