"Papa Dante"
I've been offline for a week as my father had a fall on Monday night which progressed into a very serious medical condition which he eventually passed away from yesterday morning. On Monday, we were told he had 4-12 hours maximum to live. He survived until Sunday morning, when he passed away in his sleep with my Sister and I by his bedside. I stayed by his bedside from the moment he was admitted, until his passing. The doctors were completely mystified as to how he survived past the first 12 hours. On paper, he was already dead. He survived over 100 hours after they pronounced he had 12 hours maximum. Although my wife and I were his primary carers for almost 3 years and my sister and brother in law shared duties, the last 12 months has been very difficult to balance work and looking after Dad.
I know this is a lot of personal information, and this is a pinball forum. But many of my closest friends are on this forum, and I've had the opportunity to speak to all of my relatives and now my friends.
My father was my idol. My hero. He is the greatest man I've ever met. Without his influence, I would not be doing what I love. He was a loving father and husband to my Mother and two sisters. There is no other human being as generous as my Father. He had an incredible work ethic, was honest and had integrity in spades.
He survived WWII. He escaped Auschwitz TWICE. He was at the gates when the Russians liberated Auschwitz I. He told the Russians that the SS were burning records and blowing up evidence of their crimes against humanity.
My father was the first operator (or one of the first operators) in Australia. He started in 1953, by building his own soccer tables, bumper pool tables and billiard tables.He was importing Juke Boxes, Bingos and woodrails in the late 50's. He imported EMs and supplied other operators in the 70's and 80's. He was operating soccer Tables as far as Woolongong in the 50's as there were no operators. Some of his Bumper Pool, Billiard tables and soccer tables were left behind when they stopped taking money !
I've told many stories on AP, that involved the early days. There are many stories to tell.
There might be one or two of you that remembered my father - he was know as "professor". Two reasons - he knew everything about amusement machine repair, and, his signature white hair and grey dustcoat made him look like a "professor" of "something" !
I was fortunate that i had 4 extra days with Dad, although he was barely able to whisper, his last words to me have left an imprint on my heart.
I held his hand and told him " Dad, you know we all love you "
He answered "Yes. I understand that"
That was the last he spoke.
Dad was arguably one of the first, or the first Operator in Australia. Possibly the father of pinball in this country. I would like to pay tribute to him on this post.
I would like to thank those of you that have contacted me privately, and a public thanks to Nick "Pinnies4me" who has been VERY supportive over the last week. There are other friends (you know who you are) that have offered support. My beautiful wife does not read this forum, but she has been incredibly supportive.
In conclusion - I lost a close friend an mentor, Greg Berry, now I've lost my "rock", my Father. It has been a HARD 2-3 years. But I will continue my work, with the memories.
Dad's mission statement was "Honesty, loyalty and laboriosity".
Never has a son loved his father as much as I have. Those of you that have your father still with us, please spend as much time as you can with him. Give him a hug. Tell him you love him.
Rest In Peace my Father. Your legacy will be continued for many years to come.
