A Eulogy for my Pop

We’re here today to remember, to grieve, to comfort, to pray, to hope and to love. Some of you think of him as Al. Some of you think of him as Daddy, Pop, Uncle Al, Alby and Albert. But regardless of whom you know him as, you’re here because he has touched your life in some way, at some point in time, throughout his life. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a father figure, an uncle, and a friend. I know him as Pop.
As far back as I can remember he was a larger than life person to me. He shaped my values as a parent and as a person. He was full of knowledge, strength, love, compassion, courage and laughter. Above and beyond everything he was to me, the first thought I have of him when I remember him is the laughter he brought into everyones’ lives. He was, as he would say, a clip. Those of you that know him well know he had a sense of humor like no other person. He has instilled in his family this humor to give us the strength to live our lives in the best way possible and to laugh when all we feel we can do is cry. He did not want any of us to cry when he left. But how can we not cry at least a little, knowing the person he was, and that he can no longer be with us.
The most important things in Pop’s life were his family and his pups. He took great pride in raising his family to be strong people.
He gave his advice and guidance like it was about to go out of style, and because of his constant vigilance over us, he shaped the people you see before you today - strong, courageous, loving and compassionate, just like him. He has given us the gift of laughter even on his last day here with us. And above all of our grief, we have his blessing to laugh and be thankful for his life. So please, when you think of him now, you can cry because you will miss him. But remember his jokes, his stories and his own unique way of loving. And then laugh, because he will be laughing with you.