This week I’m taking a mini break from graphic design month to celebrate the life and love of my dear grandfather, Carl Joseph LaMonica. Grandad passed away Monday night at 92 years old, and I’m happy to know that he is now with his mother and siblings, along with countless old golf buddies and war compadres, enjoying a round of golf, drinking his favorite Natural Light, and watching the greatest game of baseball (wherein the Braves win perpetually!).

May we all take some time each day to remember + be grateful for the struggles and sacrifices of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. After we gripe about annoying campaign commercials, let’s remember that we CAN vote (and we CAN criticize freely!) because of brave and honorable men like Carl. Without them and their life goals and dreams, we would not be exactly here, exactly who and how and where we are.

Here’s to Grandad, who embodied all that is great about America and Americans.

Born of poor Sicilian immigrants. Survived the Great Depression, during which he wore shoes to church and school only. Son of a single mother who spoke no English. One of 8 siblings. Volunteered to fight in The Big One. Army Air Corps Bomber jet crew member. Shot down over enemy territory in France, survived to share how bad the cognac tasted. Married to Helen for 65 years. Double degree in Math and Physics from University of Pittsburgh on GI Bill. Raised 4 children. Loved + spoiled 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Loved to jitterbug, yell at politicians on TV, watch baseball, hear about the weather, and play golf. Grandad was 92 and lived a very full life. May we all be blessed to have the same.

Photos are from Grandmom + Grandad’s May 2010 Honor Flight trip, a service which flies all WWII veterans for a day trip to the see WWII memorial in D.C. erected in their honor. 

I’ll be back soon with another graphic design post…for now, go hug your family.