Twenty years ago today, my Nonno passed away. I can't believe it has been that long. I was a freshman in high school, which means my sister was four and my brother was two. They hardly knew him. But I have some very vivid memories of my grandfather - visiting him at work and playing with the toys he kept there just for us grandkids, playing with his 8-track tapes in his converted garage bar room, eating "rotten cheese" with him on his back patio or grapefruit for breakfast. I remember hugs with my Nonno, funny how that sticks with me. Maybe it was his distinctive aftershave.
My Nonno started his electrical contracting company back in 1961 out of his garage, although it had a different name then. It wasn't until 1971 that our name was chosen, so this year celebrates our 40th anniversary as Royal Electric Company. Nonno wasn't necessarily known for his business savvy, he was known for his big heart - the person who was always willing to help the down and out. He would drive my dad crazy when they were partners, my Nonno with his conservative nature and my dad the young risk taker. I can't imagine how lonely it felt for my dad in 1991 when suddenly the company was his sole responsibility, and his conservative sounding board was gone.
My Nonno didn't believe that construction was a stable industry for women to work, so he steered his daughters away from working at Royal. I don't know if my future would have turned out different if he were still here today. Would my progressive dad have convinced Nonno that I had a place in management? I'd like to think that my Nonno would have been proud of the work I am doing, even if I do wear a skirt and heels.
Cancer takes many lives long before we are ready. When he died, I thought my grandpa was pretty old. He was 56. I realize now how young that is! I wonder if our family would be different if he were still around, and I wish that my brother and I could have had the opportunity to work as the third generation of Royal, side by side with the first and second. Instead, we will proudly carry on the name he gave his company forty years ago and continue his legacy for more generations to come.
2 comments:
... the tractor seat barstools, his low ball and us kids fighting over sitting on his knee.
Dina....I read your Blogs everyday, without fail. I've always been told that I have a natural gift for writing and for moving peoples emotions through this God given talent but I must say that in reading your posts and that by really ingesting the thoughts you put to paper....you motivate, inspire,and lift me to a higher plane when it comes to thoughts regarding life, family and the world we live in. But most importantly you stir inside of me thoughts of love, for you and everything you've grown to be. I'm so proud that you're my Niece and part of who I am! I Love you! Unc
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