Are you leaving a legacy? On February 5, 2014, my father John F. Cascio quietly passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Had he lived 2 days longer, he would have been ninety-six years old. During the last six years of his life, we especially appreciated the special times we had with my dad. His spirit, his making the most of his situation, and his enthusiasm for life survived when his memory failed.
For as long as I can remember, my dad always loved to be going somewhere and doing something. My aunt called him a “go-getter.” He also left his five children wonderful memories and an important legacy. You can read “What is a legacy?” here. This is my father’s legacy.
• Fought in World War II as a navigator
Legacy: loyalty to our country and appreciation for the freedoms our military continue to fight for
• Received his B. A and M. S. Degrees on the G.I. Bill while all five of his children were growing up
Legacy: get a good education no matter what sacrifices you have to make
• Worked several jobs to meet the financial demands of his family
Legacy: as a parent and spouse, do whatever it takes to meet your financial responsibilities
• Enjoyed spending time with extended family and friends on a regular basis
Legacy: family and friends are very important so never neglect those relationships
• Was a good spouse and parent as he teamed with my mother, who worked as a hospital nurse, so that there would always be one parent home with us
Legacy: let your loved ones know they can always depend on you
• Volunteered in his community as a Rotarian, Board member of the American Cancer Society and the National Red Cross
Legacy: give back to your community
• Enjoyed leisure activities of golf, bowling, fishing, and hunting
Legacy: while you are working hard, make sure you also play hard
• Took pride in and was committed to his career path as he worked his way up from teaching in a one room schoolhouse, to being vice principal of a high school. He served as an administrator in the Elmira (New York) City School System and finished his career with consecutive principalships at two elementary schools
Legacy: make your career your calling so it truly reflects who you are
• Lived according to the values that he believed in so that we could emulate those values
Legacy: be honest, loving, reliable, and responsible, and use the talents that you have been blessed with
He was proud of this legacy and it is something our family can continue. What legacy will you and your family live and leave for others?