Poppo

Today is my grandfather, Joseph Panza’s birthday. He passed away on February 24 of this year. Him and I were not extremely close, but I still miss him immensely. He was a great man who was proud to be an American, but still proud to be an Italian. He was a hard working, reliable man who cared for his family and friends a lot, though he didn’t always show it.

I’m so blessed to have had him as a grandfather. He was a WWII Vet, he had three children, 2 sons and a daughter, and many grandkids and great-grandkids. The sweetest thing was that when he passed away at 90 years old, he passed on his wife’s birthday, who had pre-deceased him.

When he passed away, my father asked me to write a poem to read at his funeral, so I thought I would share it with you all. (Chickahominy is the area of town my grandfather lived most of his life)

It is entitled: 

“To a Life Well Lived”

Chickahominy was the the place to be
To be an Italian was the key
Many memories and lots of food
That led to a life well spent
The war came around in Forty-one
And he left with a loaded gun
Many memories and lots of strife
That led to a life well spent
Marriage came when he came back
And kids they definitely did not lack
Many memories and lots of time
That led to a life well spent
The kids got older and time went on
And grandkids came to look upon
Many memories and lots of holidays
That led to a life well spent
A death occurred but he stayed strong
His wife was gone and that was wrong
Many memories and strength in death
Led to a life well spent
He lived his life with heart and pride
And his family was always on his side
Many memories and hard work for life
Led to a life well spent.

Hope you enjoyed, and may all of yours and my relatives who have left this part of world, rest peacefully and guide us through hard times and be there to witness the good times.

RIP Joseph “Poppo” Panza
September 10, 1923- February 24, 2014