This isn’t the post I planned for today, but I don’t feel right talking about anything else today.
(Some of you might have already seen this on Facebook and/or Instagram…feel free to pass on by.)
I saw my dad on November 1, 2020, 2 months and two days ago. The photos accompanying this post were taken at my sistet’s house during that visit. It turned out to be the last time I saw him. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 2:01 PM.
My father, Ed Lantos, was just a few months shy of his 92nd birthday. He was married to my mother, Mary Ann, for 36 years and has been her widower for 21 years more. They’re back together at last.
When my sister and I were young, our family made a major north-to-south cross-country move from Connecticut to Florida. After Mom passed, Dad made one more big move—east to west this time. He was able to spend his last 20 years in California with both daughters nearby and to see his two younger grandsons grow up. Dad lived on his own until just a few months ago. He did not die of COVID-19, but its isolating effects on the elderly unquestionably and unpleasantly affected the last year of his life.
A few things Dad loved:
- The New York Yankees
- Ice cream
- Old movies
- Red pepper flakes
- Talking
- Books (I come by it honestly – I was raised by two readers)
- His family
When I told people stories about my dad, people were often amused – “He sounds like a real character!” He was indeed. As my sister and my nephew both said in their social-media tributes, “He made us laugh a lot. Sometimes it was intentional.” He made his mark, and the world won’t be the same without him.
Norman Edward Joseph Christopher Lantos
3/23/1929 – 1/2/2021
Husband of Mary Ann (3/29/1930-10/8/1999)
Father of Florinda and Teresa
Grandfather of Christopher, Thomas, and Joseph
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. It’s so difficult to lose a parent. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Thank you, Ti.
I’m sorry about your father. I’m glad you posted and that you and your family have such good memories of him.
Thank you.
I commented on Instagram this morning, but want to say again how sorry I am to hear of your dad’s passing. I am glad you got to see him relatively recently.
Thank you, Helen – me too.