Movers and Shakers Queried: What the world should know about my dad is..and my grandfather...
Monday, June 17, 2013
Peachy Deegan and her dad at Walt Disney World
Love you dad!!! xoxo
"What the world should know about my dad, Joseph Hallak Sr., is that he was remarkably accomplished for a man who left school at the age of 15 after losing his father. Being the oldest of six children, he became - of necessity - the family's breadwinner (this was not unusual in those days - especially overseas).
He founded Hallak Cleaners on the premise that their was an unfulfilled need for a truly exceptional dry cleaning service.
Moreover, he had a sense of personal integrity and respect for others that I found to be unparalleled. I recall an incident about forty-three years ago. I was working for him that summer and someone had spilled some soda in the lunch area. He called over the maintenance man named George Garvin and said 'Mr. Garvin, could you please mop up the spill?'
I asked my father why he didn't call the man George. After all, he referred to everyone else by their first names - and they all called *him* Mr. Hallak. To which he responded 'He is older than I am and he deserves that respect.'
I love my dad because he set such a wonderful example for my brothers and myself. A perfect blueprint for how to live your life...
He passed in 1992 and is deeply missed."
-John-Claude Hallak
Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
"What the world should know about my dad, Fortune Esposito, is that he is one of the most talented, thoughtful, understanding, and generous people in the world and I love my dad because for as long as I can remember, he's been one of the biggest inspirations in my life, both musically and as a person."
-Jenna Esposito
Singer
"What the world should know about my dad George Candido is that even though he was born in the US he couldn't speak English until he was 6 or 7 years old. He lived in a strong Portuguese community and the older folks never learned to speak English either so that's all he heard. He grew up on a farm in Massachusetts and used to drive a horse-drawn wagon to town with milk and fresh vegetables. He was in the Marines during WWII and worked as a turret gunner and airplane mechanic in the Pacific Theater. I love him dearly because he is the most honest hardworking man I know. All our neighbors gathered at our house regularly for political, religious of farm related discussions. And if anyone needed help, dad was the one they called. He would pull you out of a ditch, do your chores if you were unable, do your taxes - (he was and is quite proficient) or whatever he could to help. He is a shining example of how one should live their life.
What the world should know about my grandfather John Candido was that he was quite the entrepreneur. During Prohibition he started selling moonshine. He had a chauffeur driven car and did quite well until he was caught. He never did get in much trouble but he finally gave up his wicked ways and started farming the farm he had bought to hide his still - grandma's idea. I loved him because he always made me laugh. He was quite the character - I don't think he ever really grew up."
-Constance St. George
Director of Sales & Marketing
GEIGER of Austria, Inc.
"What the world should know about my dad, Doug Gilley, is that he was a great friend to anyone he crossed paths with because he was loyal and dedicated. I love my dad because he was my greatest fan and stood by me during good and bad decisions in my life, allowing me to fall when I needed to, but giving me a hand when I needed to get up. "
-Shannon Gilley
Owner/Designer
"My Dad, Harry Rabinowitz, was a handsome and famous baritone opera singer in South Africa. He had a smooth and rich voice. I loved him for his non-stop sense of humour and because he taught me the difference between right and wrong. He would have been shocked by some of the goings on in today's world.
I was fortunate to have both my grandfathers living until I was 18 years old.
On my father's side, Rev N. M. Rabinowitz was known as a pious man who cared for the sick and visited them regularly in hospital. On my mother's side, Socher Zeldin was a leader with a strong sense of humour who lived in Latvia and was in the jewelry and diamond business. When all his friends wanted to immigrate to America just before the outbreak of World War 2, his reponse was 'Why, when most of the diamonds and gold is in South Africa?' He and his friends all emigrated out of Latvia and escaped certain death just ahead of the arrival of the Nazis and he brought his wife and my mother on the last boat to South Africa where Socher and his friends made their fortunes."
-Michael Rabinowitz
Founder of Le Mystere and the USA agent of Maison Lejaby
"What the world should know about my dad, Joseph Scognamillo, is that he is a truly great man in every way because he has been a wonderful father figure to so many people, besides his own children. I love him because he's instilled in me a good work ethic.
What the world should know about my grandfather, Pasquale Scognamillo, is that he was a very brave man because he had the courage to leave his family and his country to make a better life for his children in America. What I loved most about him was his humility."
-Sal Scognamillo
Patsy's
"My father Donald Hampton is a very funny guy. He's a jokester and he's a bright spot to be around. He's just someone I've looked up to all my life. He's the first guy I've ever loved. My grandfather, Odell Hampton (my dad's dad), was definitely in my life a lot. He was very funny, charismatic and good looking as is my father. They made their way through life pretty well. They were people people!"
-Kym Hampton
WNBA New York Liberty Legend and Entertainer
Peachy's dad and grandfather; Peachy and her dad
