So our fathers, the “breadwinners,” celebrated their big day on June 17. Another precursor that summer officially arrives on the 21st. Yippee!

Spent this one a tad different, with a new acquaintance this time. I’ll tell you about that in a little bit.

First things first. Let me thank my father Gerry Sr., for the tolerance and support over so many years. He, like many others, sacrificed time and energy to put a roof over our heads and food (prepared by mom) on the table. For many years he commuted to work in Scranton, Pa., and we saw him only three days per week. The lonely trek home on route 118 during winter was sometimes a “white knuckle express,” if not a “deer dodging” event.

Thanks, Dad, for all the great stuff since 1962. Keep hanging around long enough to take care of that cat and see me pursue a few more things in life!

There are some others I wanted to mention. There were also fathers, at one time or another, who made my life better or stronger by taking time away from themselves and giving to me!

I went to school with John Doyle Jr., and his dad, like mine, was the “senior.” Mr. Doyle was a manager at the local Goodyear store and had a wonderful wife and daughter Patti. This leader of the household also had a passion for old cars, particularly Packards. He was impressed with my knowledge of these fine cars, and he had one (1948 vintage, I think) that was in the process of restoration.

He is responsible for taking me to my first automotive swap meet, the granddaddy of them all, the AACA Hershey fall meet. That set the proverbial wheels in motion as I’ve attended over (gasp) 350 swap events since then! Thank you, Mr. Doyle, for inviting your son and me that October day! And the great breakfast on the way down at the Buffalo Diner — now a Liberty gas station and Burger King on Route 15.

Thomas Saar was a coworker with me at the Fairfield Auto Group. He’s a valued member of St. Ann’s church, and to me, a “cheerleader.” You see, Mr. Saar is also a cancer survivor and throws support and spirit my way like an overinflated beach ball! Tom can speak first hand about how cancer can affect a family; he lost his dear wife to the disease. He’s a strong man (if not a tall one), a Navy war veteran, and a person who believes God has a plan for us all. Thank you, Tom, for always thinking and praying for me!

Two neighbors, Mr. Watson and Mr. Nick put up with me like ‘Dennis the Menace’. My assorted sports balls would roll into their yard or occasionally crush a new shrub. I’d scorch them while they were trying to change the oil and filter on their cars. I pestered their wives for brownies. The list can go on and on. So, thanks guys for tolerating me and giving me all your car magazines! And the toys at Christmas!

Now, onto the “new” father I met. While at health treatments, George Snyder was there to take his wife, Rose. Ironic, that we both live on streets of our own last name as I found out!
One Tuesday morning he saw me perusing some old car publications and introduced himself. The conversation quickly turned to our first new cars we bought. George flattened me, “I bought a new 1954 Chevy Corvette in March 1955,” he told me. “Blue and beautiful.”

He pulled out a wallet photo of himself in the classic sports icon. My jaw dropped. “I want that car back,” he explained. “After I started a family, I needed more room, so I traded it in on a Chevy Nomad.” He wanted advice on how to locate his old car!

It’s not a mission impossible, I told him. With the Internet and private sleuths, many people can plug in the car’s vital information such as VIN, selling dealership, names of past buyers and towns the car was last seen in or around. Many people have found “lost loves.” Sometimes in better shape, and many times — in worse.

George told me he is a retired school teacher and principal of over 30 years. He is soft-spoken and humble and supports his wife at treatment to no end. “When I taught school, we didn’t worry about children toting guns or dealing drugs,” he told me. “It was a simpler, better time in America.”

When George caught wind of my car collection, he asked if one day he could see it. So Father’s Day 2018 was going to be the day! His wife had a concert at New Buffalo Park, outside Newport, Pa. till 4:00 pm. After that, it was to my place and then for an ice cream run!

George and his wife don’t receive the Webb Weekly where they live (yet), but they read it each week online. George and Rose have two sons. I feel good each week I get to meet him, as he likes my willpower, stamina and work ethic. He’s easy to talk to even though we are generations apart.

The picture of George and his prized Corvette now occupy a spot in my General Motors room, and he was very honored. It was nice to spend time with another dad who gave up his day at home to come to my home.

One last thing. Mr. Snyder is 83 in the numbers category but looks and acts less than 70. Maybe it was being around all those kids for so many years. Or perhaps his wife’s excellent food preparation. But I’ve got a hunch that sporty blue Corvette with the blue flame six motor and bucket seats was a true fountain of youth for him, and that’s why he wants it back in his driveway.

I gave George some sobering, but factual, news, “I am betting you paid no more than $4000 for that car in 1955,” I said. “Now, it’s going to take a chunk of your pension. Like in the neighborhood of $70,000 or more.” George didn’t blink an eye as he knows what they are worth these days.

Wish us luck in the search for his first new car! And a belated Happy Fathers Day to all in our area!