Monday, April 14, 2008

My Dad's 90th Birthday Party

My dad turned 90 on April 5th and a week later we threw him a small party at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, NY. I may add more commentary soon but for now I would like to merely post my speech and add a link to the photos I took at the party. I hope you like both but if not, tough. Throw your own 90th birthday party.
And now the speech:
Conceived in 1917; born in 1918 birth came to these two nonagenarians within one week of each other. On March 31st of that year Daylight Savings Time was introduced by an act of congress. A greater act began five days later when Sol Resch was born. That’s right; Sol is as old as Daylight Savings. But unlike that twice a year pain in the neck for the Tourneau stores Sol grew up to do his springing ahead and falling back on the dance floor. With moves like Fred Astaire and hair like Red Buttons he translated his love using his own Rosetta stone, Rosetta Press and took her to the altar thus altering all of our lives forever.
While Sol was in diapers, they did have diapers back then, right dad, the world was at war. President Woodrow Wilson saw this war to end all wars, at least until the next one, and the next one finally end later that year.
Income was low in 1918 as was unemployment. But that last number increased dramatically during Sol’s teen years. Luckily FDR and WWII helped our economy out of the doldrums.
It was just before the birth of his first son, the much older son Robert Henry that the Japanese decided to pay a visit to Hawaii. Thus beginning a tradition continued to this day although with less malice and far more cash. As did all good men, Sol came to the aid of the party and enlisted in the Navy. Starting in the Brooklyn Navy Yard Sol soon set sail for the South Pacific. He was essential to the war effort as a machinist’s mate second class on the USS Tutuiler. Sailing the South Pacific Sol’s team repaired U S warships in need and was necessary indeed. He also played a mean violin in the ship’s band. I have pictures!
After winning the war he returned home to double his offspring vowing to get it right this time. And as with anything Sol put his mind to – this time he did.
Sol worked as a sales manager for two companies for many years. He was the main cog in what was once a great American textile industry, before we ironically shipped it to Asia.
I have yet to meet anyone who did not think Sol was the nicest, most honorable person in the industry. His motto was, “If we cannot be friends we cannot do business.” And Sol did more business than anyone ever did and single-handedly kept one company, Marvin Fabrics afloat for 58 years. He was also a key player for Hauptman Feather, a company that is still around thanks to the efforts of nephew Hank.
Retiring after 58 years he did not let the grass grow under his feet. Well living in a co-op there really isn’t that much grass anyway but you get the picture.
Having lost Rose his lovely wife of 45 years way too early he turned his affection toward long time friend Ditty Sylvia Camras herself a widow having lost her husband coincidently named Marvin many years earlier. Sol turned his business drive toward fundraising and volunteer work for Jewish War Veterans. Working tirelessly for veteran rights he has been a fixture at the St. Albans Veterans facility every Wednesday bringing food and smiles and whatever it takes to help the disabled vets. He has even driven them to services on special holidays. Sol holds the national record for fundraising and is Grant Chairman for the Queens County Jewish War Veterans & Commander of the Jackson Heights Legion of War Veterans Post #209. He has been honored by many including politicians with whom he often confers - and movers and shakers such as NY Mets owner Fred Wilpon from whom he secured a donation - and a player to be named later!
Did I say he retired?
This man did not retire nor should he.
We need him.
Through thick and thin he was and is a man for all seasons.
We honor him tonight with our celebration but truly he honors us with his presence.
I give you my dad, Sol Resch.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're father should be very proud to have a son like you. That was a wonderful speach you gave him and I can only wish that I can accomplish half of what he has done and is still doing. I'm glad everything went off without a hitch. You deserved it for all the hard work I know you put into it.

Reschzoo said...

You are too kind but thank you. If this were an award ceremony I would have to add a few others involved such as my wife for suggesting Milleridge in the first place and my brother and wife for chipping in. Also the guests for changing around their plans to make it a success.
As for the man he has had a full life and certainly deserves his due. I only reported it.

Anonymous said...

goot gezukt
you are a good son

Reschzoo said...

Shucks, twern't nothin'

Wenni Donna said...

Ah! When it was my dad’s 90th birthday, he wanted all of us to dance as much as we can and drink as much as possible. He wanted to celebrate the day to the fullest. He was a fit man and we even had a trek in the morning before we reached the event space San Francisco for the party.

Reschzoo said...

Wenni - I hope you enjoyed the event as much as I enjoyed our celebration. Hold the memories close and relive them as needed. You will never have another dad!
Peace.