From Jorge Alfaro

Papou was like a grandfather to me as well as my God Father, and without a doubt I can say he was a great role model while I was growing up and an excellent father figure. Aside from the discipline and responsibility that he instilled in me as a kid, I can remember fondly his endless humor and compassion towards family and friends.

I remember how he was able to entertain my friends at home or at the beach house, especially during breakfast and dinner. They would always get a laugh at his antics with food or his jokes.

Anyone who met Papou would usually walk away with a smile (an unsuspecting waitress at Jimmy’s) and be amazed at his enthusiasm for life even at his age (Diann & Wayne Short at Short Brothers Market).

So many memories of him-like the early Saturday bike rides to the donut shop in Bethany, for of course, the jelly filled or éclair donuts. Plus who can forget the proclaimed, “most famous hot cakes on the Eastern Shore”?

I can also remember us on the tractor early in the morning during winter, and the hot Cocoa that he prepared to get us warm, as well as our autumn afternoons in the yard raking leaves or cutting wood.

Luckily my wife and in-laws had the opportunity to enjoy Papou. One of the recent memories I will be able to cherish is Papou along with Mama Bebe and Aunt Patsy being at my wedding in Guatemala. Something I will remember for as long as I will live.

I guess I can understand now that life should be enjoyed to the fullest, and the more our happiness is shared with others the better off we are.

Papou always was the perfect example of that old adage of “try, try again” since he would never be defeated by an electrical or plumbing problem. He would always find a way to fix things around the house even if it seemed impossible. Now I realize that he showed me- in his own way- that life is not always easy or perfect, and that I have to get my elbows dirty once in a while to get things accomplished.

Papou will forever have a special place in my heart and memory not only for taking me under his wing and allowing me to be like a grandson to him but for the unconditional love he demonstrated.

This picture happened when my in-laws were in Potomac last year, and my mother in law took her plate away so Papou could not put more food on it. Suddenly he took out this normal looking fork and started extending it. It was a blast!!