Sunday, June 19, 2011
Jason Markey of Poland is the winning dad in The Vindicator’s Father’s Day contest.
For this year’s theme, “Father Knows Best,” we asked for pictures of fathers and sons accompanied by the best advice given by “Dear Old Dad.”
The winning entry, sent by Markey’s wife, Stephanie, on behalf of their son, Brendan, was drawn for a $100 gift package from the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, good toward the purchase of game tickets, merchandise and food.
Needless to say, little Brendan wasn’t able to tell us the best advice his dad has given him in his short 7 months of life, so Mom put it into words for him: “Let your belly settle after eating and before you play!” Daddy taught him that after “he got him!”
Here are the others we received:
Father: Robert Montalto of Canfield
Son: Nicholas
“My name is Nicholas Montalto. My father has given me many words of advice during my 16 years as his son. He is a wise man, so I try to listen. These are just some of his words I will take through life:
“I have taught you right from wrong. You are 16 — it’s now up to you. I can’t make you respect the body God gave you or be an honorable man, not drink and drive or take drugs. This will now have to come from within you. Greatness is right in front of you. Always be happy and know I love you unconditionally.”
I am very lucky to have a dad like him.”
Father: Frank Bellamy of Youngstown
Daughter: NaShey Bellamy of Youngstown
Frank Bellamy is pictured with his daughter, NaShey Bellamy, as he teaches her to plow and disc at Youngstown Community Garden. NaShey is a 9-year-old student at the Youngstown Christian School.
Father: The late Edward Gonzalez of Youngstown, who passed away Jan. 19, 2009
Daughter: Jessica Gonzalez of Youngstown
“My father was, in my opinion, one of the best men to live. He raised me alone with no help and did everything in his power to give me the life he felt I deserved. He taught me so much in life, but the one thing that always stuck with me is the best piece of advice I have ever received: “The best revenge for those who doubt you is to be everything you can be and more.” That is why I am now attending YSU for psychology and criminal justice and then moving on to grad school for my Ph.D. in psychology. Even if I have no one else in this world, I will always have the memories of the greatest dad who ever lived. I just want my dad to be recognized for once for all he sacrificed as a single father. He watches over me, and I know he will help me get through my school years so I can make him proud.”
Father: John D’Apolito of Boardman
Daughter: Maria
“My name is Maria D’Apolito and I am the third of five daughters, one son-in-law and one granddaughter to John D’Apolito. We live in Boardman, and my mother, Jen, my four other sisters, Leanne, Gina, Jaci and Anna, my brother-in-law, Tom, and my brand new niece, Clara, consider ourselves to be the luckiest people in the world. My father, John, is the absolute best dad and husband we could ever ask for. One can only imagine the life of a man surrounded by 6 women every minute of every day, and that in itself is award-worthy. However, there is so much more to my dad that deserves acclamation. One thing that sticks out the most is the advice that he gives. Whenever we have a problem, my dad is always the rock that we lean on and go to for what we should to next. In addition, he always has wise words to give. The thing that I will always remember is how my dad tells my sisters and me to be a leader. He always wants us to make sure to mold our own paths and do what our heart says, but to use our heads along he way. I really hope you consider my father for this honor. He always does things that are so kind-hearted and never asks for recognition, so I ask for this one time that he gets recognized for the man that he is. He deserves it more than anyone I know.”
Father: Tim Case of Boardman
Son: Timothy
“My Dad has always given me good advice about life, such as: “Always be a one woman gentleman,” “Be a good big brother for your sister because she looks up to you” and “Always do your best at everything, and you can be anything you want to be.” But the best advice he always gives to me is to always believe in God. Give praise and thanks everyday to the Lord, for without Him we are and have nothing.”
Father: Lou Vari of Lowellville
Son: Patrick
“Going to work with my dad on Saturday’s at Lou Vari’s Transmission’s is a tradition, however, my dad tells me I have to go to college rather than follow in his foot steps fixing cars, even though my dad has been in business over 40 years. He tells me all the time, ‘Get your education, Son.’”
Father: Don Bova of Canfield
Son: Brenden
“My dad has been in my life since I was 4. I have learned so much from him. He is also my baseball coach. He always tells me that I can do whatever I set my mind to do and never let anyone tell you anything different. I think of that every time I’m up to bat or on the baseball field. He helps me be a better baseball player and he helps me at math. My favorite thing to do with him is hunt. We have our time together in the woods. He’s never let me down and is full of A LOT of advice! He is the BEST dad ever!”
Father: Justin Simerlink of Boardman
Son: Colin
“My Dad has taught me to read the directions first! My dad is great at putting my toys together and is teaching me how to use his tools!”
Father: Hans Tritico of Poland
Son: Silas
Lori Kumler sent this on behalf of her 2-year-old son for his father: The best advice: “Play!”
Father: Joe Weimer of Poland
Son: Alex
“I’m 12 years old and I am writing on behalf of my brother Anthony (8) and myself to nominate my father, Joe Weimer of Poland, for the Fathers Day Contest. My dad is an amazing dad who has guided us with a lot of advice through the years, but my favorite is and probably always will be DREAM BIG ! He has told us that we can be anything we want in this world. All we have to do is DREAM BIG! My dad allows us to tell him our wants and dreams no matter how outrageous they may be, he encourages us to believe in ourselves and to pursue our goals with the want and the intensity they deserve. Lastly every night when he tucks us in bed and heads toward the door his last words to us are always DREAM BIG!
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