Contributions to the tribute of Lucien Ingrassia

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I guess if I was asked to pick a time in my life that I would like to return to or relive,it would be without a doubt my summers as a young boy in Lake Hopatcong.Uncle Lou, my mother's brother, Aunt Jettie and my cousins, Lou,Steph, and Sue had the most fun and adventures growing up at the Lake.Let me paint the picture and take you back......The house was a small bungalow and there was always a lot of work to be done.Since I am the oldest of the cousins,not something to brag about now,I would like to share some of my favorite memories. Uncle Lou and my dad would go off into the woods early in the morning and chop small trees and drag them back to our yard to build a fence around the property to keep us kids from wandering off. I looked at the two of them with such awe, sweat dripping off their bodies and smiles on their faces. They were in my eyes mighty lumberjacks.Then there was the time Uncle Lou was painting the house high on the ladder near the roof.The only problem was there was a hornet's nest in the way and he was trying to paint around it. I was the watch dog.He would call to me...... Tommy yell out when you see the bees coming back and he would run down the ladder. What fun we had that day.How about the time when my father left the car when Uncle Lou and his family spent a vacation with us.By the way Uncle Lou did not have a driver's license, a small detail. Another great adventure with my Uncle. We went all over exploring.Then there was the lake. Uncle Lou was in Army and always took the time to show me how to swim under water for long periods of time while breathing through a hollow reed. I thought he was a fish. Probably the most famous story that I think everyone knows from coast to coast is when Uncle Lou, my dad and I went to this run down, almost haunted house in my eyes, to pick wild cardone.You should have been there.The old lady that lived there was like a witch and gave us permission to go on her property.....it was unbelivable to see two grown men hacking away at weeds and acting like they were harvesting gold.How about the time when Uncle Lou let me wear his army knife and I dressed up,like an indian and we went into the woods mtogether to pick blackberries.Fast forward to young adult.My Uncle Lou,being in the printing trade, was instrumental in helping me establish my own career in the Graphics Arts industry.Diana and my uncle alos share the same birthday Jan 17....a few years apart.I guess I am the lucky one to have had an Uncle and a family who taught me the meaning of hard work and determination and to be proud of who I am.We will miss your cute jokes.Rest in peace Uncle Lou Love Diana & Tom

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Frank & Adrienne DeGruttalo posted a condolence

Monday, March 9, 2009

We recently had the previlege of really getting to know Stephanie's beloved father Lucien, as we all ate breakfast together after a wonderful wedding the day before. He had the entire table in a joyous mood filled with laughter as we shared past memories of the family. We will never forget that blessed day of joy and felt blessed to know such a loving couple. Lucien and Costance's love showed us what marriage is really all about. His warm smile, kind words and joyful spirit will be with us forever! Rest In Peace. Frank & Adrienne

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Michelle Ingrassia posted a condolence

Sunday, March 8, 2009

My very best memory of my father-in-law was his acknowledgment of his love for his son and his son's future bride. The letter he wrote to us was so sensitive and caring, filled with deep wisdom and knowledge. It touched my heart so much, that I still remember to this day. Since I lost my own father when he was 49 years old, it was quite easy to allow this wonderful man to be a surrogate father in my life. I am very blessed to be a part of his family and I thank God that he was an excellent example of a man with a pure heart. As I saw his days dwindling, my second best memory is watching him during a fireworks display in Wildwood Crest over the summer. He was so happy, so childlike - there was joy on his face and I almost cried because it was so simple, so free and so much like him. You will missed Dad! Love you so much will all of my heart...Miki - 3/08/2009

In loving memory of

Lucien

1921 - 2009