Why I am proud to be a C.O.S.E.N.T.I.N.O. - A tribute to Papa

My grandfather, Papa, passed away early this past Thursday morning. Instead of a perpetual feeling of sadness, (although I am sad), the primary emotion and feeling of being blessed and grateful over flooded my heart before, during, and after the funeral service. Seriously, how many people get to know all four of their biological grandparents for the first 30 years of their lives? Seriously, hundreds of people were praying for my grandfather and for my family! I am a blessed man!

While I am saddened over the loss of Papa I had the opportunity to learn from and build off of many of his admirable traits. He allowed future generations to stand on his shoulders so that they would reach heights that he could only dream of.

I am proud to be a Cosentino. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Cosentino's are courageous. My papa moved from Italy as a teenager to the United States. He went to school for 3 years to learn English. Many people would have let their fear keep them in their homeland. Papa was courageous as he stepped through the unknown. His story is truly an American Dream story.
2. Cosentino's value service. Papa served in the military as a cook. He was proud to serve and be a citizen of the United States.
3. Cosentino's not only work hard, but they give their best. The phrase, he was a hard worker, is fairly cliché because it gets overused. Papa was more than a hard worker, he gave his best. He made sure that his family received the best when it came to where they lived, what they ate, and where they went to school.
4. Cosentino's are part of a tight-knit family. We easily had 75 family members at the funeral. All extended family showed up. When you have nothing left we always have each other.
5. Cosentino's are short. When your last name means "Little One from Cosenza" you will be short. Just a newsflash too - we like being short as well!
6. Cosentino's are providers. Papa provided for his family and his future inheritance will help provide for future generations. Even though Papa's father left his family, Papa stayed and provided for his.
7. Cosentino's are direct. One never had to guess what Papa was thinking, he would always tell you. Cosentino's are not afraid to be truthful and vocal when necessary (sometimes unnecessarily ;)
8. Cosentino's have a stubborn resolve. Papa was hard to sway or deter when his mind was made up. We know how to push forward.
9. Cosentino's are hungry for knowledge. Papa made sure that his sons went to the best colleges. All of his sons and eligible grandkids have college degrees. Some are working towards and have a Master's Degree. Currently, I am working towards a Ph.D. He would constantly tell me to "expand my mind" and to gain knowledge.
10. Cosentino's are true to themselves. Some of my fondest memories of Papa was when I lived with my grandparents during the summer of my junior year of high-school. I had the opportunity to drive with Papa into downtown Pittsburgh, work as an intern with my uncle, and then drive home. Every ride home we would be stuck in rush hour traffic. Papa would blast classic Italian music, roll down his windows, and sing out loud. He'd even wear a piece of cloth on his left ear (the side that was more exposed to the sun) in order to not get sunburn. People driving by would see a 70 year old man dressed in a suit driving a black Lexus belting out Italian music at the top of his lungs while driving with one hand so as to hold up his ear piece. Let's just say a lot of people chuckled and laughed as they drove by. (I tried to squirm lower in the passenger seat so as not to be seen). This never bothered Papa because he was true to himself and knew how to enjoy life. This is what mattered.

Proud to carry the Cosentino name! Proud to be a grandson of Joseph Cosentino.

 

May I build off of this legacy!