On October 23, 2009, my grandfather suffered a major heart attack and died at his doctors office. Despite numerous conversations, a DNR signed by the same doctor and a living will. The doctor brought him back. Leaving my Grandfather with extensive brain damage. Meaning, my Grandfather was unable to absorb any nutrition from a feeding tube, was not cognitive and could not respond to a command as simple as squeeze my hand. He was also in excruciating pain. Contradictory to all of this, and the Neurologist saying my Grandfather would be nothing more then a vegetable. Suffer a second heart attack within a few weeks to another month. His original doctor wanted to keep him alive. Thereby, costing my Grandfather his honor and dignity.

Upon numerous conversations with my mother we decided to honor Grandpa's wishes and not continue. My Grandpa was a very strong man. And would not want to be kept alive by artifical means and spend his remaining days wearing a diaper and having nursing home staff move him. On November 1st, my Grandfather was moved to hospice and taken off life support. He was given pain medications. On November 15, 2009, he took three breaths and went home where he is now at peace.

You may disagree with my Grandpa's wishes and how we proceeded. If you do please keep your comments to yourself. And if you feel the need to delete me from your friends list, I really do not care.

My Grandfather grew up in Chicago, fought for this country and did construction since he was 16 years old. He was a take charge, no holds-barred, stubborn, strong, set in his ways, God loving man of Polish descent. He was apart of the Normandy Invasion and jumped at St. Marie Eglise. Where his parachute became stuck in a tree and was shot by enemy troops. He lost a lung and almost his life for all of us.

On Thursday I am leaving for Chicago, my Grandpa will take his final ride in an airplane from Florida to Illinois and be honored by his remaining family, friends and the 82nd Airborne at 11:00 a.m.. He will recieve an emblem on his casket, TAPS, 19 gun salute and a wreath will be place before him.

When I return I will have more photos to share.

This is my Grandpa:


Born: 26 Aug 1925 Chicago, Illinois
Enlistment date: 03 Mar 1943
Deployments: Europe - 28 December 1943
Units: I Co. 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
Rank: Private First Class
Specializations: Marksman M1 Rifle, Carbine and Grenade, Parachute Instructor 659.
Qualifications: Combat Infantryman Badge
Decorations: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Medal, Victory medal, EMEA Campaign Medal, Bronze Star
Discharge Date: 18 Jan 1946

Other Information: Frank is now an active member of the Legion Gurnee, Illinois as well as the 82nd Airborne Association Chapter in Chicago Illinois.