Eulogy for Papa March 20, 2012 Papa was a man with an over-sized heart who had 5 great loves in his life: his family, his friends, his love of country, his love of learning and his love for his alma mater – Duke. These passions shaped his life and the lives of those who were blessed to know him. His love of family: Papa came from a close knit family. His parents instilled values of honor, integrity, dedication, respect and excellence that would drive Irv’s approach to life. He expected these things of himself and, by his leadership, those around him sought the same. When his father died, Irv, at the young age of 21, took on the role of head of family, providing guidance and wisdom to his sisters, Florence, Shirley and Eileen. The four siblings remain close to this day and their strong bonds were apparent in the last two months of Papa’s life. Papa’s lifelong love, his wife Ruth, was by his side for 58 years. They grew together, struggled together, persevered together, and raised a family they loved together. Papa never missed an opportunity to glow about Sammy, Susie, Becky or me. Nothing could make him smile more than stories of the kids or grandkids - David, Daniel, Lia, Adam, Leslie and Jacob. Nothing could put him more at peace than having us all with him in the hours before and after his passing. His love of friends: It is impossible to overstate the dramatic impact Papa had on so many individuals – most of whom went from student, athlete, colleague, employee, acquaintance, to friend. To know Papa was to admire him, and his quest for excellence was like a magnet for creative, interesting, remarkable people. The relationships that Papa cultivated over his many years of teaching, coaching and mentoring truly sustained him equally as much as they fostered others. His love of country: As the son of immigrants and a Veteran of WWII, Papa held dear his love of the United States of America. A member of the “Greatest Generation”, Papa recognized the many blessings of the “land of opportunity” and, like others of his age, was proud to put country first. It was an honor to enlist and an even greater honor to defend this great nation. His love of learning: Papa was a lifelong learner, a true Renaissance man who had a zest for life and an unquenchable thirst for broadening his mind and the minds of those around him. History, literature, culture, philosophy, language, art, music – the breadth and depth of his knowledge was inspiring. One could not help but be in awe of his command of so many facets of the universe. Now he knows the secrets of life’s greatest mysteries. His love of Duke: Papa’s love for Duke is legendary. We all joked that his blood ran Duke Blue, but truly, we all had a hint of a question mark in our minds! Nothing but family and friends would ever be more dear to his heart than the institution that molded him into the man he became. The opportunities for intellectual challenge and growth that Duke provided were the foundation of the many branches of Papa’s personal “Tree of Life.” Duke was the root system, Papa the trunk with 91 rings, and all of us, all of his friends, all of the people he impacted and touched in so many positive ways, are the branches and leaves. Integrity, creativity, honor, grace, passion, dedication, respect, excellence. These are the characteristics that come to mind when we think of Papa. These are the seeds he has planted in each and every one he has touched. These are the traits with which we honor him daily as we carry on – not without him – but in step with him. For his light shines on in all of us – a twinkle with a hint of Duke Blue.