[by Paul Tieger - Les's cousin]
So you can understand the connection, his grandmother - Rose, and my grandfather - Morris, were brother and sister. I grew up in Elizabeth, a few towns over from your dad, and we spent a lot of time together as kids - both in Linden and Elizabeth, and down the shore in Belmar where (my aunt) Rose had a house. I can still remember the excitement I felt when my mom said he was coming over.
In about my junior year in college, I quit school, got into my VW camper and crashed your grandparents house at the colony in Monticello. Les got me a job at the Laurels...an experience I am so grateful to have had, to this very day. I was also a big fan of Dave and Deli (and Helen).
I spoke with your dad about a week before he passed. I asked him if he was afraid - he said he wasn't and I believed him. As a kid, Les was kind of my idol - my older, cooler, and much better looking cousin.
My hope for you and your sibs is that one day, when you think of your dad, it won't be with sadness from the loss, but gratitude for your time together. That happened to me - almost magically - with my own dad who died a long time ago. Now, whenever I think of him - Les knew him as Uncle Herbie - I just smile.
Sending lots of love to you all.
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