Family Surprises World War II Vet As He's Being Honored

We asked for your pictures of children with their dad or you with your dad, and you delivered. Denise Trasatti Sellers, of Stratford, tells the story of a surprise for a 91-year-old veteran who was being honored.

"Here is a photo of my dad, 91-year-old Joseph Trasatti, last year when he was honored by the local veterans’ group and the Gloucester County Freeholders for his service in WWII," she wrote. "He knew he was being honored, but we surprised him by bringing some of his grandchildren and great grandchildren to the ceremony.

"I am at the far right. I also have a sister, Corinne Howell. To the far left is one of his two granddaughters, Amanda Howell Brown. He also has two grandsons. The boys, Shawn Brown (left) and Ethan Joseph Revaitis (right) are two of his five great grandsons. He also has one great granddaughter. The others couldn’t be there, but some joined us later for a celebratory lunch.

"I think he was quite proud to receive the award, but was most excited to have these two boys there, sitting quietly and proudly watching their “Grandpop Joe” receiving the medal, and speaking respectfully to the people who talked with them afterward.

"Joe is an amazing man, still mentally sharp and able to travel and enjoy life. His greatest pleasure comes from being surrounded by his family, especially the grand and great-grandchildren. He loves hearing about their latest adventures, sports teams, and school stories. As the patriarch of the family, he enjoys visiting with nieces and nephews as well, and last week attended a family wedding in PA. This summer he will be on a cruise with his “lady friend “ Loretta DeMay, and invited me, my sister, and her husband to join them for what he claims will be his last big vacation!

"He has been an amazing father, providing a wonderful life for my late mother and my sister and I. He has encouraged us, worried about us, and taken great care of us. I’m happy that his life has been long and healthy, and I’m grateful for each additional day I have with him."

Do you have any pictures of you and your dad or your children with their dad that you would like to share? Email Anthony.Bellano@patch.com and we'll share them on Patch.

The attached image was provided