From the car troubles to the extra elbow grease, dads are there in a time of need. They’re dedicated and take the time to show their kids the way. With Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16, the Keys Weekly spoke to several local fathers about some comical memories and the proud moments. Wives and kids also chimed in to offer what makes their dad the best in the world.
RANDEE BLANCO
Randee’s proudest dad moments: I have so many proud moments, including the way my son played football for the Key Largo School Tornadoes. He went out there fearless and played his heart out. Another one that made me really proud was watching him perform Buddy the Elf and having the courage and the enthusiasm day-in and day-out. He stood in there and he performed amazingly and did a phenomenal job with his role, which definitely had me in tears.
JOSEPH JIOVENETTA
Son expresses gratitude to dad: My dad, Joseph Jiovenetta, is special because no matter what, he’s always there to correct me, reward me and love me no matter what I’m doing. In me and my brother’s rights and our wrongs he was always there supporting us.
Before every match I ever wrestled we prayed and in the picture where I’m much younger right around 4 years old when I started wrestling probably watching my older brothers wrestle. — Son Dante Jiovenetta
KEITH DOUGLASS
Keith’s fun moments as a dad: We’ve had many funny memories as a family, particularly when we were cruising on our sailboat. The hippies photo is an example. Another was having our daughters dress up for Halloween and going trick-or-treating by dinghy to other boats anchored in the harbor in Beaufort, S.C. I’ve also had many proud moments as a father such watching them receive awards for their accomplishments as Girl Scouts and seeing them now as grown women with careers where they help others and their communities.
TIM ERVIN
Tim’s proudest dad moments: Whether it’s landing those “As” or a big dance jump or in scoring a touchdown or simply being kind to others, I’m lucky and proud to have these two call me “dad.”
MATT STRUHS
Matt’s proud dad moments: There are countless moments that make me proud of my boys, but a few recent ones stand out. My oldest son’s fearless dedication to wrestling, especially the determination he showed in his first match, fills me with pride. It’s inspiring to see him find a passion that brings him discipline and fuels his other activities. My youngest, at just 11 years old, impresses me with his work ethic and understanding of quality customer service at Pinfish. Watching him thrive under pressure at the prize counter confirms that he’s developing into a responsible and capable young man.
JONATHON ZIEMER
Jonathon’s fun dad moment: My son asked for a bunch of ducks for his birthday, so I got him 1,000 rubber ducks. With his duck army everywhere, everywhere I turn in the house there’s a “quack-quack here, a quack quack there, here a quack there a quack everywhere a quack quack.”
ROB COLE
Rob’s proud dad moments: I’m proud of each of my four sons for their individual achievements and for their abilities to live in the moment, find peace and inspiration in the mundane and for their collective efforts to make the world a better place, whether as a physician, archaeologist, global shipping mogul or dedicated not-for-profit do-gooder. They all make me smile and we enjoy a sip of adrenaline together whenever the stars align these days, though we are always together in spirit as we share an adventurer’s soul, drawn to the unknown like moths to a summer porch light, driven by a subconscious drive to see and experience God’s creation.
CAPT. ROMAN GASTESI
Capt. Roman’s fun dad moments: My son loves seeing all the fish brought back to the dock. He’s 22 months and on the boat he points out birds that seem impossibly far for him to notice. He’s a natural.
SPENSER BRYAN
His funniest dad moment: “I love being a dad to my daughter Emma, son Beau and stepson Jaxson Cameron. But sometimes I forget Emma is like a little parrot. She repeats EVERYTHING her potty-mouth dad says!
BEN KEMMER
As a father, witnessing each of my four children graduate from Coral Shores fills you with immense pride. Their hard work, resilience, and determination have paid off, and now they’re embarking on exciting new journeys in college.
DAVID FAST
He’s a special dad because: David and Kennedy have a tradition of going on “dad dates” where he treats her to a special activity. He’s hoping not only that she cherishes those memories, but to teach her that she deserves to be treated well and made to feel special by any man in her life when she grows up (boys, take notes!). Here they are on one of their “dates” enjoying Pinfish! — Wife Lindsay Fast
JOE ROTH
He’s a special dad because: He is genuine in everything he does, but most importantly as a father, he is attentive, present, patient, kind and selfless.
— Children Caitlyn, Joey and Sara Roth
GREG DULLY
He’s a special dad because: Greg’s very compassionate, patient, humble, loving, always there to give our children instruction and wisdom. He is a light for our family and we are so blessed. — Wife Roseanne Dully
CRAIG CAMPBELL
He’s a special dad: My husband makes such a special dad because he has always been there for our family and children. He is their father, pastor, coach and friend. He sets a great example for them and puts Christ at the center of our family and lives with a servant’s heart. He is wise, hardworking, patient, and is willing to give his time, resources and love without expecting anything in return. — Wife Jill Campbell
TOM WOLTANSKIHe’s a special dad because: “My dad has always loved to repair things, from the patients at his hospital to the cars he’d repair with my uncle. He always wants to make life easier and better for the people around him. He has always been around to help my sister and I.” — Son Zack Woltanski
