MID-HUDSON- There’s no one quite like dad and Father’s Day provides another opportunity to honor them. Mid-Hudson News spoke to local leaders and asked them to share their memories of their dad on this special day.
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec’s father, Rainer, was an NYPD officer who commuted from Orange County to work the overnight shift at the 28th Precinct in Harlem.
Despite the long drive, Rainer Brabenec almost always made it home to the Town of Wawayanda in the morning to prepare young Karl breakfast and send him to school. His beloved father passed away in 1996 after a battle with lung cancer at the age of 56.
Rainer Brabenec served in the NYPD for 22 years and came to the U.S. via Venezuela as a kid after escaping the former communist Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. It’s stories such as that and memories of his dad that Assemblyman Karl Brabenec will reflect on Father’s Day.
“I make him proud every day by spending time with my children and making their lives the best that I can,” Brabenec said. “I try to make sure they have a good life, like my dad did for me and my brother (Tom). Father’s Day is tough, but it is also special to think about him and who he was. I will always have vivid memories of my father.”
Assemblyman Brian Maher: “My parents never had less than five jobs between the two of them. Growing up, every day we saw what hard work was like from my father. I’ll never forget later in life my mother telling me a story that when my dad was laid off he went back to work, making less than unemployment would have paid him, because we were watching. My strong work ethic and desire to serve stems from what I learned from my father. He is the hardest-working man I know and I would not be where I am today without him. He is the best dad and pa my children and I could ever ask for.”
Town of Monroe Supervisor Tony Cardone: “Unfortunately, my father passed away in 1975, but he instilled the qualities in me of being good to others, making an impact on others in a positive way and always volunteering. That’s what I do. I probably didn’t realize the impact that my dad had on me until I was in my 30s. There are always people outside of your family who play a part in molding you, but your dad is really who your hero is.”
Orange County Court Judge Hyun Chin Kim: “Three words come to mind when I think of my father this Father’s Day. Courage, dedication, and sacrifice. He had the courage to come to a country where he did not speak the language and dedicated his life to supporting and raising his children to believe that anything was possible. He led by example. I would not be who and where I am today without the sacrifices made by him for his family and I will forever be grateful for the foundation he provided.”
Sullivan County Legislator Matt McPhillips: “My dad (Vincent) has been one of the biggest positive influences in my life. He has always encouraged me to follow my passions, whether that be in politics, education, sports, or life in general. He is the one who pushed me to run for office and has always stuck with me and supported me. He taught me to play baseball, taught me to hunt, and taught me that hard work and dedication always pay off! We still enjoy watching baseball, hunting, and even talking politics to this day!”
