Melycher

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Melycher Family History

John & May, Mary, Michael, William, Stephen, Michael Jr, Suzanna, Anthony, Anna, Myrtle & Joseph Melycher

My Aunt Jackie married Willie Melycher in 1987. I wrote and shared some memories of their wedding previously. Somewhere around 2003, I stopped and visited Willie. We ended up talking about family history and he whipped out this family history. I have had it in my possession since then. I eventually scanned it so I had a digital copy. Recently I had it transcribed. Now I make it available in a much easier format.

MELYCHER FAMILY HISTORY

This history was compiled by Mary A. Melycher in memory of my husband Anthony F. Melycher.  Information was given by family members, vital statistics and birth certificates.  It is hoped that each member receiving a copy please keep it updated so that it will be a valuable source of information for the future.

The information was completed on this date January 14, 1986.

The Melycher family name was entered in the American Immigrants Wall of Honor by M.A. Melycher.  It will be permanently displayed in the renowned Ellis Island, where the family arrived when they came to America.

Michael Melycher

Born in Austria in the year of 1869 (this information taken from birth certificate of Anthony F. Melycher and from a prayer card given out at the time of the funeral).  He died in Bridgeport, Conn. August 22, 1947 at the age of 78.  He married Suzanna Gajdosik, who was also born in Austria in the year 1878 (this information taken from birth certificate of Anthony F. Melycher and from prayer card given at the funeral).  They were married in Austria.  Suzanna died in Bridgeport Conn. on January 7, 1959.  They had ten children, one died in Austria.  Michael, John and Stephen were all born in Austria, and Joseph, Anna, and Mary were born in Croton Falls, New York, Anthony, William and Rudolph were born in Connecticut.

They operated a large dairy farm on Pond Brook Road, in Newtown, Conn. until their retirement, when they went to live with their daughter, Anna Dzurka, in Bridgeport, Conn.  Before the farm was sold many acres of land were given to family members who either built on it, sold it or passed it on to their heirs.  The homestead still stands on Pond Brook Road in Newtown, Conn.

Michael Melycher had the first accredited tuberculin tested dairy herd in the area.  The farm was a large one averaging around two hundred acres and was operated by family members.

Michael Melycher donated land to build a school in the area of George’s Hill Road, which when discontinued reverted back to him and sold to Thomas and Belle Nicholl.

Michael Melycher

Date of birth – April 14, 1900.  Married Helen Moyle Sept. 13, 1937.

Children born of this marriage:

Michael Melycher III – date of birth – April 9, 1939, in Kentucky

Michael Melycher III was married and had four children by the first marriage:

Patty Melycher – date of birth 10-17-62, in California

Kris Melycher – date of birth – 10-29-63 in California

Susie Melycher – date of birth – 6-1-65 in California

Cara Melycher – date of birth – 2-25-69 in California

Michael Melycher III divorced and remarried and adopted Michael C. Melycher – 1-16-77 and had a stepson Jon – date of birth 11-1

Michael Melycher died April 30, 1997

John R. Melycher

Date of birth – April 29, 1902.  In Austria, Date of death Feb. 16, 1985

Married

Stephen D. Melycher

Date of birth – Feb. 15, 1906 in Austria.  He became a Catholic priest and served in the U.S. Army overseas as a Chaplain.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth August 16, 1910 in Croton Falls, New York.  Married Myrtle Beardsley Nov. 28, 1935 in Newtown, Conn.  Three children born of this marriage, Joseph, Jr., Ronald, Maureen.  Divorced Myrtle and married Virginia Scofield.  Divorced Virginia and married Phyllis Una Burton May 6, 1961.

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr.

Date of birth – April 15, 1936

Married Sandra Johnson and had two children, Mark and Michael

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. divorced Sandra and married Mary McCann (divorced)

Mark Melycher – date of birth – April 16, 1957, Danbury, Conn.

Michael Melycher – date of birth – March 10, 1960.

Mark Melycher

Date of birth – April 16, 1957, Danbury, Conn.  Married Pollyanna Parks April 15, 1979.  Three children born of this marriage:  Chrystal Melycher date of birth – August 17, 1979, and twin daughters, Bonnie and Jennifer Melycher – date of birth – February 4, 1981.  All born in Danbury, Conn.

Anna Melycher

Date of birth – March 10, 1912 – in Croton Falls, New York.  Married Anthony Dzurka in Newtown, Conn. Oct. 22, 1938.  One child born of this marriage:  Carolyn Dzurka – date of birth – July 13, 1940, Bridgeport, Conn.

Anna Dzurka died Aug. 14, 1990 in Bridgeport, Conn.

Mary Melycher

Date of birth – February 28, 1914.  Married Alfred Appell in Newtown, Conn. Oct. 30, 1937.  One daughter born of this marriage:  Suzanne Appell – date of birth – June 10, 1940 in Danbury, Conn.

Suzanne Appell married Ronald Gaucher in Florida (divorced).  Married later.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth – August 16, 1910 – Croton Falls, New York

Married Myrtle Beardsley Nov. 28, 1935 in Newtown, Conn. (divorced)

Children born of this marriage:

Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. – date of birth – April 15, 1936

Married Sandra Johnson and had two children, Mark, and Michael.  Joseph R. Melycher, Jr. divorced Sandra and married Mary McCann (divorced)

Ronald Michael Melycher – date of birth – July 23, 1938, in Sandy Hook, Newtown, Conn.

Married Patricia Ann Trocolla Dec. 21, 1957 in St. Joseph’s Church, Danbury, Conn.  They had four children and adopted one.

Coreen Melycher, Tracie Melycher, Ronald Melycher, Stephen Melycher, and (adopted) William Melycher.

Maureen Melycher – date of birth – June 1943.

Married George Duncan in Danbury, Conn. and had three children, George Duncan, Craig Duncan, Robert Duncan.

Joseph R. Melycher, Sr. also married Virginia Scofield. (divorced)

Joseph Melycher, Sr. married Phyllis Una Burton May 6, 1961

Linda H. (George Duncan), son of Maureen, had two children – Amanda

Craig D. and Linda I. Duncan-Melycher had a son born in Danbury Hospital that died in infancy Dec. 16, 1989.  Craig D. Duncan is a son of Maureen Melycher-Duncan.

Anthony Francis Melycher

Date of birth – November 15, 1915, Bridgeport, Conn.  Died at Danbury Hospital September 8, 1984 of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Married Mary Ann Rzchowski June 24, 1939, St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Conn.  He was a trailer truck driver for thirty years, and started and operated Melycher’s Danbury Exterminating Company until he retired in 1981.

Children born of this marriage: Anthony F. Melycher, Jr., Donald William Melycher, Richard Phillip Melycher, Karen Louise Melycher, and Jean Marie Melycher.

Anthony Francis Melycher, Jr. date of birth – April 14, 1940, Danbury, Ct.  Died June 2, 1979 in an automobile accident in New Milford, Conn.

Married Christine Brenda Lucsky February 1, 1964 in Danbury, Conn.

Children born or adopted in this marriage:  (Served U.S. Army Reserves)

David Anthony Melycher – date of birth – January 17, 1970 in New Milford, Conn.

Melissa Kim Melycher – (adopted) July 27, 1972.  Date of birth March 18, 1967, Seoul, Korea.

Leah Melycher – (adopted November 17, 1976) – date of birth – May 2, 1974, Seoul, Korea.

Christine Brenda Melycher married Donald Wharton January 1, 1983 – (divorce January 28, 1985).

Christine Melycher Wharton adopted Adela delCarmen Wharton (DOB 1-81)

Donald William Melycher – date of birth – March 5, 1941, Danbury, Conn.  Served in U.S. Air Force November 1959 – November 1962.

Married Patricia Frances Graff November 23, 1962 in Clifton, New Jersey. (divorced)

Children born of this marriage: Timothy Francis Melycher, Todd Christophe Melycher, Tracey Elizabeth Melycher (adopted), and Dennis Melycher.

Timothy Francis Melycher – date of birth – October 13, 1963, Fort Worth, Texas.  Served in U.S. Submarine Service of the U.S. Navy.

Todd Christopher Melycher – date of birth – September 12, 1966 in New Jersey.  Served in U.S. Navy.

Tracey Elizabeth Melycher – date of birth – September 1, 1967. (adopted).  Enlisted in U.S. Air Force.

Dennis Melycher – May 12, 1970 in New Jersey.

Richard Phillip Melycher – date of birth – September 5, 1942, Danbury, Conn.

Married Barbara Boergermann October 12, 1974 in St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jacqueline Theresa Melycher – date of birth – March 17, 1983, Danbury, Conn.

Richard Phillip Melycher, Jr. – date of birth, April 11, 1986, Danbury, Conn.

Karen Louise Melycher – date of birth – August 23, 1943, Danbury, Conn.

Married Vincent Weis June 5, 1965 St. Peter’s Church, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jean Louise Weis – date of birth – May 24, 1966, Danbury, Conn.

Jason Weis – date of birth – January 22, 1972, Danbury, Conn.

Jean Marie Melycher – date of birth – July 14, 1945, Danbury, Conn.  Died July 19, 1945 in Danbury Hospital of prematurity.  Buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery Section #12  No. 760.

William Francis Melycher

Date of birth – September 21, 1918.  Married Laura Henrietta Einsman June 13, 1943.

Laura Henrietta (Einsman) date of birth October 16, 1917, died August 31, 1971.

Children born of this marriage:

Arthur William Melycher, Diane Marie Melycher, William Francis Melycher, Jr.

Arthur William Melycher, date of birth – November 5, 1948.  Married Monica Ellen Patronelli – date of birth – June 6, 1953 – marriage date March 11, 1972.

Children born of this marriage:

Michael Arthur Melycher, date of birth – Sept. 20, 1972

Sean Thomas Melycher, date of birth – May 12, 1975

Laura Bridgett Melycher, date of birth – February 5, 1983

Active duty in U.S. Navy Aug. 27, 1967, to retire August 1, 1988

YNC Chief Petty Officer Arthur W. Melycher

Diane Marie Melycher, date of birth – January 11, 1954.  Married Joseph Tenk October 21, 1977.  Registered nurse

Children born of this marriage:

Daniell Kristen Tenk – date of birth – January 15, 1986 Norwalk Hospital

William Francis Melycher, Jr. date of birth March 25, 1955.  Married Paula Larsen 6-18-82 (divorced).  Married Jacqueline Jonas 7-23-88.  May Melycher date of birth 1-21-89.

Rudolph Melycher

Date of birth – March 17, 1920.  Died in Newtown, Conn. on September 20, 1920 of Cholera.

William, Joseph, Michael, Stephen, John, and Anthony Melycher

Ronald Michael Melycher, Sr.

Date of birth – July 23, 1938, Sandy Hook, Conn.

Married Patricia Ann Trocolla – Date of birth – January 22, 1939.

Married in St. Joseph’s Church, Danbury, Conn. – December 21, 1957.

Ronald Melycher, Sr. married Irene Bonadio in Newtown, CT. 9-16-1989

Children born of this marriage:

1.  Coreen Ann Melycher – date of birth – July 3, 1958, born Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.  Married Raymond DeBettencourt, Jr. April 23, 1982, Danbury, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Sean Patrick DeBettencourt, date of birth, October 25, 1982, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Coreen and Raymond DeBettencourt divorced October 1995

2.  Ronald Michael Melycher, Jr. – date of birth – November 16, 1959, Danbury Hospital.  (DOB 12-22-52)

Married Debra Lynn Barry – June 20, 1981, St. Joseph’s Church, Brookfield, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Joshua Michael Melycher – date of birth – August 3, 1983, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, Conn.

Heather Lynn Melycher – date of birth – Nov. 11, 1987, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Conn.

3.  Tracie Marie Melycher – date of birth – November 9, 1960, Danbury Hospital

Married Richard J. Coyle, October 22, 1983, St. Joseph’s Church, Brookfield, Conn.

Children born of this marriage:

Jennifer Marie Coyle – date of birth – March 18, 1984, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.

Emily Ann Coyle – date of birth – March 20, 1987, Danbury Hospital

Caitlin Mary Coyle – date of birth – June 12, 1988, Danbury Hospital

4.  Stephen James Melycher – date of birth – September 2, 1964, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn.

5.  William Joseph Melycher – date of birth – November 21, 1968. (adopted June 1970).

William Joseph Melycher and Terry Quilinin had a son born May 8, 1988, William Joseph at Danbury Hospital

William J. Melycher married Terry Quilinin Feb. 6, 1989 in Brookfield

Grandchildren Marriages

Jean Louise Weis to John A. Oman Oct. 23, 1986, King Street United Church Of Christ, King Street, Danbury, Conn.  Reception at Fireside Inn, Newtown, Conn.

Melissa Kim Melycher married Dean Edward Jordan, June 4, 1988, Trinity Lutheran Church, Rt. #7, New Milford, Conn.  Reception Fern’s Rt. #7 New Milford, Ct.  (thunderstorm in progress during ceremony)

Great Grand Children

Jennifer Lynn Oman Born in AirForce Hospital, New Hampshire, July 29, 1987.  7 lbs. 1 Oz. 20 inches long.

Michael David Melycher – date of birth – Nov. 23, 1987 to Tracey Melycher in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Coral Springs.

Melycher Family HistoryDownload
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Grandma Jonas backyard

Scanning some photos from a photo album of my Aunt Jackie, I found these treasures. These pictures appear to be 1977 to 1978 based on the age of my cousin. It took me back to my own memories of this back yard growing up. This is Grandma’s home on what was 50 South, now 584 Sunnyslope Drive, Paul, Idaho.

Brook Jonas on a new backyard patio
The old red barn over the canal from Grandma’s back patio

The same shed a few years later, boarded up.

Sandy, Jack, and Paul Ross
Sidewalk to shed. That flower bed had amazing gooseberries. May have climbed that antenna pole to get on the roof a few times.
The back of the yellow shed with the old outhouse and little red tar paper shack. I do remember many years of the yellow apples.

Another photo I found with me on the back patio about 1980.

Milo Ross, Paul, and dog.

Here is the same back yard from a different angle probably 3-5 years later. Grass is now in place and the ditch side looks prepared as the flowerbeds I knew them.

Unknown, Jackie, Unknown looking toward the same back yard and ditch.

In the same area, 1992.

Paul, Milo, Sandy, and Andra Ross 9 June 1992

Another showing the same background in 1992.

Paul, Milo, Sandy, and Andra Ross in 1992

And then another photo from 1995.

24 August 1995. The old apple trees are all gone, just a red maple then. Flower beds built up along ditch along with the rail fence.

Looking at Google Maps today, it appears all the flower beds are gone, most of the fences, most of the trees. A minimalist attempt at landscaping. I spent many a Saturday morning with my Dad mowing those lawns.

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Alaska Jonas Cousins

Caitlin, Brook, Linda, and Doug Jonas with Paul and Amanda Ross

In July 2021 Amanda found some airplane tickets to Alaska for $117 per ticket. They were a red eye flight to Fairbanks. We jumped on the opportunity. I will share some of the photos and other exploits later, but one of the highlights was seeing my Uncle Doug and Aunt Linda Jonas at their home in Anchorage, Alaska. We also got to spend some time with my cousin, their son, Brook and his wife, Caitlin, at their home as well. The above photo is from Brook and Caitlin’s home on 23 July. It is not a great photo, but it is the best we have of the occasion.

Hiram, Aliza, and James Ross with Elle and Blye Jonas, and last with Lillie Ross

We stayed with my Uncle and Aunt for several days. Another highlight of the trip was watching the kids play with their second cousins they had never met. Elle and Blye loved playing with our kids, and our kids had fun at their house!

Doug Jonas, Paul Ross, Linda Jonas at their home in Anchorage

This photo is from our last day when we left. Doug, Linda, and Blye sent us off with love.

Doug, Blye, and Linda Jonas

Our red eye flight was in and out of Fairbanks, a 6.5 hour trip if that was direct. We were taking the long road through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, so it was a much longer trip that included Glennallen, Paxson, Delta Junction, and North Pole.

The trip to Alaska was so successful, Doug came back that same summer to celebrate his 50th Class Reunion from Burley High School. It was supposed to be celebrated in 2020, but COVID-19 killed that, so they joined up with the 1971 group to celebrate their 50th in 2021.

Paul Ross, Mary Lou Teal, Bill Teal, Jackie Melycher, Doug Jonas, James Ross, Linda Jonas

We celebrated by throwing on a little party for Doug and Linda while they were in town. Jackie and Mary Lou are two other cousins that came to celebrate with us.

Aliza and Lillie Ross, Doug and Linda Jonas, James Ross, and Jackie Melycher

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Lagoon Visit

Lagoon old style photo, Back (l-r): Brook Jonas, Paul Ross; Front: May Melycher, Colleen Jonas, Jackie Melycher

This photo was found by an acquaintance and who recognized me. I am glad they did! They were kind enough to provide this photo, and some other photos and documents, to me. You can see it had something spilled on it and has a number of scratches. Makes it seem more authentically old.

Honestly, I forgot this photo was even taken. I did not have a copy of it. I seem to remember seeing it once or twice through the years, but here is a copy for me. I was pretty excited about it. The back of the photo says 1993, which does not seem correct. Based on the age of May and me, I am thinking this is more like 1995. I seem to recall that Brook came to visit before going into the Navy, and 1995 would have put him at 18, later if he was older. However, I found this photo from the same occasion, which is dated 12 June 1993. So I have adopted that date as accurate and Brook was visiting when he was 16. This will post at 30 years after the fact! Time flies… Grandma and Jackie took us to Lagoon. I would have thought Andra would have come as well, but I don’t remember her being there and I have no idea why she would have been left out of the photo. If she had been at Lagoon, we would surely have waited for her to be in the photo.

Lagoon in 1993

A year or two later, this photo was taken of me and my friend, Dustin McClellan. This photo has 1994 written in the name, perhaps it was written on the back as well.

The Silver Nickel Saloon is in old town of Lagoon found in Farmington, Davis, Utah. There are probably even more photos out there from high school, but I do not have copies of those photos.

Dustin McClellan and Paul Ross at Lagoon in 1994
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Heyburn kids read the summer away

May Melycher, 8, enjoys the food at a special picnic for students who participated in a successful summer reading program at Heyburn Elementary.

By Wayne Hoffman

Heyburn – You don’t picture students reading and taking tests during the summer. But at Heyburn, students have just finished a program which encouraged them to do both on their own.

Heyburn Elementary School Students have been going to the school library two days a week since June. They’ve been encouraged to check out books based on how well they’re able to read on their own.

When they’re done with each book, they take a computer comprehension test. Correct answers earn them points to spend at the school’s Reader’s Emporium.

The Parent Teacher’s Organization sponsors the Reader’s Emporium – a special store where earned points earn everything from costume jewelry to stuffed cougars to radios.

May Melycher, 8, said she enjoyed reading books to her little brother, Jesse, 3.

“I mostly read Disney books because he likes the stories,” May said. “He likes Lion King the best.”

May’s mom, Jackie Melycher, said the reading program has helped Jesse, as he’s been a slow talker.

It’s helped May, also.

“May is a good reader,” Jackie Melycher said. She’s done so well in Mrs. Jones’ class.”

About 500 hundred students signed up to check out books and take tests during the summer. Yesterday, the kids who took part in the program and the parents and school staffers who helped with it were honored at a special picnic on school grounds.

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Jonas-Melycher Wedding

Paul – Married in a small private ceremony at the home of the bride’s mother in Paul were Jackie Jonas of LaGrande Ore., and William Francis “Willie” Melycher of Spirit Lake, Idaho. The cemerony, performed at 7 p.m. by Bishop Ronald Nielsen of the Paul LDS Second Ward, was held on July 23 at the home of Colleen A. Jonas, 575 W. 50 S., Paul.

The bridegroom is the son of William Francis “Red” Melycher, Newtown, Conn.

The bridge, given in marriage by Douglas Norwood Jonas of Anchorage, Alaska, wore a gown made by Joyce Miller, fashioned in the full length of white lace with white satin robbon bow around the neck and a cumberbund. Her mesh headdress was enhanced on each side with strands of flowers and beads. Her flowers were gardenias and white roses.

Matron of honor was Sandy Jonas Ross; the flower girl was Andra Ross; ringbearer Paul Norwood Jonas Ross; and the best man Milo Paul Ross.

The bride’s colors were turquoise, aquamarine and teal, with decorations by Patty’s. Candelabra was furnished by Alice Cannon. Pianist was Susan Neibaur.

Cindy Hotchkiss made the three tiered wedding cake, decorated in the bride’s colors and floral accents of gardenias, white roses, and greenery. Colleen A. Jonas cut and served the cake.

Others assisting were Sergene Sorenson and Rae Smith.

The couple traveled to Newtown prior to the wedding.

The bride, a graduate of Burley High School and Boise State University, is a brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad at LaGrande; and her husband is a graduate of Henry Abbott Technical in Danbury, Conn., and is chief ultrasonic rail inspector for Dapco Industries, Inc., Ridgefield, Conn.

Back (l-r): Milo and Sandy Ross, Willie and Jackie Melycher, Doug Jonas, Colleen Jonas, Brook Jonas; Front: Paul and Andra Ross

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May Melycher K.I.D.S. Dance

Julian Rodriguez, center, performs a 50’s dance step and song while surrounded by several female counterparts Tuesday afternoon in Rupert. Rodriguez joined several youngsters at Minidoka Memroial Hospital’s extended care facility during a Kids in Dancing and Singing (K.I.D.S.) performance for the area’s senior citizens. K.I.D.S. is comprised of 3-12-year-old age grounds from the Mini-Cassia region, said organizer Cindy Capson. Also pictured are: Kambree Franks, May Melycher, Holly Haynes, Alyce Rollins, Bridget Murray, Bekah Rich, and Jennifer Lewis.

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1980’s Grandma Christmas

Christmas about 1986

As we celebrate Christmas once again, one cannot help but remember the Christmas past. I scanned this photo in the last month and it brought back many memories.

My Grandma was then named Colleen Elliott (1928-1999), married to Evan Kay Elliott (1934-2007). This was their home in Paul, Idaho.

There are quite a few presents around that tree. But what do I remember?

I remember my Uncle Doug, Aunt Linda, and cousin Brook Jonas that Christmas. They moved to Alaska in 1987. I think this was the same year Brook accidentally broke my nose. I think that year or next Grandma and Evan were divorced.

I remember getting a harmonica that Christmas that I loved and played for many years. It disappeared after my Grandma passed away while I was on a mission in England in 1999.

I remember my Uncle Willie and Aunt Jackie Melycher. They were married in 1987 in this house.

The house evokes more memories than the Christmas. Although I do recognize and remember some of the balls on the tree.

I remember loving the big dinners at Grandma’s house. I think I remember this Christmas dinner, or maybe it was Thanksgiving. It was a feast as usual. Homemade coleslaw was amazing, still do not believe I have tasted one like hers since.

Part of the meal was the homemade pies. Lemon meringue was my favorite. The pie crust cookies were the best!

I remember the guys talking in this room during the morning. I remember napping in the front room after the meal on one of the couches.

I remember building fires in the fireplace. One time the window shattered outward and made a mess.

Is it strange I want to walk through the house again? But like a funeral viewing, it gives a new memory that I think I would rather not have.

Now, back to the present. I am grateful for my family. I hope they remember Christmas fondly in the future. I hope they have pleasant memories. I hope they remember! Perhaps a photograph for them will conjure a flood of pleasant memories and feelings too. May the joys of the season remain and be recalled.

This doesn’t mention the ultimate reason for the season. But we celebrate his birthday by bringing our family close.