My Dad was born 100 years ago

My Dad was born 100 years ago

My dad, Charles McGoldrick was born 100 years ago, June 5th, 1918, the oldest of five children. His parents lived on Water street in Donegal Town, County Donegal, Ireland, where he was born at home. His parents were Patrick Francis McGoldrick, of Donegal Town and Mary Elizabeth O'Brien, of Howth, County Dublin. At one point, his father worked as a weaver of Donegal tweed for Magee's. When my dad was less than a year old, they moved to Belfast where Patrick worked as a telephone lineman.

James Joseph McGoldrick was born in Belfast on January 24, 1920. Chuck looks like a proud big brother to Jim here.

Patrick Francis McGoldrick, Jr. was born in Belfast April 14, 1921. A few months later, Patrick Senior left for the United states with his best friend, Davis Ellis and his father, Francis McGoldrick, Junior. Then in October of 1921, Mary, her sister Teresa "Teasie" O'Brien Ellis and the three children joined the men in St. Michael's, Cambria County, Pennsylvania.



After a few months in Pennsylvania, they moved to Chicago, where Patrick, Sr. became a streetcar conductor.

Shortly after they arrived in the US. In South Fork, Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

My dad's sisters were both born after they moved to Chicago. Mary Teresa, aka Mazie (on the right) was born in 1922, and Veronica was born in 1928. I love this picture! So pretty!

 Growing Up

 On the left are Jim, Pat and Chuck, playing in their yard. I love how the doll is almost as big as they were.

On the right are Pat and Jim, with Mazie on his back.

I imagine them having a great time running around the park, the yards and the neighborhood, playing ball and tag.

Chuck, probably about 10.

Patrick holding Mazie, Patrick's father, Francis (Frank) McGoldrick on the right, and Chuck, Jim and Pat in front. I am not sure who the lady on the left is, or the other children, but possibly she was Maggie or Cassie, Frank's sister. They may have been visiting them in South Fork, Pennsylvania. Taken about 1925.

Chuck, Veronica and Mazie

Pat, Chuck and Jim

Vacation time! Jim in front, Chuck rowing with my grandparents and Veronica.

 They liked to visit family. Maybe they were visiting in Pennsylvania, or maybe Teasie and her family in Detroit. I wonder what kind of car that is that my grandpa had?

I just love the sibling thing here, with Aunt Veronica (or Aunt Mazie?) sticking her fingers behind my dad's head. So cute! They had a great relationship. He had a great relationship with all his siblings.

Veronica and Chuck, about 1935

Photo-booth photos. I know where I got my curly hair from.

Another photo-booth photo. He always had a side part, so it is strange seeing a center part here.

Dad taking a selfie! He rigged a string to the camera so he could take a picture of himself. He was ahead of his time!

Contemplating life

High School Graduation, 1936

Dad with Aunt Teasie. He lived with her and Uncle David Ellis while he was training at Henry Ford Trade School, where David taught. That is where dad learned the Tool and Dye trade.

Aunt Teasie and dad

Dad and Tommy Ellis in Detroit

My dad's family visiting Teasie and David Ellis in Detroit. Cousins Tom and Frances Ellis are on the left.

Mom and Dad

My parents met at Paw Paw Lake in Michigan, at a Fourth of July weekend outing that their respective clubs sponsored. My mom was checking people in, and was intrigued by Chuck. They kept seeing each other all weekend, and he offered her a ride home in his new 1949 car. He lived on the south side and she lived in Rogers Park, so with the roads in those days, it as a bit of a drive.

When they were getting ready to go back to Chicago, my mom got behind the wheel, to check out the car. Another woman, Gisella, who liked my dad was sitting in the middle of the bench seat. When my dad came up to the car to leave, my mom waved her hand and said "move over, Gisella". My parents met in July, were engaged in November and married in February. Talk about a whirlwind romance!

Chuck on the docks at Saugatuck, Michigan, the weekend they met.

Lois on the docks at Saugatuck, Michigan, the weekend they met.

The infamous Gisella, standing behind Chuck.

Mazie McGoldrick Mannix, Olga Wioncek McGoldrick, Marcia McGoldrick, Chuck, Lois Flynn, Mary with Brian McGoldrick on his grandma's lap. Standing are Tom Lynch, Joe Mannix, and Patrick McGoldrick in back. Summer 1949, when my parents were dating. Picnicking on the Fox River in St. Charles, Illinois. Picture was taken by Veronica McGoldrick Lynch.

My parents, in St. Charles, Illinois, the summer before they married. I love this picture of them!

Chuck and Lois got married February 18, 1950 at St. Gertrude's Church in Chicago.

After the ceremony

Happily married! At the reception.

They drove  down US 41 for their honeymoon in Florida, and then flew to Cuba. It must have been interesting to see Cuba. Of course, this was before travel was restricted. I bet they brought back cigars for friends who smoked.

They had three children. Charlie was born in 1951 and Kevin 14 months later in 1953. My mom had me in 1959 at 41 years old. She said I kept her young. I guess I kept her pretty busy. They wanted more children, but she had six miscarriages, so it wasn't meant to be.

Our family, about 1961. I don't think I wanted my picture taken.

My dad and his business partner built a 32 foot steel sailboat that they christened Quicksilver. My parents enjoyed the sailboat for a few years. He and his business partner decided to go their separate ways, and Bob got the boat. My mom was glad, since they had two small boys at the time, and she didn't like them on the sailboat.

Mom and dad, probably in the 1950's

My dad usually wore his signature bow tie. It was easier because he owned a machine shop, and he didn't want to get his tie caught in a machine. It was unusual to see him in a regular tie.

I loved my dad!

Me, dancing with my dad at Kevin and Susie's wedding, April 20, 1974.

Daddy Daughter Dance, Freshmen year, 1974.

Dad and mom, about 1979.

Dad and mom at their condo in Florida.

My dad had a good life, but it was too short. He died at age 61 in 1981 from a blood clot, while in the hospital for complications of diabetes. They  had a good marriage, and made it to 30 years of marriage. My mom was so happy they did a 25th anniversary party, because they weren't able to do one for their 30th. I was 21 when he died. I really wish I had more time with him! So much I would have loved to talk to him about. So much he missed. I miss them both.