ISBN: 9798218711191
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“Yes, I’m Rich in Life!” by Joseph SirianniAs I reflect on my father, I’m reminded just how fortunate and blessed I am to still have him in my life. At 93 years old, Dad is in fairly good health. He’s a bit hunched over now and shuffles his feet more than he used to, but his spirit remains strong.
My father, Pete Sirianni, was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY. Except for a year in college and a short time in the U.S. Army, he has lived his entire life in Western New York State. He spent his work career in the construction industry as an operating engineer - he operated a backhoe. It wasn’t a glamorous job, nor did it bring in a lot of money, but that never mattered to me. He was a man of great integrity and pride, and he made sure we always had food on the table and clothes on our backs.
Pete was—and still is—a true gentleman. In his prime, standing 6’3” and weighing 240 pounds, he could be an intimidating presence. But in reality, he was just the opposite: he greeted everyone with a smile and a warm “Hello.”
Dad was also a playful and involved father. Even after long, cold days at work, he’d take the time to play with us. I remember evenings of floor hockey in the living room and countless ping-pong matches in the basement. On Saturday mornings, after watching Big Time Wrestling, my brother and I would launch ourselves off the couch to “pin” him and claim the victory. He always played along. Our house was filled with love, laughter, and the comforting feeling of being cared for.
My father taught us many lessons, but the one that stands out most is respect. Showing the utmost consideration and kindness to others was always expected. I remember going to a company picnic with him when I was about five years old. He introduced us to a coworker—an African-American man named Pete Huckabuck. I still remember Mr. Huckabuck clearly: missing front teeth, worn and tattered clothes. When Mr. Huckabuck told us to call him “Pete,” Dad gently but firmly stepped in. “No,” he said. “His name is Mr. Huckabuck, and that’s what you will call him.” This same standard applied to all adults. Titles mattered, but showing people dignity mattered even more.
My father never hit us—he didn’t need to. His presence alone was enough to keep us in line. Except for one time, when I let the “F” word slip in front of my mother. Dad came at me, lifted me off my feet, and told me to apologize immediately. Mom was shocked, and shouted, “Peter, put him down, you're going to hurt him!” I still don’t say “hell” in front of her to this day.
Throughout her life my mother, Joan, has been a strong, independent woman who relies deeply on her faith to guide her through life’s many challenges. The youngest offive siblings, she experienced great loss early on - her father passed away when she was just seven years old and her mother died when she was only twenty-two. After spending a brief period of time in Florida, she returned to Niagara Falls and married Dad. Together, they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Incredibly supportive of everything we did, my father always put his family first—especially when it came to his kids. I was lucky enough to play 12 years of organized football: four years in Little League, four years in high school, and four years in college. Dad never pushed me into playing any sport; it was his love for the Buffalo Bills and our Sundays spent watching Bills games together that made me fall in love with the game of football. I also enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, and had some success with those sports as well.
However, I tried wrestling when I was 8 years old, and that was a different story. I told Dad that I wanted to wrestle. Of course Pete, always being very supportive, found a youth wrestling program for me to get involved in. I remember entering a local tournament and thinking I was a “tough guy”. Well, I won my first match by decision, but as I moved on to the second, I was pinned in 30 seconds - and that was the end of my wrestling career.
In his youth, my father played basketball for Niagara Falls High School and would have loved for me to follow in his footsteps and stick with playing basketball. However, after my sophomore year in high school, I was done with the game and wanted to just concentrate on football. Regardless of the sport I played, he never missed a game, even if it meant losing a day’s pay. I remember scanning the crowd during my Ithaca College games, looking for him in the stands. The moment I saw him, everything felt right. I was ready to go.
Dad has always carried himself with pride. He enjoyed dressing up and, truthfully, was a bit of a harmless flirt. But through it all, Mom has always been the center of his world. I’ll never forget the story he tells about one day after church, when two older women approached him while he was ushering. He wore a sports coat every Sunday, and one of the women asked if he was rich. Dad smiled and said, “Yes, I am.” They looked at each other and one said, “See, I told you he has a lot of money.” He replied, “Oh no, I don’t have a lot of money. You asked if I was rich—and I am. I have a beautiful wife, three wonderful children, and four beautiful grandchildren. So yes, I’m rich in life.”
There are so many more stories I could share about my father, but I hope this gives you a glimpse into the kind of man he is - and how lucky I am to still have him around. I don’t see my parents as often as I’d like, but I never take for granted how fortunate I am to still have them here, and to have been raised by a man like him.
Biographies:
Peter Anthony Sirianni: born on October 19, 1932, in Niagara Falls, NY. Now 93 years old, he lives in Lewiston, NY, with his wife Joan (94). Peter graduated from Niagara Falls High School and spent one year at Ithaca College before entering the U.S. Army, where he proudly served a year in Korea. Following his military service, he joined his brothers at Sirianni Construction Company and went on to work in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator for over 40 years.
Even in his 90’s, Peter remains remarkably active. He volunteers regularly at his community hospital, helps run weekly bingo in the local Italian Club, and serves as an usher at his church. He and Joan are the proud parents of three children, grandparents of four, and great-grandparents of two. To this day, Peter is best known for his warm smile and his trademark cheerful greeting - a big hello that brightens anyone’s day.
Joseph Peter Sirianni: born on September 22, 1962, in Niagara Falls, NY. When I was four years old, my family moved to Lewiston, NY where I attended Lewiston-Porter Central School District from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Growing up, I was fortunate to play many organized sports, including youth wrestling, Little League baseball, 9th and 10th Grade basketball, and twelve years of competitive football. I went on to attend Ithaca College, where I was lucky enough to play four years of college football while majoring in Physical Education. Although I never pursued teaching as a profession, I enjoyed a successful career in sales and eventually owned my own sales business for over 30 years. I am currently retired and enjoying the fruits of my labor.
While at Ithaca I met the love of my life - my caring and supportive wife, Beth. This past September, we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Together, we are the proud parents of three wonderful daughters - Julia (32), a successful third grade elementary teacher; Briana (30), who recently celebrated her fourth wedding anniversary with her husband, Garrett; and our youngest, Nicala (27), who lives in Southern Pines, NC, and works as an occupational therapist. We are also blessed with two active and adorable grandsons, Brodie (3) and Judah (1).
To say my life is blessed is an understatement. I thank God every day for the incredible family, friendships, and memories I've been fortunate enough to experience over the years.