Steven Edward Listro Sr.: A Dad's Legacy

It’s not a secret that the Listro family has experienced some of the most difficult times life has to throw at you. But Life is not defined by what happens to someone, it’s about how one reacts to it. There is much more to Dad’s life than I could fit on paper, and there is even more than I know about Him for He lived many years before my Parents became my Creators.

Though a great honor, nothing quite compared to the difficulty of having the responsibility to write this eulogy, a duty to impress upon All minds how my Father, should be remembered. Who Is Steven Edward Listro Sr., and what Is His legacy?

Some of my first memories date back to Wilbraham where my Dad bought His first house for His new family. One time He felt it was appropriate to have a bonfire in our fireplace, nearly burning down the house. He once recorded a music video of Him singing “I’m a SOUL MAN” of which Stevie and I couldn’t stop watching as kids. At Christmas time we set out milk and cookies for Santa, and woke up to size 13 sooty bootprints near the fireplace where there would be a half glass of milk, and bites into cookies left for him; Dad made things magical.

Dad helped us setup Ninja turtle tents and blanket forts in the living room where we would camp out. Him and my Mom always managed to find ways to provide us with our favorite toys and gadgets; introducing us to Nintendo video games and other technologies. Dad loved new gadgets too; I can even remember Him having the first bag phone. I often remember my big tattooed Dad driving off into the sunset on a Blue Harley Davidson Road King. Dad was cool.

No matter the occasion, He was the one videotaping or taking pictures. He even finely documented things like our first day of school; I remember my first day of school was of us walking to the bus stop talking about how Ninja Turtles were in the sewers while Dad tried to calm Mom down from stressing over things like cars coming down the street, or exactly when and where the bus would arrive; Dad kept things under control.

In the winter time, we would help Him shovel the driveway and build igloo forts, then after, we’d head inside where He would make us hot cocoa with fluff on top. Dad provided memories that would last forever.

Summer times were spent at Big Island Pond in Atkinson, NH. Pop, my Grandfather, built a cottage for His family to enjoy away from the city and ordinary life, and every summer since my Dad was a kid, was spent at the cottage. This included days at the beach, boating, skiing, tubing, wake-boarding, and other water activities; Dad was a skilled slalom skier.

Dad loved being at the lake for events like the 4th of July, and Birthday celebrations for Stevie, Mim, and Nick. While adventures to Barrel Bridge and Blueberry Island called for extraordinary adventures.

I’ll never forget the time He called for our attention and said, “boys watch this,” and proceeded to lift up the back of Uncle Tony’s car all by Himself. Dad was a real life superhero.

He loved the cottage so much, He moved us to Atkinson, NH, about 5 miles away from the lake to build a home in celebration of His ability to provide for His family. Traveling for work as a Regional Sales Manager, kept him away from His family more than he preferred, but He loved what He did and He was really good at it. He made it a priority to bring the family out to dinner at the Colosseum Italian Restaurant to celebrate every time He made the sale of a large KBA Planeta German printing press; of course, NEVER A MITSUBISHI!; Dad showed the importance of success, and how to celebrate it.

Sitting down for dinner as a family was very important to Him. This gave us the opportunity to share how our days went, and discuss any family matters that needed to be addressed. Most of the time, Stevie would be left sitting at the dinner table for hours because Dad told him if he didn’t finish his food he would have to eat it for breakfast. Stevie took his time because he knew my Dad was serious, and of course when Dad wasn’t looking he would just feed it to our dog Jade. Dad was an outdoors-man that often found solace in nature, and was a skilled hunter and fisherman. Speaking of animals, I’m still trying to find out who this “little birdie” was, that would fly onto Dad’s shoulder and tell Him that we weren’t listening to Mom. Dad was old-school.

Many memories were made at this home; from taking His step-sons Michael and Allen into his home and making them sons of his own, as well as playing a grandfather roll to their children; to hosting holiday parties and other special events for family and friends;

From us watching football and/or the Sopranos on Sundays; to Dad making hot breakfast for everyone on the weekends;

From Dad exclaiming from His office for everyone to be quiet because He is on an important call; to Him marking the progression of our height on the inside of a closet as we grew older. Dad was a family man.

Dad strived to teach us morality and manners. One of the most memorable lines He ever used was, “there is nothing I hate more in this world, than liars.” Dad respected you more and got less angry, when you told Him the hard truth. Integrity was of the utmost importance.

If you didn’t say things like “please, thank you, you’re welcome, excuse me, etc” He would be quick to remind you until you got it; Dad was an honorable man.

It was through traveling as a family that some of the most cherished memories were made. Dad loved bringing the family on Caribbean cruises. Formal nights were our favorite; we got all dressed up and went out to one of the nice restaurants on the ship. The memory that stands out the most about one of these nights was the time we had our family picture taken... which was the last one we ever took together as a family.

Every winter we would take a trip to Florida to visit Mim & Pop. Sometimes we would fly and other times we would drive, and when we would drive we would make stops along the way experiencing each state little by little. Dad also brought us skiing and snowboarding throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

He brought us to Niagara Falls where we got to experience the Maid of The Mist, and a speed boat through white water rapids. Every year we would go camping at Half Moon and Sober in the Sun festivals in our camper; and yes, my Dad’s idea of camping had hotel amenities, raviolis, and meatballs. Dad was a traveling man, but never forgot His roots.

Dad was probably best known as “UNCLE SILLY.” He had an extraordinary relationship with all of His nieces and nephews. He always knew how to make everyone laugh with His goofy behavior and the kids loved it. He made a very strong impact on every single one of their lives. He gave generously to His family; whether it was a Christmas or birthday present someone wanted, doing fun activities together, or as simple and powerful as giving His undivided attention and time. Dad was a loving man.

What is Steven Edward Listro Sr.’s legacy? He was the coolest, most powerful, superhero... bigger than life itself. He was skilled, and a master of His craft. He generously celebrated and shared His success. His foundation was old-school and honorable, but His spirit Is free and advanced. He had a giant heart and loved His family more than He loved Himself. A cowboy on an iron horse, who rode off into the Sunset, one last time.

STEVEN EDWARD LISTRO SR.

January 25th, 1960 - July 19th, 2017

(Eulogy written and presented by His Son, Sal Listro.)