A Father’s Legacy: Stories of Resilience, Love, and the Threads That Bind Us

There’s something profoundly moving about the stories we inherit from our parents—stories that shape who we are and how we see the world. For Yerasimos, his father’s life was one of those stories, a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and quiet strength that left an indelible mark on him. Born in 1930 on the Greek island of Kefalonia, his father’s journey was anything but ordinary. From surviving the chaos of World War II as a child to building a new life in America, his story is one of courage, hard work, and an unshakable commitment to family.

In a heartfelt conversation, Yerasimos reflects on his father’s life, sharing memories that range from the humorous to the deeply poignant. He talks about the lessons his father taught him, the bond they shared, and the legacy that continues to guide him. It’s a story of a man who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, even when the odds were stacked against him, and of a son who learned to navigate his own path while carrying his father’s wisdom with him.

But this isn’t just a story about one man or one family. It’s a reminder of how our lives are woven together by the people who came before us—their struggles, their triumphs, and the love they passed down. Through Yerasimos’s words, we’re invited to reflect on the threads that connect us across generations and the ways those connections shape who we become.

Sara: Yerasimos, thank you for joining me today. I’d love to dive into your story, particularly your relationship with your father. From what I understand, your father’s life was quite extraordinary. Can you tell me about him?

Yerasimos: Absolutely. My dad was born on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, in 1930. He lived almost 94 years, which is wild to think about. He came from a different world, you know? He was one of nine siblings, and he only had a second-grade education. By the time he was six, he was already working as a sheepherder. That was his first job.

Sara: That’s incredible. What was life like for him growing up on the island?

Yerasimos: It was a different time, for sure. He lived through World War II, and when he was just 13, he was captured by German soldiers. They were occupying the island, and he and his cousin found some flares and set them off. The Germans caught him, and one soldier even pulled a gun on him. But at the last second, another soldier intervened, and my dad jumped off a ravine to escape. If that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be here today.

Sara: That’s a harrowing story. It’s amazing how one moment can change everything.

Yerasimos: Exactly. It’s those choice points in life, you know? My dad had this incredible will to survive. He left the island when he was 18 because he witnessed a murder. He didn’t want to rat anyone out, but the people who committed it thought he might, so they were after him. He went to Athens, worked in the food and beverage industry, and eventually became a merchant marine. He travelled the world for ten years, working as a chef on ships.

Sara: That’s quite the adventure. How did he end up in the U.S.?

Yerasimos: In the late 1950s, he jumped ship in the U.S. and started working odd jobs in diners. He saved every penny, worked 20-hour days, seven days a week, and eventually bought a lunch truck in Bayonne, New Jersey. That’s where I was born in 1980. Later, he and his siblings bought a diner in Wayne, New Jersey, which he ran for 35 years.

Sara: That’s an incredible work ethic. What was your relationship like with him growing up?

Yerasimos: My dad was present, but in a different way. He wasn’t the type to play sports with me or help with homework. He didn’t speak English perfectly, and he didn’t really understand American culture. But he was always there, working hard to provide for us. I felt safe and loved, even if he wasn’t the most emotional person. He was stoic, but he had a great sense of humour.

Sara: How did your relationship evolve as you got older?

Yerasimos: It was consistent, but there were moments of tension, especially when I decided to pursue an acting career instead of something more traditional. My dad didn’t really understand it. He was practical, you know? He wanted me to have stability. But when I told him I was leaving my corporate job to act, he surprised me. He said, “Whether I agree or not, I support you.” That meant a lot.

Sara:That’s a beautiful moment. What about your mom? How did she fit into the family dynamic?

Yerasimos: My mom was the heart of the family. She was super affectionate and an amazing cook. She took care of everything at home while my dad worked. She had her own story, too. Her mother was killed when she was six, so she had to take on a caretaker role early in life. She met my dad through a mutual friend, and they got married in 1974.

Sara: It sounds like your parents had a strong partnership.

Yerasimos: They did. It was old-school, you know? My dad appreciated her as a wife and mother, and she loved him for being a provider. They were affectionate, but it wasn’t about romance in the way we think of it today. It was about their roles in the family, and they took pride in that. But it was definitely more than just traditional roles. My dad wrote love letters to my mom when he was in the U.S. and she was in Greece before he ultimately went back and she moved back with him. So yes, it was more old school, but they had a deep love, respect, and appreciation for each other. The love letters part is really sweet and does highlight my dad’s romantic side. And my mom would always say he was romantic.

Sara: Your dad lived a long life. What were his later years like?

Yerasimos: He worked until he was 80. He sold the diner and retired, but he didn’t have many hobbies. He loved his little dog, Jack, and spent time in Greece. Even at 90, he was climbing ladders and picking figs off trees. But in the last couple of years, you could see him slowing down.

Sara: How did he pass?

Yerasimos: He had congestive heart failure. The last time he was in the hospital, he hated it. He tried to rip out the tubes and said he wanted to jump out the window. After that, we decided he would never go back to the hospital. He passed at home, sitting on the couch with my mom and his dog. He just put his head to the side, and that was it.

Sara: That’s a peaceful way to go. Do you feel his presence now?

Yerasimo* I don’t feel it in a distinct way, but I had this experience recently. A woman I know told me she had a message from my dad. She said he’s proud of me and that he didn’t understand everything I was doing while he was alive, but he gets it now. That really resonated with me.

Sara: That’s powerful. It’s like he’s still watching over you.

Yerasimos: Exactly. He’s always around. He’s at peace, and he’s happy. That’s what I feel.

Sara: Yerasimos, thank you for sharing your father’s story. It’s a beautiful tribute to his life and legacy.

Yerasimos: Thank you. It means a lot to honour him this way.

This story is more than just a personal reflection—it’s a universal reminder of the enduring power of family, love, and the stories we carry with us. Through Yerasimos’s words, we’re invited to see how the past shapes the present and how the legacy of those who came before us continues to guide our paths. It’s a testament to the quiet strength of a father’s love and the unbreakable bonds that tie us across generations.

Yesrasimos is co host https://hereforthetruth.com podcast 

Co-founder of – Helping truth seekers committed to growth become who they were born to be 

https://riseabovetheherd.co