My father-in-law (aka “Wise Papa”) died unexpectedly this week.

He was a good man, the quiet and steady presence within a family of loud chatterboxes from New York.

Yet, Papa would reveal a different side of himself during skit night at family reunions when he took to the stage and performed his limited (very!) repertoire of “impersonations.” He’d stand up and growl “Here’s looking at you, kid” a la Humphrey Bogart. But, it was his impersonation of a light bulb – standing in all seriousness, pulling an imaginary chain and then “lighting up” – that would cause the crowd to howl with laughter. To me, Papa’s uncharacteristic willingness to seize the lime light and share his inner silliness were highlights of the reunion.

Wise Papa, you are missed. Rest in peace.