04/30/2026
At just 17 years old, you came to America with a vision to create a better life for yourself and for your family. From the moment you stepped foot on US soil, you never stopped working for it. You worked seven days a week, sometimes two jobs at a time, running on very little sleep, even crashing your ’70 Mach 1 Mustang from pure exhaustion, and still kept going.
From those early days of grinding and figuring it out, to becoming one of the top-performing Ranch House Managers in Virginia, to taking a leap and coming down to St. Petersburg in the 70s… you built your life through hard work and resilience. You were even close to purchasing the property where Ferg’s calls home today, something I’ll always think about.
But what you did build is even more incredible. In 1981, you opened a small deli and produce market, and here we are in 2026 and you’re still running it. That kind of consistency, dedication, and work ethic is rare, and it’s something I’ve always admired about you.
I applaud you for every sacrifice, every long day, and every decision you’ve had to make along the way. But more than anything, I’m grateful for the life you built and for the foundation you gave me to start mine.
Happy 70th Birthday, Dad. I love you always 💛
