Fathers were celebrated around the country on Sunday 4 September and amongst the celebrations, Mercy Place residences also took a moment to recognise some of their special fathers.
In Mercy Place East Melbourne, resident Keith Geer celebrated Father’s Day surrounded by his two children, five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Raised in Melbourne, the 101 year-old resident was an esteemed lawyer who also served in the Navy during World War II. His law firm, which he began as sole practice in Melbourne, now operates at a national level with more than 90 partners and 275 professionals.
“He’s always been a gentleman,” daughter Deb Kennedy said.
“At the heart of it, my father is such an honest and kind family man.”
The Mercy Place East Melbourne resident may be retired but his office desk came with him to the home.
“He still has his desk with him and he continues to check the share market every day,” Lifestyle Coordinator Rose Hobbs said.
At Mercy Place Parkville, the McSweeney family hosted a picnic in the park for 87 year-old resident Frank – proud father of nine children, grandfather of 30 and great-grandfather of 10.
Born in Seymour, Frank was an Ascot Vale resident for many years where he worked tirelessly as a plumber and supported his large immediate family who remain extremely close despite growing to an astonishing 50 people.
Fellow resident Sebastiano Gervasi also had a wonderful Father’s Day. Born in Sicily and migrating to Australia as a teenager, he owned 50 acres of farm land and grew and harvested tomatoes for nearly 70 years. Sebastiano and his wife Josephina had three children – a number he’d decided on in order to give his children “the best things possible”.
He now has six grandchildren who love to hear his stories of working on the Victorian farm. For Frank, being surrounded by family is what makes him “truly happy”.
Download full media release ( PDF, 204.4K )Last reviewed December 27, 2017.
