My father saved my life and taught me how to live it

For Father's Day, I'd like to share my special memories of this man, who was the quintessential maverick.

First, I am sure your dad was, and hopefully, still is an inspiration to you. Someone who was loving, caring, and helped to build your path of life in the right direction.

Emanuel Wright's extreme persistence saved my life. During most of my infancy I was in and out of the hospital. I was critically ill.

It turns out the doctors made the wrong diagnosis. My dad swooped me out of the hospital and carried me in his arms to a physician who properly diagnosed and treated my illness.

Without a doubt, my father's determination saved my life.

He had quite a life. During World War II, my dad was a ship's radio operator in the Merchant Marines. ust a bit more dangerous than working radio on New Jersey 101.5.

After the war, Mannie was quite the entrepreneur.

He ran a photography business. It was his idea to have kids pose with Santa during the holidays at the Newark Bamberger's stor

A few years later, he established what eventually became a highly successful heating and air conditioning business based in New York City. During the early years, before he could afford an office, he ran the operation out of a telephone booth.

A few years ago, I asked my mother if she had more stories for a post about Dad. She reminded me of when he arrived home from his New York City office. It was routine for him to have large quantities of food in hand.

We're not talking about groceries from the supermarket or take-out. A couple of examples. He would purchase entire Hebrew National salamis or massive amounts of Joyva halvah. In case you may not know, halvah is a sesame-based confectionery.