The Gebhardt Family

No, not Colleen and Robert - I want to talk about Robert and his family.

We first met Robert's parents and sister Laura on Thanksgiving Day. I will admit I was a little nervous to be hosting a holiday for them as we had never met them before and I knew it would be a long day. Within minutes of them arriving I knew it would be a great day, and it was.

We met Chris and her family a while after Thanksgiving but it was the same feeling. Her daughter's are adorable and fell right in with all the other kids.

For those of you that didn't get the opportunity to spend time with them over the weekend at any of the wedding festivites you really missed out. They are the most genuine and easy going people I have ever been around. They don't have a negative bone in their body and they are so social and just a pleasure to be around.

Colleen is a lucky girl to have them for in-laws.

Moving onto Robert. I love him!!! He is the perfect compliment to my sister. So calm and level headed - yet a big kid at heart. He is great with Amber and Alex and the rest of the kids in our family. I have never heard him say anything derogatory about my sister - even in a joking way. He loves her 100% for who she is - how awesome is that???

Robert is a gentleman and sincerely appreciates anything that people do for him or for him & Colleen and the kids. In the middle of all the hecticness of the weekend and AT the wedding reception he pulled me aside to thank me for all I had done for them in regards to the wedding - I am sure Robert had no idea how that would touch my heart. I was telling this story to my friend Tom this morning and he said - "You know what, Robert took me aside at the wedding as well to thank me!!!" Tom had prepared the entire rehearsal dinner meal while we were at rehearsal and did other stuff wedding related. Tom said he could tell Robert was sincere and appreciative and he was shocked that in the middle of the biggest day of his life he took the time to pull him aside and thank him. Robert again could not have known what this would mean to Tom.

So I want to say to the Gebhardt Family - welcome to our nutty family and I look forward to many years of making memories with all of you.

Perfect Weekend!!!

The weekend was perfect for Colleen & Robert's Wedding!!!

We started with mani/pedi's on Friday before the rehearsal - just the girls and lots of laughs. Rehearsal was smooth and thorough thanks to Larry. The dinner at our house afterwards was a great time for fun and fellowship.

Saturday morning Colleen was relaxed and carefree!!! No worries - possibly the calmest bride ever... Hair and make-up appointments and then back to our house to get dressed and head to the Pine Lake Country Club.

The weather was great (a little warm) everyone was so happy on this extremely exciting day and even when minor issues popped up they were handled quickly and with no stress for Colleen and Robert.

I had the best spot to watch the ceremony since I was the Matron of Honor. My sister's face must hurt from smiling so much - even Larry commented on her smile during the ceremony. I was looking right at Robert as he choked up when he was saying his vows. I heard afterwards his pause caused some people concern!!! But when they saw me tear up - they knew he was teared up and relaxed..... :)

The reception was beautiful - all of my sisters hard work in personalizing the reception was shining through. From the cake to the center pieces to the table settings to the music - it was absolutely perfect.

Sean Lyon was AWESOME and captured all of the best for us!!!

Sunday morning I received many, many phone calls all to say how wonderful the wedding was and how happy they were for Colleen and Robert and how cute they are together....

I wrapped up the weekend in the best way - I spent 2 hours with Daryl sitting outside Starbucks (just the 2 of us) sipping a frappacino and talking about the wedding and then the happy couple came by our house and we got to talk all about the days events. They are so in love and so happy.

I loved every minute of this weekend and hope that everone else did.

I gave my camera to a friend of mine and these are a few shots that were taken....


Colleen & Amber

Joe, Colleen & Me

Colleen & Mom

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gebhardt III

Joe & Marie

This cake tasted as good as it looks!!!

Guest Blogger - Melissa Shongood

See Melissa's "bio" on Colleen's Blog.

I have so many wonderful memories of the Corbett’s. These were some of the best days of my life, and even though I was so young I can remember it like it was yesterday. Danny was my father’s best friend. To this day my father cannot speak of him without getting teary eyed. We all miss him tremendously but Danny’s legacy will live on forever.

I can remember vividly going to work with my father at Seven Eleven and Danny giving me anything I wanted. I was his little helper and I loved every minute of it. I have yet to see anyone throw a party like the Corbett’s did. Every party was catered beyond anything you could ever imagine. There was always a party going on over there. The best part was he would always call us for the leftovers. YUMMY! Not only were they the best parties, but when the ice cream man came he would tell every kid to get whatever they wanted. That is every kid’s dream. He didn’t care how much it cost; I truly believe that it warmed his heart to make people happy.

He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet in your life. When we got hit with Hurricane Gloria, he put all six of us up in a hotel so we could take showers and be safe. He really was my father’s closest and best friend. He would always lend a hand or help us out in any way he could. My parents wanted to take us upstate to visit some family members and we couldn’t all fit in my dad’s little Hyundai, so he let us borrow his Cadillac. Just another selfless thing he did for us. He never expected anything in return.

Danny had a way of making you laugh until your stomach hurt. I can still hear his voice in my head telling me to “Go sweep the sun off the sidewalk”. I can remember asking my mom how was I supposed to sweep the sun off the sidewalk….was there a special broom I needed? I now know that you can’t sweep the sun off the sidewalk, but I can’t wait to tease my kids with that.

The list can go on and on of all the wonderful things the Corbett’s have done for my family. I feel so blessed to have been able to have them in my life. I will cherish every memory I have had with you guys and I will always hold a special place in my heart for your dad. I really love you guys! Thanks for the memories.

This is Marie jumping in now - this is our dad and Melissa in our pool. Melissa keeps this picture on her refridgerator still to this day!!! We can't even tell you how touched we were when we found this out. Melissa was the kid who fell in the pool without a life jacket all of the adults were on the deck so it was a quick and easy rescue - BUT - the next morning our mom got up and looked out the window and dad was out there hanging up life jackets in any size you could need. From that point on even if you weren't allowed on the deck without a life jacket on - unless you could pass his swim test!!!

Guest Blogger - Joann Scicutella

Joann became a part of our family when our parents became owners of a 7-11. Her dad, “Big Mike”, was a regular customer who immediately hit it off with our dad. They became great friends and our families spent lots of time together. Joann even worked for our parents in the 7-11. The Scicutella’s were very family oriented people just like we were so it was a natural fit. BBQ’s, Weddings, Birthday’s, Holidays etc…. were celebrated together.



See Joann's story on Colleen's Blog.

Guest Blogger - Suzanne Caltabiano

See Suzanne's "bio" on Colleen's Blog


I want to take you back to the days of working at Mom and Dad’s 7-11.

At the time I was living on my own away from both of my own parents. I started working at their store. I needed health insurance coverage and Dad told me I had to work a minimum of 30 hours a week to get coverage. So this is what I did while attending college full-time. After a couple of months it was starting to be too much for me to keep up with my school work and the hours at the store. Dad told me he was going to lower my hours and keep me on the insurance. For a 20 year old girl living on her own THIS was a BIG DEAL. He did not have to do that for me. To this day I don’t even know how he did that knowing he (and mom) had to most likely submit payroll to the Southland Corporation and answer to them. Some things you just don’t forget!

I lived at the Corbett residence for a year. I remember it was during the holiday season and there was a stocking hung in their home for their 4 children, anyone they may have been dating and me! I did not expect a stocking with my name on it but it did make me feel special. It’s possible they even had a stocking for Herbie and Cassie, (the dogs) I can’t remember! They always made everyone feel included.

Your mom and dad are the true meaning of parents. They have a special way of touching everyone’s heart.


To this day I think back to the way they handled anything from financial matters to loving their friends and family. They were role models for me for years. When Dad or Mom would talk to any of their children’s friends, they would talk to you like you were their own. They would look in your eyes and give you advice as if they were your own parent. Mom would rip money right out of your hand on payday to put in your xmas club savings she opened at the bank. She would wipe makeup off your face if she thought you had too much on. AND yes Dad would send you upstairs to change if he did not like what you had on.

I hope I was able to create a picture in your mind.

There is a reason why flowers were made into a shape of King of Hearts and Dad’s funeral.

Love to both of them.
XXX OOO XXX

Suzanne

Guest Blogger - Johanette DoCabo

Johanette came into our family when she and I worked together at Rockbottom in BayShore, NY. Starting at the age of 16 she experienced dad in the way we both did. She would get sent upstairs to change what she was wearing in a heartbeat just like we did. She knew the look that he would give if he didn’t like your ensemble – he didn’t even have to say it – she would just turn around and go back upstairs!!! She spent lots of time at our house for parties and just everyday life. She also went on many one day trips with us.

See her story on Colleen's Blog.

Guest Blogger - Regina Marsicano

See Regina's "bio" on Colleen's Blog.


I am sure you have all heard the saying to know him is to Love him. It may seem corny to some but this was my first thought when Marie and Colleen asked us to share stories of their Dad. Sadly, I only had the pleasure of knowing Daniel Corbett for about 5 years before he was taken away so early……… to this day I wish I was there to witness some of the beautiful memories that are shared with all of us.

I look around these days and I see people going through the motions of the day and existing through life. Danny was not like that. I remember thinking that this is a man who is truly enjoying his life. The love that he had for his wife Rose and his children was very evident. He was very caring, loving and generous and boy could he throw a party. I mean have you ever been to a party with a hot dog wagon and then hear the chimes of the ice cream man out front at which point everyone was told to go and get what they wanted!!!! There would be people everywhere but no chaos just a calm sense of love and caring and the ability to be yourself and have a great time!!!

I do have a picture that I wanted to share and the funny memory that goes along with it:

Marie caught the bouquet at my wedding. Joe & Steve’s cousin Louis caught the garter. So the scene is set where Marie is sitting in the chair waiting for Louis to put the garter on her leg. Out of nowhere comes this very intimidating man who proceeds to stand right next to Marie with this look. You know the one that could burn through steel. Well we were all hysterical - - except Louis who had to have been intimidated. But - - in true form Rosie walks in and grabs him by the ear and drags him off. I have to say that is one of my favorite memories of my wedding day.

Seeing Rose and Dan together was witnessing true love. How can it be anything else when you have two incredible people married to each other!!!!!

I am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing Danny even if for only a short time but his memory and the beautiful stories that the Corbett’s continue to share will keep his love alive in all of us forever.

So to all of my surrogate siblings thank you for sharing your incredible parents with me.

Love you all!
Regina