The Standard

My Dad Is A Badass

Jun 29 2011

We here at the Standard Hotel LOVE our Fathers. It took several great men to birth the army of creative individuals in our company. In honor of Fathers Day this Sunday, here’s just a few personal stories and “well wishes” to some of the extended family…

(Joey Jalleo’s Father, Said Jalleo, circa 1962)

“My Dad left Beirut, Lebanon in the 1950s and headed to America in search of an education and a better life. In a time when the Middle East was changing hands and the region was in an unstable transition, my father blazed a new trail for himself, and without knowing, set a standard for generations to come. He graduated college with an engineering degree, traveled the world twice over and then went back to Beirut and met my mother Abla Jalleo….who is also the greatest thing to happen to parenthood EVER. From there they settled in Los Angeles, California only to be slowly followed by sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts and cousins offering a new life for everyone in the family. My Dad is a pioneer, a legend and a force who changed the history of an entire family forever. His true influence I don’t think he will ever really know.

Hey, Said….YOU’RE A BADASS!!!” —- Love, Joey

(Jauretsi’s Father/Grandfather, Juanito & Juan Saizarbitoria with Rocky Marciano, middle. Centro Vasco, Havana, 1956)

“I’ve always been fascinated with my Fathers history in Cuba. This is a picture of him at 17 yrs old with my grandfather running the hottest place in Havana, a restaurant called Centro Vasco. On this night they partied with legendary boxer Rocky Marciano. The restaurant was located 1 block from the Meyer Lansky Hotel, Habana Riviera, so you can imagine all the gambling and mayhem. I never grow tired of hearing music and stories from this era (cue Beny More). I just want to say Happy Fathers Day, Juanito, and bringing me up in a culture so rich with party atmosphere, soul, and good cheer! You’ve raised the bar, Dad!”

Love, Tu hijita, Jauretsi

(Rachel mowing the lawn with her dad, Leonard Hunter, Summer 1979.)

“My Dad is the best. He’s smart as a whip, endlessly patient, and has this wry sense of humor that’s totally unexpected and awesome. He’s always been my technical guru and is quite literally, a genius. One notorious family fact is that my dad wired his parent’s summer cottage for electricity when he was just 8 years old. When I asked my grandma why they let an 8 year old do it, her reply was, “Well, because he could”. I’m happy to report that, over 60 years later, the electricity in that cottage still works perfectly. My dad has always been very encouraging and patient with me. He was the one who taught me how to drive. One time he painstakingly walked me through changing the oil filter in my car step by step over the phone long-distance. Even though we live on separate sides of the country, my dad and I talk often. My father has lately become fond of taking photos of my poor unsuspecting mother (who always manages to fall asleep on the couch in some embarrassing pose) and sending them to me. A habit I sincerely hope continues, because those are some pretty hysterical pictures. Thanks, Daddums, have a Happy Father’s Day!”

- Rachel E Hunter

(Kristin’s dad, Peter Culotta, “The King of the Mardi Gras”, 1936)

“My father’s 80th birthday just passed, and with that came the retrospective of his incredible life. First generation American- born of a Sicilian Immigrant and a farmer’s daughter = a fiery Italian with an unassuming exterior. My favorite picture of him was taken in New Orleans circa 1936 - he was “The King of the Mardi Gras”. His father worked for the railroad and kept the banana’s cold in the railcar, while his mother handmade this costume for the premiere event of the town. Avoiding the Korean War draft, he became a Doctor and devoted his life to helping people. Needless to say, every injury I had turned into a great learning experience. I was his last chance for a son, and have respectfully accepted the responsibility to carry on his traditions and all the dirty jokes. My dad has survived 4 marriages, 3 daughters, and 3 heart attacks. He has delivered babies, flown planes, founded charitable organizations, and has attained Great Grandfather status . A total bad-ass = the “King” of 3 generations, and MY ultimate inspiration.”

- Kristin Culotta