Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,

I would like to honor my dad, Stephen F. Kerins who turned 80 years old the day after Christmas. Dad was born, in County Clare, Ireland to Annie and John Kerins. As a child, Dad always loved his family and a good time. He is still that same way today.

Thank you Dad for being being such a good father to us. You made childhood memories with us that will last our lifetime. Thank you for being such an excellent role model to my three brothers and me. Thank you for being always there when any of us needed you along with our children and our grandkids. You are the perfect example of what a good father and wonderful husband you were to our beloved mother, who adored you as well.

Thanks for you advice, for your constant being open for conversation with all of us, being a mentor for us, teaching us good morals, how important it is to have fun times and laughter in our lives through music, dancing, bowling, a walk around Castle Island, a weekend getaway to the Cape or making plans to travels places we haven’t seen yet. At 16 years old, you inspired us when you bought your first Honda motorcycle and taught John and me how to ride it.

Dad is a Somervillian and has owned property in Somerville and still does since 1961. He never raises the rents on his tenants because he knows what that’s like and would rather have content happy tenants rather than people coming and going all the time. We are a very close family. I have three brothers who he taught his trade, HVAC, members of Local 537 and he still has new guys on the job calling him and asking him how to fix centrificles and other major high tech cooling and heating machines.

Thank you Dad for all of it and so much more! Happy birthday! I love you so much. Here’s to making more memories.