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- I moved my 88-year-old dad into my apartment complex. His apartment is visible from my window, so I can keep an eye on him. (businessinsider.com)
Family Ties: How a Daughter Created a Multi-Generational Home for Her “Super Ager” Father
West Harrison, NY – When Deirdre Catucci’s father, William, found his large home too quiet and empty after the passing of his wife in 2020, Deirdre made a heartwarming decision to bring him closer. Now, just floors apart in the same apartment building, William, an energetic 88-year-old the family affectionately calls their “super ager,” is thriving with the support of his loving family.
Deirdre, a 63-year-old retired social media specialist, shares a building with her father, her son Daniel, and another son, Robert, who rents a studio right next door to his grandfather. This unique living arrangement ensures William is never far from his loved ones, providing both independence and a watchful eye.
“It takes a matter of minutes for me to walk from my apartment to Dad’s,” Deirdre explains, highlighting the convenience of their setup. While William remains remarkably independent, the family recognizes that his reliance on them will likely grow with time.
Deirdre’s commitment to her father began even before her mother’s passing. “Mom, I’ve got Dad,” she reassured her dying mother in 2020, a promise that brought visible comfort.
A Legacy of Family First
William’s dedication to his family is a cornerstone of his character. Despite a demanding career as an AT&T executive and a Fordham University professor, he always made time for his five children.
“We did everything as a family when we were younger. Dad insisted that you couldn’t take five kids to five different places,” Deirdre recalls.
From cheering on basketball games to enjoying Broadway shows – even if it meant standing behind a pole with seven standing-room-only tickets – William fostered a deep love for shared experiences and the arts. This support continued into their adult lives, with William providing steadfast help during Deirdre’s divorce 15 years ago and doting on his 14 grandchildren, with a first great-grandchild just born last week.
Finding a New Home, Together
After his wife of 62 years passed, William’s large house felt isolating. “He would sit in one room… it was lonely and empty without his wife around,” Deirdre observed.
Despite living 40 minutes away and working full-time while raising her sons, Deirdre tried to visit as often as possible. However, she knew he needed more.
In March 2021, Deirdre moved to a new apartment building, with Daniel sharing her two-bedroom and Robert securing a studio. The missing piece was William.
One day, after showing him around the complex, Deirdre tentatively suggested, “I would love you to live here.” After a moment’s thought, William replied, “OK, what’s not to love?”
By July, William was settled into his own two-bedroom apartment, complete with an office. The decision proved to be a resounding success.
William quickly made new friends among the residents, sharing his sharp mind and thirst for knowledge. He reads two newspapers daily and enjoys lively conversations over a game of pool.
An Active and Engaged Life
A Korean War Army veteran, William maintains an impressive fitness regimen, spending 45 minutes daily at the gym, cycling and lifting weights. He also carefully watches his diet, though he allows himself an occasional bowl of ice cream – a reminder, he says, that it’s essential to treat yourself.
Deirdre and her sons maintain a delicate balance between respecting William’s independence and providing necessary support. “I can see the window of his apartment from my place, as well as his TV in his living room,” Deirdre notes, adding that Robert’s studio even shares a wall with his grandfather.
Their time together often revolves around meals. Deirdre cooks William’s dinners nightly, often joined by Robert and Daniel, ensuring intelligent and lively conversation. Other siblings visit regularly, and this past summer, a sister and brother took turns staying with William while Deirdre and Daniel vacationed in Italy.
Despite his self-sufficiency, William does need assistance with certain tasks. Deirdre helps organize his monthly calendar and has placed a magnetic pill container on his refrigerator for easy access to medication and vitamins.
The family’s goal is to keep William in his apartment as long as possible. “I’ve told him that I’ll always take care of him,” Deirdre affirms.
She reflects on her father’s lifelong kindness, leadership, and sound decision-making, emphasizing his role in challenging misconceptions about aging. “Dad proves them wrong.
I’m determined that he will maintain the dignity that he has held all his life.”