South Jersey Pays Tribute to Dad

Patch received the following tributes for local dads in time for Father’s Day, and there’s still time to pay tribute to your dad. Just email anthony.bellano@patch.com with your name, your dad’s name, both hometowns, a photo, and, of course, why your dad is the Best in the World.

Dad: Joseph Berenato Jr., Ocean City

Daughter: Sharon Cullen, Ocean City

My daddy is the greatest man any daughter could ever ask for.

My father has always been there for his family through everything. The lives of he and my mother were, like most, consumed by kids,work, different schedules....

They decided they were going to build a family business so all of our family were together.. They sold everything and bought a business here on first street in Ocean City: BERENATOS CORNER DELI, where my dad works every day from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. The best part is his family is all near him, where he wanted us all.

As a single mom of three now grown kids, my father (Joseph) has never missed anything to help me and/or my children.

What he has given not only me in family values, he gave my children everything from being their friend to their grandparent.

I know exactly who I can turn to if I ever need a shoulder to lean on.

He is the sweetest most caring man.

I’m so proud he is my daddy.

He is what Love is all about.

Your the Best Daddy/Poppy any daughter or grandchild could ask for

Love,

Your Shashi Marie

Dad: John Kenkelen, Maple Shade

Daughter: Ashley Kenkelen, Maple Shade

My dad is special in many ways. He always takes care of us no matter what. If he is eating his favorite food he would give it to me if I wanted it including the last honey mustard, which he loves.

When I was a little girl, I rolled the car window up on my wrist. He took a rag from the car and dipped it in a rain puddle outside and wrapped it on my wrist so he is very handy and helpful.

He is also very funny. He has his own language. For example, he pronounces “pork roll” as “pork-a-rail”. He always makes me laugh even if I’m in a bad mood. If I ask him to bring me chocolate, he will bring it for me, usually king size.

He always checks the oil in my car and makes sure everything’s okay. He makes other people’s farts seem puny and girly. He will sing “Shing-a-ling it’s Christmas time in the city” in the shower even if it’s not Christmas time.

He is a very hard worker. He will still cut the grass and tinker outside in the heat even if he works overtime. My son also looks up to him and cries if he leaves.

It makes it hard to find a husband that will be better than my dad!

The attached images of Joseph Berenato Jr. and John Kenkelen were provided.