Dad attended The US Navy Reserve Midshipmen's School, a 90 day program at Columbia University. Upon completion, he was awarded an ensign's commission, placed in active status, and assigned to captain a Dukw boat. After the war, dad went back to Notre Dame and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dad was diagnosed with ALS in 1979 when he was 54 years old. He had this disease for 13 years until he passed away in January1992. He set a wonderful example for his wife, Mary Jane, and his 7 children with such strength and courage dealing with this devastating disease.