Sun Mar 14 2010
by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- After decades of Father's Day celebrations, John Dawson had one of the best of his life when he and his daughter were featured on NBC's Today Show in New York City.
"Never in my life did I think I would be on national television," said John. "It was quite an honor and a great experience."
Deborah Dawson, John's daughter-in-law, wrote to the show to share her thoughts about her father-in-law. Her story focused on the 86-year-old Tallmadge resident's relationship with his daughter, Gloria, and all the volunteer service he has provided over the years.
John is also father to two sons who live out of state, Jim and Larry Dawson. He had two older sisters Dorothy Gehringer and Barbara Woll, who are deceased, and has two younger sisters Maryann Korea and Helen Dietz of Stow.
John has lived in Tallmadge since 1982, but was a long-time Cuyahoga Falls resident before that and is a member of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Cuyahoga Falls.
The nationally-televised show features a segment called "Everyone has a Story" with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Those with a story to share are encouraged to write a 500-word essay. A panel of judges chooses the winning essays and writes a new song inspired by each of them.
John's story touched the judges' hearts, especially with Father's Day only weeks away.
Then Deborah, Gloria and John were flown to New York City and put up in a hotel at NBC's expense. The show aired June 3.
"This topped all previous Father's Day experiences," said John. "I don't know why our story struck a chord with Kathie Lee and Hoda, but we were chosen."
Gloria and Deborah shared their thoughts on John, who cared for his wife as she battled cancer, and his daughter Gloria, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a child, in addition to the countless hours he's spent over the years volunteering to help the needy.
John, a World War II veteran who served three years with the 102 infantry division for the Army, recently celebrated his 86th birthday June 12, said maybe he didn't look his age on the show because "of all the makeup."
He said he was interested in all of the behind-the-scenes activities as well as actually being on the show.
Constantine Maroulis, an American Idol contestant, sang the song written especially for John and Gloria, and John was given thousands of dollars worth of automotive-related gift cards.
"They gave me a basket of car products because they asked if I was ever compensated for all the driving I do in my volunteer work," said John, who told them he hadn't been. "I just felt I've been very blessed in life, and it's just a way of giving back."
John said he was grateful for the gifts because $2,000 in gas cards will be especially helpful as he drives to several different shelters and churches to volunteer each week.
John continues his charity work, although he said he's cut back to three days a week now.
"For the last 20 or more years, I was out six days a week with only a break on Sunday," he said, adding Gloria, goes with him on Saturdays to volunteer when she isn't working.
Missions, shelters, food banks and other places in need of volunteers and donations across Summit County have been helped by John. He said volunteering at St. John's Episcopal Church when he was younger was where his volunteer work "bloomed from."
"We probably help hundreds of people each week," he said. "In today's world, more people are showing up. I was luckily blessed."
E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3911
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