Today, this post memorializes the alphageek’s Father-in-Law, Richard Anthony Grotto. He told me to call him what the ladies in shipping called him, Big Dick. For the remainder of this article, that is exactly who I will be talking about.

I am honored that Big Dick is the second most prolific author on this web site. Of any family member, Big Dick was the most supportive and interested in the activities appearing on this web site. I am going to share some of those thoughts of Big Dick with you here.

As I looked for the articles I wanted to use, I noticed several discussions about Manhattans. I did not really drink Manhattans when I first met Big Dick. Over time, as I came to appreciate Bourbon Whiskey more, I began to experiment with Manhattans and to enjoy the simple recipe that Big Dick uses. I thought I would pass along this amazingly complex mastery of a Manhattan.

Rye Whiskey
Sweet Vermouth
Lemon Twist from a fresh lemon
A glass full of ice

Carefully pour some of the rye into the glass. Next pour in a little sweet vermouth and taste until you like the drink. Twish the lemon into the drink and place the twist in the drink. Enjoy. I never saw Big Dick measure anything in this drink.

During research for this memorial, I stumbled across how a Big Dick Manhattan is made during a post of mine, in his own words:

Close, but no Cigar, Get a nine ounce "rocks" glass, put in 4 to 5 ice cubes. Cover the cubes with your favorite rye - or bourbon - (I prefer rye) and let it "sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
After there has been a proper amount of "melding" - not melting - add the good Italian sweet vermouth - Gallo or Stock - would be fine. Lemon twist - NO BITTERS - please. That's the way I'd do it. Just Sayin' Dick Grotto.

I guess I was close, but anybody who knows Big Dick likes his words better than my description because of the natural flow.

On another occasion, we made a Manhattan using bianco vermouth. Here is Big Dick’s suggestion on how to prepare this variation on his classic above:

"Just wanted to share this with both of you. I'm on my 3rd Bourbon Manhattan with Bianco Vermouth, 2 last Sunday and one today. I'm getting to like this combo! But you have to make it at least equal parts or heavier on the Bianco Vermouth + 6 to 8 ice cubes in a rocks glass that will accommodate at least 6 or more ounces."

In addition to enjoying Manhattans, Big Dick loved to play to the camera. From my review of 36th Vote Barreled Manhattan. The only memorable part of the review is the image below.

mrsag, Big Dick, his lovely wife and I all went to tour the Belmont Distillery. When we went, the explosion in the popularity of whiskey had not yet occurred, so we got to meet Chuck Miller himself. You can read all about the encounter here. Of course, Big Dick got the featured image. Who knew that Chuck Miller would become a whiskkey celebrity?

I think this sums up his contributions. As I created this article, it is clear that I will miss his contributions to the site. I will miss his sense of humor, so here is a memory I have always enjoyed.

I went into the freezer and noticed there were ice storage containers labeled yes and no. I asked Big Dick which one I was supposed to use. He told me to take ice out of either one. I could tell by the look on his family’s faces that I had just been given an honor none of them had: permission to break the system.

Finally, I continue to appreciate Big Dick talking to me as a fellow engineering professional every time we talked. The respect he showed me always moved me to try to be a better engineer so I could earn that respect. Thanks Big Dick.

Hey, Big Dick how you doing?

“How am I doing? I’m gonna tell you haw I’m doing:
I’m raising the roof - I’m bringing down the House- I’m kocking ‘em dead- I’m taking names, and I’m kicking ass!
Other than that - not too bad!
How about yourself, You doing OK?”

— Big Dick AKA Uncle Roc AKA Richard Anthony Grotto

Now if only I could find the material for that Archbishop Desmond Tutu part of this memorial…