From: Nell Shonnard

-Card written to Pops on March 27th, the day before he died. Reads as follows-

Dear pops, I just want to tell you that no matter what, God will always be with you. I love you and trust in God that he will have his guardian angels bring you up to him when the time is right. I miss you and wish you the best of luck on meeting God. Everything is in God's hands. I love you and miss you, your granddaughter Nell ( Hello Jerry. . . Hello Newman )

From: Anastasia Konomos Brinkmann

In Memory of the greatest father-in-law

Pops was such an extraordinary person. He was always the perfect and loving gentleman… until, you turned away and faster than the speed of light his hysterical gestures would be displayed. We can all close our eyes and visualize him with his eyes wide open and his pointing finger (as if we didn’t know who he was referring to). His humor was such a wonderful complement to his compassionate side. I always felt so loved and comfortable in his presence, I will truly miss that. Being the emotional in-law, I could go on forever about what I truly miss about Pops, but the bottom line is that we all will miss him and everything he brought to our lives. I often think about Pops and all he meant to me and I love that it brings a smile to my face. The only sad thing is that there is no one left in the family who is going to be nice to Paul!!

Love to all, Tess Konomos

From: The Philadelphia Inquirer

William F. Brinkmann | Roofing company owner, 83

William F. Brinkmann, 83, formerly of the Northwood section of Philadelphia, retired owner of Brinkmann Bros. Roofing, died of heart failure March 28 at Tidewell Hospice in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Mr. Brinkmann grew up in Frankford and graduated from Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia. During World War II, he dropped out of Villanova University in his junior year to join the Army Air Corps. He piloted B-26 bombers in Europe and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. After numerous missions, his plane crash-landed in Germany and he was rescued by a unit from Gen. George Patton's Third Army. After the war, he participated in the Berlin airlift, flying supplies to starving West Berliners when the Soviet Union temporarily cut off traffic to the city.

After his discharge, Mr. Brinkmann joined his family's roofing company in Kensington. The firm, founded in 1865, specializes in slate roofs and had replaced roofs on many historic churches and homes, and the Barnes Foundation in Merion. The company is now operated by Mr. Brinkmann's son William Jr.

Since 1950, Mr. Brinkmann had been married to Helen Lavin. The couple met on the beach in Ocean City, N.J. For the last 15 years, they divided their time between Florida and Ocean City. He enjoyed golfing at Atlantic City Country Club, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and storytelling.

In addition to his wife and son, Mr. Brinkmann is survived by sons John and Paul; daughters Mary Shonnard and Margaret; and nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son Michael and a daughter Anne.

A memorial Mass will be said at 11 a.m. June 13 at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 114 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City.