In 1996, I decided to leave WCW wrestling for WWF (WWE). I left the “Johnny B Badd” character to become “Wildman Marc Mero”. Eventually I was “Marvelous Marc Mero”. I won a WWF tournament by beating the super-stars, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Owen Hart and Farooq to become Intercontinental Champion.
In January of 1999 my father, “Happy” (“Hap” for short), was diagnosed with cancer. He was a man that fought so bravely. He never complained or wanted anyone to feel sorry for him. I can only pray that I will be that courageous when it’s my time to leave this life. My Father also died from years of smoking. Please don’t smoke.....
In May, my sister Jodi and I flew in to Buffalo. We stayed at his apartment while he was in the hospital. We visited him every day and spent hours just talking. His nickname “Happy” was perfect for him. What a happy person he was. On June 2, 1999, we received a call at 6:00AM from the nurse. She said dad wanted us there as soon as we could make it.
Jodi and I hurried in his car and drove the 20 minutes to the hospital. When she pulled up front, I just jumped out of the car and ran into the hospital. I entered his room climbed in his hospital bed and just held him. Dad was gone as I held him in my arms. I remember whispering to him,
“Daddy please don’t go”.
