As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I find myself thinking not only about my own late father, but also about the many men who helped shape the person I’ve become.

It’s easy to consider fathers only in the singular. But the truth is that most of us are influenced throughout our lives by a collection of men — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors and friends — each leaving a mark on us in ways both large and small.

For me, it all begins with my own father.

Like many sons, I did not fully appreciate all he was teaching me while I was growing up. The lessons never came in the form of long speeches or inspirational talks. Instead, they came through example — showing up every day, working hard, honoring commitments and understanding that family should always come first.

At times, those lessons were difficult to understand. His military service and work commitments forced him to miss some of my sporting events and other family gatherings — something I learned later in life he deeply regretted. Today, though, I understand those sacrifices better. Just as I now do every day, he was doing his best to balance the responsibilities of family, work and so much more.

I also think about how I benefited from his hands-on approach to teaching. He showed me how to rebuild an engine, handle household electrical work and pour concrete — practical skills that have helped me throughout my life.

What I miss most — my dad died in 2023 — is simply calling him to talk. Those conversations, I realize now, were important to both of us. I miss them immensely and still, nearly three years later, find myself thinking, “I should call Dad and tell him about this.”

Another strong man in my life was my grandfather — my pap-pap.

I was fortunate to have this small, wizened man, who grew up in Boston and made his way to West Virginia in the mid-1940s, living just a few blocks from my parents in the house where my father was raised. I spent countless afternoons and evenings sitting on the back porch with him and my dad, listening to them talk about life, politics and everything in between while the water rushed through the locks and dam along the Monongahela River just down the hill.

My pap introduced me at an early age to the writings of William F. Buckley Jr. Each Saturday morning, we would read Buckley’s newspaper columns together and discuss his ideas about limited government and free markets. Those conversations and so many others became an essential part of who I am today.

He taught me lessons that continue to guide me: look people in the eye when they are speaking to you; treat everyone with respect, regardless of how they treat you; and give your best effort in everything you do. He understood that character is built over a lifetime and measured not by what you have, but by how you treat people.

Then there were my uncles.

I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by seven men — Bob, Ron, Charlie, Mike, John, Dennis and George — each bringing his own strengths, personality and perspective to my life.

They were chemists, glass blowers, carpenters, teachers and business owners.

They were big men with big personalities and enormous hearts who offered plenty of love — and, at times, tough love — to a young man trying to find his way.

As with my father and grandfather, I learned from them the value of hard work.

They showed me what loyalty looks like, how to lend a hand without being asked and how family always remains family no matter the circumstances.

They rarely complained; when circumstances didn’t work out in their favor, they simply worked harder.

Then there were my great-uncles, both named John, who represented a generation that understood sacrifice in ways I never fully could. They carried themselves with quiet dignity and taught me that toughness and kindness are not opposing traits.

One of those great-uncles, my Uncle John Luchok, played an especially important role in my newspaper career. For nearly five decades, he served as editor and director of publications at West Virginia University. After I landed my first job, he would send me a stack of my newspaper clippings each month, covered in red ink from his edits and notes. I learned more from those pages than I could have imagined — lessons that continue to influence my work today.

As I grew in my career and started my own family, I realized the need for strong male influences didn’t end. In many ways, those influences became even more important.

For me, men like the late J. Michael Myer, longtime editor of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, the late Fred Connors and so many others stepped into that role. Through their leadership, guidance and friendship, they reinforced lessons I had learned long ago while teaching me new ones about integrity, decision-making and perseverance.

They taught me that leadership has nothing to do with titles. Instead, it is about service. It is about listening more than talking, accepting responsibility when things go wrong and helping others succeed.

Most importantly, they showed me how to weather life’s inevitable storms. They showed me how to be a good father and a good husband.

As I think back on the men who helped shape me, I realize just how fortunate I’ve been. The person I am today is the product of countless lessons — some difficult, others delivered through quiet conversations, encouragement, shared experiences and the steady example of men who invested their time, wisdom and love in helping me grow.

Because of my father, my pap-pap, my uncles, my great-uncles and the mentors who came later, I have been given the foundation to be the best father I can be for my own children.

That may be the greatest gift a man can receive — and the most meaningful legacy he can leave behind.

So this Father’s Day, I encourage you to think about the men who helped shape your life.

Thank them if you still can.

And if you’re in a position to do so, find a young person who could benefit from your guidance.

Mentor them.

Encourage them.

Be there for them when their life gets difficult.

One day, they may look back and realize that your example helped them become the best version of themselves.

Happy Father’s Day.

John McCabe is editor of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. From 9-10 a.m. each Friday, he joins Howard Monroe on AM 1600 WKKX to discuss the most pressing issues in Wheeling and the Ohio Valley. Email him at jmccabe@theintelligencer.net.