>Being an old school Jew, divorce was just not an option for him. So the only escape in his mind was suicide.

I mean no disrespect to your father, but Judaism permits divorce, always has. From http://www.jewfaq.org/divorce.htm:

"Judaism recognized the concept of "no-fault" divorce thousands of years ago. Judaism has always accepted divorce as a fact of life, albeit an unfortunate one. Judaism generally maintains that it is better for a couple to divorce than to remain together in a state of constant bitterness and strife."

I am sorry that your parents were so unhappy together and that it led your father to take his life.

Tamar