Erica, Richie and Steph,
I'm having a very hard time imagining my buddy Rick not being around. We only knew each other for 65 years. I was really hoping it was going to be longer. We met through our mutual cousin Keving back around 1961.
We hung out in the park in front of Fort Hamilton high school and played basketball. We were even on the same P.A.L. team.
I remember in 1965, Rick enlisted in the Navy., We were at my father's birthday party the night he told me he was going in. I didn't see him for 3 years, but we did write letters back and forth when I was in the Army stationed in Korea and he was in Nam, riding the patrol boats up and down the Mekong River. I remember in 1968, how he bragged about winning $1,300 in a crap game on the way home from Nam.
When he finally got back, we always hung out in the Bowling alley on 87th, he was our score keeper. After bowling and most other nights we went to our favorite bar, the Amber on 3rd avenue. He usually fell asleep on the bar leaning on his elbow.
In 1971 Rick was Best Man at my wedding. The next year I was his Best Man. I was even supposed to be Ericka's god father,
but our wives didn't get along. Shame on them. Didn't change our friendship any.
As the years went by, we still hung out as much as possible, but it was never enough. Time and distance got in the way.
I will always remember Rick as my best friend and the brother I never had. May you rest in peace till I see you again.
