Monday, September 10, 2012
It was the 1960's and as a young boy I was curious about the new homes being built on the street behind me. I wandered into the foundation of a home that was framed out and began casting dirt bombs blowing up imaginary targets. During one of these escapades the builder introduced me to his son. Little did I know at the time we would become good friends. Gene and his family moved into their new house and we began spending lots of time together. There were countless hours pitching the baseball as we took turns, one being the catcher the other the pitcher. When football season rolled along we acted out the best catches in the snow. On Saturdays it was the pro bowlers on ABC followed by the Wide World of Sports. We then got into basketball and continued our love of sports. What I will fondly remember is that Gene always bested me by a bit. It was not that he always just beat me, but he did it with style! When we bowled he had great form, when he pitched he had the mechanics, and when we got older and played basketball he was smooth as silk. In a way that describes his personality to me. He always had that infectious smile and a quick wit. If he hated anyone or anything I never sensed it.
I will always carry great memories of my time on 132nd St of Gene and all of his family. Rest in peace my brother.............
Ray
