Saturday, July 21, 2012
When my good friend Paul Ribardo called on Saturday to tell me that Bill had passed away, I was stunned. Bill and I grew up together in South Orange in the 50s-60s, and remained friends until today. Bill (aka Billy, Willy) was an unforgettable person, and someone I consider as one of the best friends I will ever have. Not only was he a great guy, he was also an incredible ballplayer (one of the best schoolyard players in Jersey); and surely the most fun to be around when you were a young guy, out for a good time, in the 60s...Willy, Paul, and I gave life a very good run back in the old days in S Orange.
Billy and I kept in touch over the years, and he took a sincere interest in how I was doing. He put a smile on my face when we spoke.
I look forward to flying from Vermont to Jersey, and having a chance to meet and speak with Bill's family and friends at Prestons on Thursday afternoon.
RIP old friend...save me seat in Heaven...
Your buddy, Rich
