Ahhhh... My Wonderful Friends 

myfriends

Amelia Rodriguez	Met at Pacific Coast College, became good friends, single mother who raised 2 kids, has a great heart. She amazed me cause without a college degree, she built her own accounting business to support her and her children and did a heck of a job doing it. Beautiful lady inside and out.
Audrey & Arlene Borman	First met these ladies in Macedonia Elementary school. Had a mad crush on one of them but never sure which one it was. Saw them again in high school. They went to Rhodes which was one of our rivals. Later established communications with Audrey via internet. She is living in AZ and she said Arlene is living in CO. Very pretty girls and very beautiful women.
Bea Needham	Teenage friend. Member of the girl's club from West 105 st. in Cleveland. Bill Brown's sweetie. I don't usually like redheads but I will always remember Bea. At a recent reunion, she presented me with a pic from a newspaper article when Jack Fortune and I were graduating from Navy Boot Camp. Sweet lady.
Betty Ann Smith	Betty is the oldest daughter of Mrs. Smith who is on my honor roll. Although she was younger than most of us who hung out at Mrs. Smith's house, (in the basement), she was such a nice person. You couldn't help but like her and she was always there when someone needed someone to talk to.
Bev Steinberg	Met on line several years ago as a pinochle partner. Shared many laughs and stories, jokes, and life experiences. Truly a wonderful lady and my pleasure to have known. There you are on that segway thing. And one of your sons is right by your side making sure mom is alright. But I would have expected nothing less after hearing about your sons. One thing I know about you, you are going to enjoy the rest of your life and riding those segway things is a good start. Just be careful and enjoy. Thanks for your friendship.
Bill Brown	One of my all-time closest friends. A fairly good athlete with a great personality. He had an infectous laugh that made everyone glad to call him friend. Unfortunately, I am told he passed several years ago. I will always remember the many zany times we had together just being teenagers. RIP Bill
Bill Brandoni	Bill was one of the "brainy" kids I hung around with at West Tech. Kind of on the quiet side, but when he spoke, everyone listened. I remember him as being someone who was always willing and able to help in any subject someone might be having a problem with. Great guy.
Bob Kraus	I met Bob as Education Director at PCC. Hired him into my computer department only because he mentioned he had been the Navy and his last ship was the same one I was on...USS Bradley. He had hair down to his shoulders and was definitely NOT going to be hired until he told me of the Bradley. Best hire I ever made.
Bob Kress	Another of the guys I hung around with in high school. BUT, I spent several evenings at his house for dinner and just to talk to his amazing parents. Bob always had a smile on his face and a very happy laugh. Just one of those guys who made things always seem great. Great guy
Brenda Lee	Alright, maybe I don't know her that well but while I was Enlisted Club Manager in the Philippines, I was fortunate enough to have Miss Lee perform at our club. She was so gracious. Gave me a bunch of autographs to pass out. And said our fried chicken was the best she had ever eaten except for her own. Super lady.
George "Butch" Colbert	One of those "cool" guys we all knew as a teenager. Very good athlete but always trying to be so cool kept him with a very select group of guys. Never forget how he saved my butt one night. The "group" he hung around with wanted to "kick someone's ass" Along comes me. Butch to the rescue. Retired fireman I am told.
"Mouse" Colbert	Only name I ever knew him by was "Mouse." Butch's younger brother but much more open and friendier with everyone. Had a wry smile and the girls thought looked cute. Another one of those wonderful memory guys from my days hanging around the playground on West 105th street in Cleveland.
Carol Guide	Carol was sort of "the enforcer" in the girl's club at Mrs. Smiths. Although big andf tough on the outside and someone who would not back down from anyone, inside just a beautiful lady. She went into the convent but that didn't work out. Came back out and I am told doing just fine as one of us sinners. Sweet lady.
Charlie O'Conner	Met Charlie in the Navy. He was my right hand man on watches. Charlie had the kind of personality, when the guys would come in on the midnight watch, they would actually fight to see who had the privilege of buying him a Big Mac and Fries. He was just that kind of guy. He retired from Navy as Senior Chief. Super guy.
Cheryl Eagleye	I think I met Cheryl in a chat room about 10 years ago. We starte talking cause we were both from Cleveland. She went to Rhodes. We have enjoyed a great friendship all this time. She tells me of her romantic woes and I match them with mine and then we both laugh. I will meet her face to face one of these days. Such a nice lady.
Connie Tico	Another one of those wonderful girls from Mrs. Smiths house. They were in a "club" burn darned if I can remember the name. Connie was a soft spoken, very pretty young lady. I had the good fortune to visit her back in Sept of 2004. Met her husband and saw what a beautiful home they have in North Olmsted. She became a nurse. No surprise. Super lady.
David Longmore	One the high school guys. But I also used to spend time with David away from school. Skinny little guy who was always laughing and a darn good athlete for his size. (I was almost as skinny though) Played the trombone in the marching band. Will always remember our street football games by his house. Retired Machinist in Sagamore Hills, I think. Good buddy.
JoAnne Komar	I have had the honor of knowing and being in love with JoAnne since my days in high school. She was in the year behind me but she was so beautiful with her blond hair, blue eyes, and captivating smile. We parted ways after graduation and finally met up again some forty five years later. It has been such a privilege for me to know and be a friend to this lady. My life is much richer because of it.
Robert Del Castillo	This man probably kept me out of more trouble when I was in the Navy than anyone else. I remember when I was sent to "mess cooking" and I was upset about it. I refused to change my white uniform cause I didn't want to ruin more than one working there. He ordered me to wash it. I told him I wasn't going to do it. Next morning, when I awoke at 4:30 a.m., there was my uniform hanging where I left it, only it had been washed and ironed. A real caring person. Thanks Del.
Don Lopez	Probably the most gifted athlete of all the guys from 105th street. Although short, super quick and just an eye for all sports. I heard he became a fireman. Way to go Don. He is now retired and playing his favorite sport, golf, for the rest of his life in Florida. He was a few years younger than us but still hung out in Mrs. Smiths basement with all of us. Great guy.
Gene Lopez	Don's older brother by about a year or so but nowhere near the athlete. However, a very funny guy who always made people augh at his antices. It was so funny to see him and Don go at it when they go upset. Usually Gene was running and Don was trying to catch him. Gene became a cop I am told and still living in Cleveland, I think. Very funny guy.
Ed Kehoe	Big Ed. Met him while we were attached to Tacron 13. He was a couple years older and so funny. Ironman of his high school football team. Very big man but he outran me in the 40 yard dash. Wish I could tell you all the story about him and me in Yokosuka, Japan but too risque I think. Ed was from Boston. Talked to him once in the 80's but not since. Great guy.
Ed Shanahan	"Steady Eddie" we used to call him. He was about 6' 4" tall and just a kid. Met him at Joe's Pool Hall on the corner of Lorain and Clark ave. (Now gone). Although he was only about 16, he looked much older. It is said he had four bar tabs on Lorain avenue alone. Wish I knew what happened to him. He lived with his grandma and they did not get along. Had many good times and fun with Ed. Not a bad pool player either. Hope things worked out for you big guy. Crazy guy. Might be in prison?
Francis, Eddie, & Jimmy Barrett	Hung around with these guys when I lived on Fulton Ct. Three Irish brothers with a sister and outstanding mother and father. Many is the night I was asked to stay for dinner and knew that meant Mr. Barrett was going to go get icream sundaes for us. So many good times playing football and baseball in the Lourdes Academy field. Spoke to Jimmy and Francis a couple years ago. I think all three are living in Parma...Their aunt owned Kaase's bakery so we were always getting free donuts and stuff. Great memories. Great guys.
Eric & Annette	My son-in-law's mom and step-dad. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Annette for raising such a wonderful young man who makes my daughter so happy. These two people are such nice friends. And lucky me! They are also moving up here to Las Vegas in a couple months. So it will be one big happy family again. Eric is so funny, but most rednecks are..lol. Thanks for a wonderful birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Faith, Deb, Dave, me and you too made it one of my best birthdays ever.
Floyd "Boogie" Johnson	What a guy. We hung around constantly from the time he joined Tacron 13, especially on our second WestPac cruise. That story I couldn't tell you about Big Ed??? Same story with "Boogie." Unbelieveable. I know he is living in Louisiana some place but would give anything to make contact again. We had so many good times together. He was a real lady killer.
Fran Ralph	One of the most beautiful of the girls from Mrs. Smith's house. Also a member of the club. She was shorter than most of the girls but nobody messed with her cause her brother was a real bad hombre. Fran was a great dancer and had the hots for Jack Fortune. Unfortunately, right after they finally got together in the early 2000's, Jack had a heart attack and passed away. Fran still takes that very hard but she is a tough lady. Living in Florida, she had one son. Very memorable lady. She was the first woman to tell me I had such beautiful eyes. So of course I remember her. haha. Wonderful lady and friend.
Greg "G" Cortez	Greg was one of the "lost" people I tried to help out. I think I was successful to some degree. Greg moved into our house and was part of our family for a couple years in the mid 90's. Being the same age as the rest of the kids, we all tried to help him out. I will never forget when he was taking Debbie someplace and crashed his car. It actually rolled up on its side. Nobody was hurt but they both were afraid to face me fearing "death." Nobody hurts my little girl. But all survived and today Greg is married, working steadily, and raising a family, and living in San Diego. Best of luck to ya "G" man.
Lee Rasmussen	Lee, how nice it has been to have your friendship. Along with Melton and McNabb, you three kept the USS Bradley going when it came to the electronic equipment. You have told of your life and I must admit, it has been adventuresome. And then along comes Sharon. How nice for the both of you. I am hoping we can meet someday if you guys ever get over here to Vegas. Thanks for all your support and thanks for being my friend.
Karen Profenna	I met Karen on-line when she sold me a model of the USS Bradley, my last shipboard duty station. A single mother of two girls, we shared so many stories of the problems of being a single parent. She is an amazingly strong woman who just doesn't let life get her down. Wedding bells are now in her future. Guess who she is marrying? The guy who built my ship. Congratulations to you both and nothing but years of happiness ahead. Couldn't happen to a more deserving person.
Hank Winborn	I met Hank while stationed in the Philippines. We hit is off almost immediately as we were both from Cleveland. He went to East Tech and I went to West Tech high schools. Plenty of rivalry. Hank was just someone everybody liked to have around and talk to. In his later years, not surprisingly, he took up doing a lot of volunteer work for his church. Super guy.
Jim Hamrick	Make that LCDR Jim Hamrick. Jim was the best overall officer I ever had the pleasure of serving with. He was the Executive Officer on the Bradley. Traditionally, XO's are jerks. They had to do all the CO's dirty work so that the CO's looked like a "nice guy." Jim was one of those rare individuals who had a way about him that he could ask you to do the dirtiest job and you would feel like it was an honor. A truly gifted leader. Much respect.
Jim Melton	One of the most unforgetable people I met while in the Navy. Jim was an electronics technician and probably the best one on the Bradley. Any communications equipment that went down, when others could not find the problem, Jim could. But jim had a great personality and sense of humor. Shared more than one beer with him. Once, in San Francisco, he and I and Wayne had been drinking all day in several different bars, spent some time at the beach. Next morning, the top of my head hurt so bad I asked him is we had been in a fight the night before. He laughed and told me to go look in the mirror. The top of my head was completely sunburned to a beet red. Just touching it made me hurt. Won't forget that day. Jim got out of the Navy and went on to raise 8 children and is now living in Penna. So many other memories I can't repeat in here...lol.
Wayne McNabb	Wayne was the other half of the "M&M" electronics techs. But Mac was even funnior than Jim. One weekend, he took a bus from San Diego to LA (his home) to bring his car back with him. At the station, he met a girl and her mom and ended up spending the entire weekend with them, getting very little sleep. So he popped himself full of No-Doze trying to remain awake on the drive back. He almost fell asleep several times. He got back to the ship and had about 45 minutes to sleep before reveille. So tired. As soon as his head hit the pillow, his eyes opened wide and nothing he could do would shut them. Oh by the way, he married that girl, got out of the Navy, became a teacher, and they are still married today.
Jim Polacek	I met Jim at the gym. Clark Rec Center to be exact. Although he was four or five years younger, we had basketball and drag racing in common. I probably could best describe Jim as "the Fonze" of our time. His '56 Chevy was one of the fastest cars in Cleveland. His high school basketball team played in the city championship game. Just a fun person to know.
JIm McDonald	Jim was another of the guys from 105th street. He, I, and Jack Fortune were almost inseparable in our teens. Jim became a CB in the Navy and got stationed in Japan. I had to go there TAD (temporary duty) once for three weeks. Yokosuka will never be the same. I had no real job during that time and CB's had plenty of free time if not working on a project. Oh the stories I could tell, but won't. Jim got out of the Navy and went back to Cleveland and had his own construction company.
Joanne Pickering	Joanne was also one of the girls from the club. Somewhat quiet in demeanor but had an infectious smile. Her and Connie Tico were practically inseparable. Sadly, while visiting Cleveland awhile back, the girls informed me they had all lost touch with her. Last known place of residence they though was in Chicago. Such a shame. Such a nice lady. But life goes on.
John L. Burgess	John probably should have been on my honor roll. This guy was such a friend. Super athlete. We were in TACron 13, both new to the Navy, and along with Paul Shestko, were the backbone for all the squadron's athletic endeavors. John was our softball picture (fast pitch), our quarterback on the football team, and guard on our basketball team. All this plus one of the best electronic techs in the unit. We shared so many conversations and times together. He was born in Hawaii and on one of my trips there, (compliments of the USN), I met John's beautiful wife and family. He took me to places in Hawaii most "haules" never get to see. Truly a friend I never forgot. We recently got together in Vegas and had a super time. What a friend.
Paul R. Shestko	Another of my memorable friends from TACron 13. Paul was one of the toughest, non-threatening people I know. He was our best running back on the football team and one of our best radioman when it came to copying Morse Code. He always had that little wry smile in the corner of his mouth. Spoke fluent Spanish. Did some rodeo work. Been married for many, many moons living outside of Nogales, AZ. We are supposed to get together in a couple of months. Can't wait. I will remind him of our numerous trips to Tijuana. He spoke the language so we were safe...sorta.
Mickey Eagan	More commonly known as "Mickety Itchkin." I have no idea who gave her that name. Might even have been me. But the name sorta fits. Mickey was that one person in the group who always, and I mean always, had a smile on her face and made everyone around her feel better. Another member of that girls club I keep talking about. I think her house was our second hangout when we were not at Smith's. I had the great pleasure of visiting her recently and it was amazing how much she hasn't changed. That little "cherub" looking face and the constant smile. Nobody who ever met Mick could forget her. I never will.
Pat Parsells	One of the prettiest girls I knew as a teenager and still a very beautiful woman today. She has beaten time's attempts to steal her beauty. I had a crush on her from the first day I met her. But she had the crush on my buddy Jack. I wonder if Pat remembers the "wrestling" we used to do down in Smith's basement. We used to wrestle on the couches. I remember there was her, her sister, and I think Fran Ralph that used to kick my butt. Ok, yeah, some stray hand placements occured once in awhile but it was all in fun. lol. Patti is another of my lifelong memories as it seems most of the girls from that club were. Darn, if only I hadn't been so shy. I wasn't shy in my dreams...lol. Thanks for the memories Pat.
Kathy "itty-bitty" Beyer	Kathy was the youngest of three sisters. When I met her, she was just over 3 years old. But what pretty blue eyes and smile she had. They say the third child is the one who gets neglected the most. Don't think that would have bothered Kathy if true. She was a friendly little girl but you could just tell she was always thinking and you just knew she was going to do whatever was best for her in her life, regardless of what anyone else thought. Today she is a mother and still has the sweet smile and pretty blue eyes. I loved her the first day I met her and I will love her til the day I die. Thank you Itty-Bitty for the memories.
John Dennis	I first met John when I went back into the Navy in '65. He was my chief in charge. I was still going through a lot of internal personal problems and Chief Dennis worked with me. He taught me what I needed to know to run the radio shack and was always there if I needed support. Great guy. Greater Chief Radioman. Thanks for everything John.
John Kordisch	John was one of the guys from 105th street playground. Although we hung around a lot, John was a man who walked to the beat of his own drum. he did things because HE wanted to, not because everyone else wanted to. I always admired him for that, especially at that age. He was a little bit of a wild one too. I was told he got married and had three boys I believe. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. I spoke with his wife a few years ago and she told me. I will miss John much.
Johnny Manning	I first met John when I when we moved back into the city in the seventh grade from the farm. John was a little bit on the pudgy side but his personality made him the neighborhood leader. I will never forget all the cards games we played at his house. A very good athlete for his size. I spoke with a mutual friend of ours and was told he is also no longer with us. Sad. It was such a pleasure knowing this guy. I was told he died quite young. Will always wonder what he could have been.
Jon and Micki Richardson	I met Micki before I met John. Micki and my first wife used to bartend together. Micki was from Japan and had the sweetest little voice you could imagine. I met Jon when we were stationed together at ComCruDesPac. We used to play squash during our lunch hours. Evenly matched so many good games. Got to know John on a personal level and hired him to teach night school at Pacific Coast College. Very intelligent man with a super sense of humor. Last I heard, he and Micki were working in Yokoham, Japan. Sure hope we run into each other in the future. Super nice people.
Joyce Telmo	Dear Joyce. One of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. She was a student at one of my schools and was going through some very tough times. I was fortunate enough to be able to help her get through those tough times and we have been best friends ever since. I will always remember the nice dinners we had at Cafe La Maze with you and your son. Such a beautiful lady wanted to be my friend. You can't beat that. Just got another birthday card from her. She never forgets. What a gal.
Judy Jones	Oh my. This does take me back some years. Judy Jones lived next door to my friend, Ray Jones. I met her when I was in the tenth grade. Ray introduced us but never told me she was only in the sixth grade. And you could never tell by looking at her. My she busted out early. We went out to a couple of high school basketball games and played a little kissie/huggie but it did not last long. Still, I remember how pretty she was even though she had been severely burned in a fire. I have lost all contact with her. I hope her life was a good one. She had such a pleasant, friendly smile.
Ken Ludwig	Ken may have been the best all around athlete in TACRon 13. Well built, muscular, and very coordinated. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't touch me in basketball and it drove him nuts. He was quite religious and lived his life within those parameters so you know he was a super person to be around. I think he and I once sang a duet of Dream by the Everly Brothers. It actually came out fairly good, thanks to him. Hope his life was good. Can't seem to locate him today.
Karen Beyer	Karen was the middle girl in the three sister's group I will always love. This lady put up a mean, tough front but inside she mey have been the most emotional of all the girls. She sent me a letter when I went back into the Navy. I was in teletype repair school. I had to leave the class when I started reading it. She still acts tough but I know who she really is inside. She is happily married and has a bunch of kids. They are all as cute as she is. I will always love this lady for life too. Thanks, Karen.
Kumi Kazue "Connie" Takaara	Connie was my first Japanese love. I met her in a bar in Yokohama, about an hours ride north of Yokosuka, Japan. I did not drink in those days so while my buddies were having beers, I was drinking Cokes. We were sitting around in this bar and all the guys were paired up with a lady except me. I really wasn't in the mood. Then she came in. Oh my, how beautiful. She came over and sat down next to me. The rest is history. We almost got married. However, I went back to Cleveland and was supposed to bring her there from San Fran after I got settled down. Then I met Lady X. But I never forgot Connie. I met her once again when I came back into the Navy in LA. She was with someone though and it was just a nice meeting. I think the fact she could not have kids played a major role in my not marrying her. She sure was striking. I will never forget her. Many things going through my mind as I write this but I think I will keep them there. Hope her life went well.
Larry Falasco	Larry was another one of the guys from 105th street. What a great group of people they all were. Larry also Joined the Navy right after we did. He is now living in Florida and seems to be doing well. We talk every once in awhile. Tough talking about our friends that are no longer with us and hashing over old memories. But fun, nonetheless. Larry always had a happy disposition. I don't think I ever saw him upset. He is one of the good guys.
LaVerne Baker	Yes, this is the very same LaVerne Baker who burst into stardom singing "Jim Dandy" in the mid fifties. She was the first female rock and roll star. I met LaVerne while club manager in the Philippines. I had her up to the club to entertain the troops. She was fantastic. First thing she did when getting on stage was chug-a-lug a fifth on Strawberry Hill, cheap ass wine...lol. Then as she went through her jokes and songs, she drank another one. I was, of course, the butt of all her jokes. Ironically, my last day in the Philippines, while I was waiting at Clark Air Force base for our flight, I went over to the club. Who was starring? Yep, and I passed her table and she yelled at me to "Sit you white ass down and buy me a drink." I did and we drank until the wee hours in the morning. What a funny, entertaining lady. Great last memory before leaving the Philippines.
Linda Jelinick	Linda was one of the members of the Vians. She just may have been the prettiest of all of them. I never really got to know her that much but I remember how striking she was at such a young age. Since all of the Vians were an impact on my life, I have to include her here. I only know from Mickey that she is doing well. Kinda hoped she would be at the little party they had for me when I was back there, but no such luck. Still a great kid. They alllllll were.
Marcus Holmes	Good old Marcus. I first met Marc while I was coaching Bell jr high basketball team. I went up to the school to pick up John and saw this very tall kid walking down the street. I called him over to my van and asked him if he played basektball. He said yes and I invited him to our practice. Rest is history. He and his mom became good friends. He actually lived with our family for a year while attending Castle Park high school in hope of being able to play with John in hs. Unfortunately, parental rules did not permit it and Marc had to move back home. We have always kept in touch over the years. Today he is married and has some of the cutest kids you ever wanted to see. I knew he had to be alright since our birthdates were the same. What a guy. Lots of great memores, Marc. Thanks so much. AND "That" rule is still in effect.
Martin Turnbow	I always knew Martin as Elbert. He was by far the smartest person attached to TACRon 13. He was the one electronics tech who seemed to be able to fix any piece of equipment. If you wanna talk about him as a person, let me just say he won "Sailor of the Month" more than any other person. He was probably the person who first got me interested in drag racing. When he spoke, you just wanted to hear what he had to say. He is still around making the world a better place with everything he does.
Mary Ann Chervanek	Little Mary, as she was often called, was the youngest of the Vians. She had skipped some grades and told me recently she always felt a little out of the loop because of her youth. But Mary fit in well cause she was always so upbeat and sweet. Seh is now living in Georgie and raised a bunch of kids. Hope someday we get to meet again. She was always such a nice person. She had to be. She was a Vian.
Molly Brown	My dearest Molly. She was the mom of my very best friend, Nelson. And how this woman could back. She was always baking me a peach pie or apple pie and then she would come by the playground and tell me to come over after playing for some pie. You can't imagine how good they tasted. Such a sweet lady too. Unfortunately she left us shortly after my friend Nelson passed. I am not surprised. She counted on Nelson as her support so very much. I miss her so much. Both of them.
"Mouse" Colbert	"Mouse" Colbert was Butch's younger brother but not really much like Butch. Mouse was funnier and liked playing around more than Butch did. Mouse did not try to act hard all the time as some people did in those days. I remember selling him an old Plymouth I had. It was really a wreck. He painted it Kem-Tone Pink with a paint brush. It looked horrid but that was Mouse. Nice person to know.
Opel Oliver	"Miss Opel" as her students so fondly referred to her. The most amazingly patient woman I have ever met. This lady seems to think her life should be devoted to helping everyone in the world. I don't think I ever heard her say a bad thing about anyone. I could always count on her when I needed something done. No wonder she won "Teacher of the Month" more than anyone else. She loves Magic Johnson so she can't be all that bad...lol. Ten years of working with the best. That is how I describe her. Thanks for so many wonderful moments and helpful suggestions Opel.
Paul Begany	Paul was one of my closest friends in high school. He was a couple years older than most of us due to a childhood illness that kept him out of school. This made him more worldly that us..lol. He may have been the smartest though. Would be between him and Bill Brandoni. We both liked drag racing, women, ping pong, women, high school sports, and women. The good thing is, he wasn't shy like me...lol. I will always be grateful for a late night ride he gave me and a lady I had the hots for. This also meant he had to sit in the car while we "talked" at her doorstep. Over an hours worth. But that is Paul. If you are his friend, nothing he wouldn't do for you. Thanks for so many memories Paul and our contuing friendship today.
Pierre Jones	Pierre was a little 5'6" basketball player I coached. Built like a fireplug, he was more suited to being a football player but although he was the "fourth" guard on the team, he always gave a 100%. He later went on to be Athlete of the Year at his high school and played football for Utah State. But I remember him for his eating ability. I used to have the team over for weekend stays and would make breakfast for them. This boy would not only eat all his food but any food anyone else left on their tray. But Pierre was always such a nice, considerate, well-mannered young man and highly respected by all.
Ray Mears	Mr. Mears was out high school basketball coach. He is probably the one person that made me know I wanted to coach. Our basketball team was not a power house team but were very well respected totally because of this man's knowledge and ability to coach. He later went on to coach at Whittier College and then University of Tennessee. For those of you who don't know where Whittier is, it is between Witty and Wittiest...lol. Ray Mears, today, is a legend in Tennessee.
Ray Vidrine	Ray could very easily have been put up as one of my honor roll friends. We have known each other since the USS Bradley was put into commission. He was a "snipe", a Boiler Technician. We became friends while waiting for the ship to be completed. Many a memorable day at Hunter's Pt shipyard. Made memorable in direct proportion to the amount of Budweiser drank each day. We remained friends long after we separated in the Navy. We both had a love of drag racing and he is right this moment building a big block Chevy. Just in case he runs up against some smart ass on the street...lol. You truly don't get many friends like Ray. Nothing holds this guy back in life. When I think of Ray, all I can say is, "What a guy." We will be friends forever Ray. Thank you for that.
Remo & Romy	These were two of the younger guys from the 105th street playground. Even though they were younger, only by a couple years, you couldn't help but want to be their friend. Both always seemed to have such a happy disposition. They were always involved in something and just enjoyed life. You wanted them there if you were having a party. Thanks, guys.
Ron Gagliano	Ron was one of my best friends from people I met in the Navy. Only about 5'7" tall, and uncomfortable with it, he always acted like he had a chip on his shoulder and wanted to fight at the drop of a hat. But when you really got to know him, what a fun guy. He loved to laugh and he loved music. Since we were friends and I was in charge of the Radio shack on the ship, I always gave him all the extra hard details to work on. One day he asked me why and I told him I didn't want the others to think I was favoring him because we were friends. He laughed and said we were no longer friends. He is from Las Vegas and when I would bring 8th grade all-star basketball teams up there for tournaments, he always got me very extra special deals on the rooms for the guys. Ron was just someone I never forgot. Hard worker and very intelligent. Thanks Ron.
Ron Treinen	Ron was one of the few people I have met that earned my respect. He worked hard and played hard and believe in fairness over everything else. Always said he wanted to be the president of the US. He would have made a good one. Unfortunately, only a short time after retiring from the Navy as a Lcdr, they found him dead at the gym at the NTC San Diego. You just never know. He was in great physical shape. But he was, in his words, close to his Lord and was ready to go, as he had told his wife just a week or two earlier. If there is a heaven, I know it will be in great shape by the time I get to go up there and see what I will be missing. Mostly I revere Ron because he wanted fairness to all. Can't beat that.
Steve Cutler	I am sure the spelling is wrong but only way I know. Steve was another of the 105th street guys. Quite stocky but yet a good athlete. May have been the toughest of all. I sometimes think Steve thought he was everyone's saviour. There was a time when if I would get in an arguement with someone, Steve was always sticking up for that person. So one night I went down to his house, said "Steve, I guess we have to fight." He said, "OK" and we met up at the playground. As I expected, he kicked my butt but he never stuck up for anyway else against me after that. But Steve was not really into fighting. He just liked being around with everyone and having fun. Super guy.
Terry Brown	Terry was Bill's younger brother by a couple years. Life was not good to Terry. One of the nicest kids you ever wanted to meet, everyone loved Terry. Unfortunately, he was stricken with a disease, cancer I think, and left us in his early 20's. I will always remember that kind of smirk looking smile he had. He was sadly missed and the world lost one of the good guys.
Tom Fabini	I met Tom while living at the Fulton Court house. He was a couple years older than most of us but we were the group that lived in that area at the time so you kinda made friends with all. Tom was such an interesting guy later. He eventually moved in to a house in the 105th street area but after many years had passed. Tom had been all over the world and used to be mesmerized by some of his stories. I know he retired from the post office and is now living in Cleveland. Interesting man.
Virgie Marinelli	Virgie, of course, is the wife of my friend Dave. One of the most amazing Filipinas I ever met. Hard worker. Beautiful smile. Dedicated mother. Loving wife to Dave...well most of the time..lol. Only Filipina I ever met with an Irish temper. So sweet and demur most of the time, if you got her riled up, you could not believe what she could turn in to. Fortunately, I never had to see that side of her. I only saw the nice lady, the loving mom, and the hard worker. Been friends a long time and proud of it.
Wanda LaRochelle	Wanda was one of my favorite teachers that worked for me at Pacific Coast College. She was from Texas and had that Texas drawl but she was such a nice person. I remember one story she told us about when she first started teach junior high school in Texas. It was at a minority school and Wanda had never taught black students before. It was an English class and she said, "Today we will read from our course book. I will start and then pass it on to someone else. So she read, 'The farmer took his hoe out behind the barn...' and the class could not stop laughing. She could not figure it out. When she went into the teacher's lounge and told them, they started laughing just as hard. Finally someone explained it to her. She was so embarassed. We were close friends and I hope her and her husband, Clay, are doing well today. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions Wanda.
Wilma Eaton	Wilma is someone I met on-line while perusing through the Classmates section. Turns out we are both graduates of West Tech, although she graduated a few years before me. We had sooo many evenings of IM'ing back and forth talking about like, religion, politics, and just about anything we wanted to talk about. She is very much a Christian but open minded enough to look into the good and bad points of all religions. Just the kind of lady everyone likes. She is now living around 124th and Madison I think, in Cleveland. We still talk occassionaly but not like we used to. I consider her a very good friend. I hope all her days are full of whatever happiness she is looking for. Such a wonderful lady.
Larry Sanders	Larry was the third member of an infamous trio of hellraisers within the Bradley crew. He was a Boiler Tech, second class as was our running mate, Ray Vidrine. I have since learned Larry retired after almost 30 years and made it all the way up to CWO4. I was not the least bit surprised. This guy knew his job. I remember getting a new set of tuned headers on my GTX 440. I went over to his house, we uncapped them, made two trips around the block, parked the car and with five minutes the police were at the door. Nobody wanted to talk to the police. Larry said it wasn't his car. They wanted to know who it belonged to. I finally had to fess up and they were nice enough to just give me a warning. Larry was definitely one of dem good ole boys. Many is the night he and I and Ray would sit around and talk about cars, racing, women, life, and you name it, we talked about it. So glad to hear how well he is doing.