The Sun Also Rises

I almost did not answer the phone that day. Typical Tuesday, busy at work as usual, the intercom kept buzzing. It was Elyse, crying. The only words I could really make out was "Buddy's dead, Buddy's dead, my brother, your best friend is dead".

Like vise on your chest expelling all remaining air I felt completely and literally deflated and numb. All of us knew Buddy was having some difficulties recently and there is not one person I know who does not think, quietly to themselves at night, "I think I could have done more".

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Buddy was who he was and it is likely none of us could have prevented this no matter how hard we tried.

Having said that, we are honored to have had our lives shared and shaped by him. When we were younger and maybe lacked the confidence he had, he always had faith in us. We can never, ever, forget that.

The holidays and a new and better year are hopefully upon us.

Just a few parting words. Please, try to find passion in all the work that you do. Love your family and always help your friends. Remember Buddy in all the ways he put a smile on your face that you couldn't pry off with a crowbar. And hold that thought. Forever.

Our work here is never done but we will take a brief hiatus. Thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement. It was invaluable. We will email when we are posting again.

Until Buddy's birthday or next year's Memorial Dinner or perhaps whenever the mood strikes us, farewell dear friends, farewell.

-MKW & DBG

"MAW shares some Buddylove222@yahoo.com"

I am not sure of the “appropriateness” level of the content for this website but in talking about Buddy everything was appropriate so …... In that regard, I am pasting below some emails (or portions thereof) which Buddy sent to me only a few months ago when I was going through a very rough time with my Dad passing away and then two (2) major surgeries in five (5) months.

Buddy constantly emailed me when I was in the hospital with not only words of encouragement but also pictures for motivation or at least they were pictures from his “collection.” Anyway, the tone of these emails pretty much captures the always adolescent-like innocent nature of Buddy’s driven selfless nature – I have redacted any names because they are unnecessary for the purposes of this website. Besides, those close to Buddy will figure them out anyway. J

I spoke at his Memorial and I regret not saying two (2) things. One was that despite all of the tumultuous ups and downs of his life (both good and bad), Buddy was ALWAYS there for Scottie. Strangely, I always saw that as Scottie “centering” Buddy but Buddy did it because he cared so much about Scottie. I was afraid to say anything at the Memorial because I didn’t want Scottie to get emotional. Clearly, Scottie helped Buddy so much more than he will ever know and I think Scottie should take great comfort in knowing that. Scottie should also take great pride in knowing that his brother was a Stand-Up guy in that his word really meant something and his bond, if you were fortunate enough to be a recipient, was as good as gold.

The other story I regret not telling had to do with my father and him offering us (i.e. Glassman, Wilk, Harris, Labare, etc.) all drinks one night at the Bar downstairs in my Howard Beach house. I think my father got tired of us secretly emptying his liquor cabinet every weekend and figured by making it less “forbidden” we would move on to someone else’s house. Well, we all jumped at the opportunity and thought my father was the coolest Dad of the moment but Buddy respectfully declined and said something to the effect of: “Thank you Jerry but I only drink Champagne.” We were 12 at the time. My father got such a kick out of that story that he always smiled whenever Buddy’s name was mentioned – even 20 years later. Those two (2) “stories” pretty much capture Buddy’s wonderful range. I miss him.

The email:
I will send the _______s lost nude pictures and speaking of old days. I'd give big $$$ to hit ____________ and ___________ again.
I will never forget going to ________'s house only to be greeted and have the door open by someone shorter than me. ________ naturally. He was no taller than 5'1"
but held his ground and made it big. I remember being in 5th grade and going to the kiddie park with 5 dollars and him having at least 50 to blow. or you coming back from Nashopa with a trunk with just one towel and the collection lost to an acey ducey pot.
Especially after busting your ass and being the king of Fugase excuse the spelling as in fake Puma, and Adidias, and Fila shirts.


I have some connections but call me and we can discuss ideas and business related topics and even float pencils in __________'s piss or you can raid the baby sitters house and have the door slammed in your face or the famous snowball at Herbie Glassman or the special automanic garage opener Banachek style.

If you are bored call me anytime.
Unemployed and pitching ideas cell and watches and things we spoke about so we need to catch up in any event. I will send you a couple of pictures to make you laugh and smile.

Call me ...Buddy
AKA: Mike and Buddy's Karate School!

I am trapped in Florida for now and please accept my apologies for not being able to attend. Currently unemployed and many projects in the various stages.

It is a tough thing, stay strong, please send my condolances.

Remember, Michael is a member of "Harold's Gang"

2nd grade Mrs. Williams.
Warmest regards,
Buddy

I was laying around thinking, which I have a lot to do lately and thought beginning of Jan, Weiss' birthday. He made the year and was born in the first month and then 2 year SP so he was in Binghampton at 16 it is amazing when you think of it. Well the Binghampton thing just made me think of _________ and what a wild f--- and the greatest body ever, luved her, it was a nice club med with her and a few others …

So, back to the birthday. I remember my mother having to go with us and talk her way in to get us registered for Little league as you and I were too young and other issues, my memories of January.

Any, hope all is great and I will speak to you soon...Buddy