Devastated is the only word that describes my reaction to the passing of a dear friend whom I knew for over 50 years. My only regret is that I saw Gerry only infrequently since leaving New York many years ago. The few trips that I made to New York were always highlighted with a visit to Gerry, who seemed to know everything that one needed to know about Eastchester, about our school chums from college days, and about some of the antics we did in our younger days. Even though my visits were years apart, we would pick up where we left off as if it were yesterday. Never one to be argumentative or provocative, Gerry was one of those rare individuals who never spoke a harsh word to or about anyone. He would often take a ribbing from his friends in his usual good-natured way—one example being his aversion to electronic devices—especially when it came to their attempts to contact him by the only means available, telephone. No easy task! Having an answering machine might have helped, but for Gerry it was out of the question. We never could figure out why, but that was Gerry. Visiting New York will no longer be the same for me now that Gerry is gone. Thinking back to all the years that I knew him, I realize more than ever how much his friendship meant to me. But even more so, Gerry gave much to his community and to the nation, which cannot be overstated. He was a Vietnam Vet and a teacher-coach. Gerry never talked about his experiences in Vietnam, but I do know that when he returned to Eastchester he contributed significantly to the community, especially in his role as teacher-coach, who educated and guided his students at Tuckahoe High School. His legacy will live on, I am sure, in those former students. My heartfelt condolence to the family of a good and decent man, whom I had the privilege of calling a friend.