I want to tell you about my best friend, Tommy. We have been friends since 3rd grade…51 years.
I lost him this morning from an apparent heart attack. I am devastated beyond words.
Tommy was the best human being on the planet. All of our lives he was the one guy who was always there
when you needed him. He would do anything you asked of him. We didn’t always stay in touch. In fact we once
went 10 years without knowing where the other was. In recent years we stayed close and even though we didn’t
live in the same State, we spoke to each other often.
Tom (what he preferred to be called in our later years) was a highly skilled crane operator. He was one of only
five certified operators nationwide to operate a certain type of rig, of which I still don’t understand the design.
Presently he was on a project in south Miami-Dade County and was found slumped over in his crane at daylight
this morning. Operating that crane was truly the sweet spot in his life. Right up there with playing a guitar. He
got to go doing something he truly loved.
In the 1970's Tommy patented a mechanical design for a machine that was intended to power an automobile. He
resisted advances from the big carmakers knowing if he sold out, his idea would likely be buried forever. In more
recent years his designs took the mechanics and adapted it for wind power. I don't know what will become of his
designs.
Most importantly, Tommy was one of the absolute best rhythm guitar players in the world. We were in numerous
bands together…starting back in the 8th grade. He kept his fingers nimble to the end, practicing every night before
bedtime. Just recently he was fortunate enough to pick up a 2000ish Martin 12 string. I didn’t get a chance to hear
him play it.
Tommy was my best man when I married my wife in 1975. We’ll be married 36 years this September.
Tommy…I love you brother and I’ll miss you terribly. Save me a place…I’ll see you when I get there.
1, 2, you know what to do.

