David was my dear friend. We first met the summer after we finished eighth grade, when he and I were about to enter Amherst Junior High for "freshman" year of high school at Amherst. He had just moved from South Buffalo. Many great memories were formed during those four fantastic years at Amherst. We shared a love of football, a love of the Buffalo sports teams, a love of rock music, and a love of having a good time with our friends. I don't think I ever met someone who was more real, and certainly I've never met anyone with a bigger heart. He and I shared so many core values deply. David would die for his family, fight for a friend, and his word was his bond. The good times continued even after high school. We were actually roomates - twice! - back in the early 80's. (Oh, the stories I could tell ... but first I want to ask one of my lawyer friends about that whole "statute of limitations" thing.) We were sitting side-by-side on that September day in 1980 when the Bills beat the Dolphins for the first time in over a decade. I consider myself blessed to have known Slick, and also honored that he considered me a friend. When I lost my Dad to cancer in 2002, Dave was right there for me at what was a very low point for me. I am so, SO glad I went to the 40th reunion back in 2017. That Friday night at Brunner's was the last time I saw him ... and just that I got that chance to hug him and tell him I loved him like a brother, in retrospect, was the highlite of my visit home. None of us knew it would be the last time we'd see him. So hug your friends ... tell them how you feel. It matters, believe me. Rest in peace, old friend. If I don't f*** up too badly in God's eyes, I'll see you in heaven!

Posted on: Apr 25, 2017 at 2:13 PM

I remember late one evening walking home after a fierce night's drinking with you and Bill Burke ... we thought at one point that a gang of (other) young toughs might be looking to give us trouble ... With a serious look on your face, you said "Don't worry ... If there's any trouble, I've got this..." and pulled out a plastic knife from McDonald's.
Hope life is treating you well, my friend!