It is so hard to put thoughts onto paper. I can write a million funny things that Pete and I have been through....I just want to pay him respect in this way.......

Pat called me that morning and told me Pete had passed. It was like losing my closest relative. In the past I’ve lost family members and didn’t hit me as hard as this. I spoke to Pete almost every day since we re -met in 1996. The guy was a down to earth person who you could tell anything to. He was so proud of his family, and that house he bought. He was so secure with his talents. Music was his passion. He knew music back and forth. He told me his daughter Angela was studying Jazz in school. The teacher would ask a question, she would know all the answers. The teacher wanted to know how she knew it all....she would say “my Dad.” The teacher asked if her Dad wanted to speak to the class....well, he called me, he was so proud. He would not do it because he thought the kids would make fun of him about his size. We talked and talked about it. He wanted to write “The History of Jazz” on the computer, or make an audio tape....but he never did. I remember Angela’s teacher called and begged him to speak, but he never did. Those kids do not know what they missed.

My pal Pete was a generous man. He did not have much, but when he did I could count on him, for whatever. We helped each other. He will be missed by me and my family. Pete was the smartest guy I knew...Street smart AND book smart. He also was my psychiatrist. I could tell Pete ANYTHING, and he would listen....but I have to really thank Pete for educating me more in music history, plus I am now an Al Jolson fan. I never would have thought I’d be a Jolson fan. Pete made me a bunch of Jolson cd’s. I then knew where Pete got his “soul” singing from. When Pete sang, it was from his pinky toe all the up to his last hair and that is the way Jolson sang. Both of them had the same ‘Feel for music’....in fact, I bet when you look up the words soul and feel in the dictionary there are pictures of both of them.

Pete always dreamed of going to the ‘Pearly Gates’ and Costello, Jolson and his Grandfather would be there to meet him. I am sure they are all together.

Anybody who was at the benefit knew by the amount of people how much Pete was loved. I also know his spirit was there...and he approved of EVERYTHING that was done that night.

I also would like to thank everyone who made it such a success and raised money for Pat, Angela and Jessie. Keep your eyes open because we will have more to come.

Pete, I know you are reading this...you have no regrets…you were the best Dad, husband, brother and son! You were also and incredible friend to me....you will be missed!!! See you ‘Further on up the road’......Louie