From 1957 to 1963 my family lived on Sachem Street, one street over from Elm Avenue.  For all of those years Gus and I were best friends.  Although he and I attended different high schools we were nearly inseparable each and every summer.  We played constantly in his back yard, basketball mostly, but whiffle ball as well.  He was always the best athlete in every team he joined.  I was fortunate to play along side him in Pony League where he once again shined.  When we couldn't go outside to play ball because of rain the two of us would sneak in the back door of the Eastern Nazarene Gym at the end of my street.  We would often do the same at the miniature golf course very very early in the morning, running away just ahead of the arriving owner.

After my family moved away to Scituate, we rarely saw each other.  But, was delighted to discover that he had married the first and only girl he really ever cared for,. And, I am so sad to just learn of his passing.  I loved that guy.  I know many others surely did too.