Monday, April 15, 2013
Dear Vassallo Family,
My earliest memories include Bobby and your family. I remember fondly Bob’s grandparents, parents, the Stampas, Giraffos and the Vassallos who lived up the street. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the trees: the Grove Road Clan were caring, good people. They made my family, who came to this country and Landisville much later, feel welcomed and accepted. Examples of their kindness were numerous and I know that my sister Ruth who still lives in Vineland, would tell you the same.
Even after I moved away, Bob kept an eye on my parents. They often told me about how he’d stop by to give them a helping hand. That was his style and he was good at a lot of things. It brought solace to me to know that Bob was nearby and I know that my parents felt the same and were extremely grateful.
Although Bob and I only saw each other once in a while after I moved away, when we got together we enjoyed talking about old times. Our friendship began before kindergarten. My last conversation with Bob just a few months ago brought back a flood of memories that included our closest pal Bill Coltri, friends from elementary school, the way his grandparents farmed and cooked, Trick or Treating with his mother for the first time, when his family moved to Central Ave, all the girls who loved and admired us, Bob’s mini bike, the day that Bob’s father plowed Grove Road with his tractor so we could get out during the snow storm, the time that we slept at his house when the electricity went out, to dodge ball at Cleary, to riding bikes, to the chicken farm, to playing sports, etc. etc. etc. I was glad that I had my son David with me that day. He hadn’t met Bob previously and when we spoke afterwards he shared that he had no idea how close we had been as kids.
I’ll never forget you Bob. You were a good guy.
Rest in peace my friend.
Jack Fajerman
