Gramps was a die hard Bills fan. He was Serbian, and proud as hell of it. He was a war veteran. He owned a house in Colden, just down the street from Kissing Bridge, and directly next door to his tavern which he owned for over 5 decades, "Danny's Inn." It's changed name several times since, but it will never be Danny's Inn again. The food was great (especially the wings), the skiiers loved him, and he made a living for his family (yes, he had many Bills players as regulars, and Mr. Ralph Wilson and him were friends, but he loved the regulars - and when his family showed up? Holy hell, the pride in his face.... ).
The house next door, his for 70+ years, was humble. But it was where I celebrated every Christmas Eve - and humble house and blue collar living or no, there were more presents than anyone could count. It was also the place where I watched Mr. Norwood miss that kick by what seemed like a centimeter. Possibly the last time, tonight excluded, that I can remember crying.
It's where he told me, at a very young age "Stevie, don't stick your finger in ****, because it stinks." This was his way of telling me not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Best advice I have ever received.
He loved his family. He loved telling good jokes. He loved telling REALLY bad jokes. But he was always our biggest fan and supporter.
He was our partiarch.
Tonight, he passed away. Gramps, tonight, you'll be able to see again, you'll be able to walk without pain, and you'll have the most delicious icy cold can of Blue and shot of Crown ever made.
I always wanted the Bills to win one before Grandpa died, but now I just want him to be happy, and I have absolutely no doubt he is.