I will be cheering at least once for the Jets this weekend

[Perk71]

RIP Pete 

[fansince88]

3 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

One of my best friends from school in the early 90s was a huge Jets fan.  An almost annoying "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets" fan.  There were four of us; one from New York (Pete), one from Miami and one from Detroit.  

 

Football debates were a-plenty, but it was the tale end of the Super Bowl years so I was very comfortable in making the case for the Bills.  "You guys rebuild, the Bills reload.", was a frequent retort.  

 

After school ended we each went back to our respective homes and stayed in contact, but never as much as we should.  I was glad to say that I was at each of their weddings which were truly blessed times.

 

Pete called m in April to let me know that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer back in January.  He had kept it very quiet.  I was the first of our friends to know.  During this same conversation he let me know that given the medical lock down as it was in New York City treatment, or at least the treatment and care he was looking for, which included the presence of his wife during this anxious time for him, could not be had.  He knew what the unfortunate writing on the wall was and wanted to finish out the time with his family.  

 

In our last conversation he wanted me to know that he loved me very much, and that I should let the guys know he loved them, as well.  I returned the sentiment, sheepishly and inefficiently because...well...you know...it's never enough...words, I mean. 

 

I was careful in my discretion afterwards in checking up on Pete, out of respect for his wishes.  His lovely wife called late in June to let me know that after having to briefly be resubmitted to the hospital due to complications my friend.   My good friend.  My brother, had passed on.  

 

I won't forget the final story as told by one of Pete's children during his funeral eulogy that earlier that month when their priest had stopped by to ask Pete if it was OK to do last rights Pete had said, "Well, I was baptized,  received first communion, confirmed, and married all in the church so I might as well run the table on this!"

 

That's Pete.   That's so Pete...the guy could make you laugh on his final bed.  

 

I told our group of friends in a text last month that I want to talk Bills/Jets football, but my guy is gone and I don't have anyone to talk to about them.  

 

In retrospect I believe that post was a lie...I just wanted to talk to me friend.  The good thing is, though, I do still talk to him and I do still hear him. 

 

He was 51, with a beautiful wife and four wonderful children, and he will forever be my friend.

 

So please forgive this Bills fan on Sunday, because among a group of friends and family at an outdoor Bills kickoff party "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!" will be howled from my pipes at least once.  

 

...but don't you dare expect this will be a regular thing, Pete...I can hear you laughing at me already and telling me I've finally come to my senses.  

 

And thank you for being a great friend...a great everything, really.

@dollars 2 donuts so sorry for your loss. I lost a good friend of about 20 years who also was a Jets fan from Patterson NJ. Each and every year he and I would wager the same for the Jets Bills games. Looser buys a sandwich at Gersbeck General Store in Star lake. He always would get himself a turkey on rye and I would get roast beef. Great sandwiches but even better friendship. To this day when I eat a roastbeef sanwich I think of him. Your families are in my prayers. Sorry for your loss. 

[MiltonWaddams]

Nobody here can argue with this. Sometimes, life gets in the way of our football fandom. Priorities are priorities and the love of a good friend, should always reign above sport. Cheers to you @dollars 2 donutsand Pete! 

[WhoTom]

Sorry for your loss, d2d. I'll raise a glass in Pete's honor at kickoff.

 

[Bongo]

Okay, can’t lie. That one got to me. I have those same onions at my house apparently. What you wrote was an awesome tribute. My dad is 89 and I know the time is coming where I will have to eulogize him. Not sure that I could come up with something so well said. 
 

Never thought I’d ever type these words but I’ll give a Jets shout once, myself, for Pete. Of course then I have to go back to hating those dirty sons a *****. 😉

[ghostwriter]

There’s more to this reality that you cannot see.. he simply traveled on to a new reality.. the spirit world is very real and I think your friend is very much with you in a much better place than we’re in... God bless you..

[TroutDog]

Beautiful! Cancer blows...left my oncologists office this morning and things aren’t rosy. Fortunately, I don’t give a damn anymore: I’m living healthy, smiling every day and making sure those around me doing the same. 
 

Your gift to your friend is nothing short of fantastic and you should say it with zeal!!! So glad you two were close and will continue to be. Prayers (or thoughts, whichever you prefer) to you and his family. 

[BuffAlone]

6 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

One of my best friends from school in the early 90s was a huge Jets fan.  An almost annoying "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets" fan.  There were four of us; one from New York (Pete), one from Miami and one from Detroit.  

 

Football debates were a-plenty, but it was the tale end of the Super Bowl years so I was very comfortable in making the case for the Bills.  "You guys rebuild, the Bills reload.", was a frequent retort.  

 

After school ended we each went back to our respective homes and stayed in contact, but never as much as we should.  I was glad to say that I was at each of their weddings which were truly blessed times.

 

Pete called m in April to let me know that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer back in January.  He had kept it very quiet.  I was the first of our friends to know.  During this same conversation he let me know that given the medical lock down as it was in New York City treatment, or at least the treatment and care he was looking for, which included the presence of his wife during this anxious time for him, could not be had.  He knew what the unfortunate writing on the wall was and wanted to finish out the time with his family.  

 

In our last conversation he wanted me to know that he loved me very much, and that I should let the guys know he loved them, as well.  I returned the sentiment, sheepishly and inefficiently because...well...you know...it's never enough...words, I mean. 

 

I was careful in my discretion afterwards in checking up on Pete, out of respect for his wishes.  His lovely wife called late in June to let me know that after having to briefly be resubmitted to the hospital due to complications my friend.   My good friend.  My brother, had passed on.  

 

I won't forget the final story as told by one of Pete's children during his funeral eulogy that earlier that month when their priest had stopped by to ask Pete if it was OK to do last rights Pete had said, "Well, I was baptized,  received first communion, confirmed, and married all in the church so I might as well run the table on this!"

 

That's Pete.   That's so Pete...the guy could make you laugh on his final bed.  

 

I told our group of friends in a text last month that I want to talk Bills/Jets football, but my guy is gone and I don't have anyone to talk to about them.  

 

In retrospect I believe that post was a lie...I just wanted to talk to me friend.  The good thing is, though, I do still talk to him and I do still hear him. 

 

He was 51, with a beautiful wife and four wonderful children, and he will forever be my friend.

 

So please forgive this Bills fan on Sunday, because among a group of friends and family at an outdoor Bills kickoff party "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!" will be howled from my pipes at least once.  

 

...but don't you dare expect this will be a regular thing, Pete...I can hear you laughing at me already and telling me I've finally come to my senses.  

 

And thank you for being a great friend...a great everything, really.

My best friend, who just turned 43, died of a massive heart attack in July. Born and raised in wny, he never swayed from the 49ers as "his team". secretly tho, as evidenced by our multiple Bill's game attendance, he was a lifelong fan of the Bills. I was fortunate enough to be able to drive 4 hours to his home just to watch my brother root for the last superbowl. And I watched his expressions throughout the game. very back and forth as it was. Im praying that we FINALLY get that Bills/49ers Superbowl this year....that we all wanted so badly in the 90's. Godspeed to you and Pete

Edited September 10, 2020 by BuffAlone

[BuffaloBorn1960]

6 hours ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

One of my best friends from school in the early 90s was a huge Jets fan.  An almost annoying "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets" fan.  There were four of us; one from New York (Pete), one from Miami and one from Detroit.  

 

Football debates were a-plenty, but it was the tale end of the Super Bowl years so I was very comfortable in making the case for the Bills.  "You guys rebuild, the Bills reload.", was a frequent retort.  

 

After school ended we each went back to our respective homes and stayed in contact, but never as much as we should.  I was glad to say that I was at each of their weddings which were truly blessed times.

 

Pete called m in April to let me know that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer back in January.  He had kept it very quiet.  I was the first of our friends to know.  During this same conversation he let me know that given the medical lock down as it was in New York City treatment, or at least the treatment and care he was looking for, which included the presence of his wife during this anxious time for him, could not be had.  He knew what the unfortunate writing on the wall was and wanted to finish out the time with his family.  

 

In our last conversation he wanted me to know that he loved me very much, and that I should let the guys know he loved them, as well.  I returned the sentiment, sheepishly and inefficiently because...well...you know...it's never enough...words, I mean. 

 

I was careful in my discretion afterwards in checking up on Pete, out of respect for his wishes.  His lovely wife called late in June to let me know that after having to briefly be resubmitted to the hospital due to complications my friend.   My good friend.  My brother, had passed on.  

 

I won't forget the final story as told by one of Pete's children during his funeral eulogy that earlier that month when their priest had stopped by to ask Pete if it was OK to do last rights Pete had said, "Well, I was baptized,  received first communion, confirmed, and married all in the church so I might as well run the table on this!"

 

That's Pete.   That's so Pete...the guy could make you laugh on his final bed.  

 

I told our group of friends in a text last month that I want to talk Bills/Jets football, but my guy is gone and I don't have anyone to talk to about them.  

 

In retrospect I believe that post was a lie...I just wanted to talk to me friend.  The good thing is, though, I do still talk to him and I do still hear him. 

 

He was 51, with a beautiful wife and four wonderful children, and he will forever be my friend.

 

So please forgive this Bills fan on Sunday, because among a group of friends and family at an outdoor Bills kickoff party "J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!" will be howled from my pipes at least once.  

 

...but don't you dare expect this will be a regular thing, Pete...I can hear you laughing at me already and telling me I've finally come to my senses.  

 

And thank you for being a great friend...a great everything, really.

Well done 

[whatdrought]

Great post. My best suggestion is to keep a vomit bucket near by. You'll need it by the time you get to the T. Also have some mouthwash ready, and then get back to cheering on the Bills beating the Jets.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Thanks for sharing.  RIP to your friend.  Cancer is a B word.  Pancreatic cancer is a B word on wheels.

 

And we'll forgive you this time for that stupid JETS cheer.  But don't do it again!

 

5 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

So sorry for your loss. Sports and real life often intertwine. I talk to my dad every week after the Bills game. He’s the reason I’m the type of fan that I am, he was always highly invested. We rehash everything over the phone. We argue (in good fun) about the players, etc. I know that one day it will be gone (he’s 76 and a cancer survivor) and it will greatly impact the way I follow the team and watch the games. 

 

He's passed on long ago, but one reason I remain such a staunch Bills fan is that I feel closer to my Gramps watching the games or talking about them.

[johnnychemo]

I'm not crying - YOU'RE crying!!

 

RIP Pete, J-E-T-S-JETS-JETS-JETS in your honor...

[CSBill]

That will be a fitting tribute to your friend, D2D. Do it with gusto, do Pete proud. 
 

Thanks for sharing this story and reminding us of the truly important things of life, like real friends.

[Alaska Darin]

Cancer sucks just slightly more than the JETS.

[Guffalo]

So sorry for your loss Donuts, Well written tribute to a good friend. As we are getting older, I guess we will all have to go through this. Yours is a wonderful tribute to a true brother. Say the cheer with gusto, then pour him a beer, and step back into your Bills fandom.