Saturday, November 11, 2017
In all my years of being around Mr. V. I don’t think I ever once saw him without a bemused smile on his face. Never once did I see him angry. Never once did I see him be unkind.
One of my favorite memories with him was on a snowy winter night when I was in high school. I was driving to the Vanacore house and my car began sliding out of control. It began heading right at one of the Vanacores’ neighbors, who was at his mailbox. Luckily I was going slow and luckily when my lights came on him he got out of the way. No one was hurt.
I went into the Vanacore house and relayed the story. I explained in detail what happened and at the end, a little put off, said, “The guy was mad!”
There was a healthy beat and Joe calmly said, “You did almost kill the guy.” And we both cracked up from our bellies. He was laughing so hard he could barely talk, but added, “I mean, the guy was getting his mail, you almost plowed into him with your car, and he got mad. What a jerk!”
We were both crying in the kitchen. It was just the best.
He was the greatest. I loved that guy. I will miss him.
Hugs to all the Vanacores, who have been through a lot lately. If any family can endure hard times, it is yours.
I love you.
Rob
