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Re: Gene McDowell -Class of 1964

Submitted by John Rizzuto, 1963 <jbrizzuto@yahoo.com> on 01/Dec/2015 in reply to Gene McDowell -Class of 1964 posted by Boll Norvell 65 on 28/Nov/2015
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Message:

I've known and been friends with Gene since our days at St. Patrick's elementary school days. He was just there one day with that smile of his. I remembered asking him who he was and where he came from. He told me Ireland! I asked where in Newburgh was that? That was the start of a 65 yr old friendship. Over the years, we played basketball, baseball, football, softball, golf and anything else with a ball. After NFA, Gene went into the Navy. I went off to college and then the Air Force. We both returned to Newburgh and picked up our friendship. We both married and had kids. Gene married his lovely wife, Peggy and shortly later his daughter, Tara, and son, Brian were born. Gene sold VW's on Rte. 32 in New Windsor and I had bought my share. Gene moved his family to South Florida during the early 70's and we lost touch for a while. We did see each other during the 90's when he returned to Newburgh for a visit. Then about 10 yrs ago I moved to Florida and we renewed our friendship as if it never ended. We golfed once a week until he moved to The Villages in Central Florida. We continued to call one another to see how we were doing. About 2 1/2 yrs ago, Gene discovered he had cancer and he wasn't expected to live very long. They only gave him 3 months, but Gene stretched it out to 2 1/2 yrs. It leaves me sad because we will not be talking or seeing his smile anymore. How do you say goodbye after 65 yrs? I take some solace knowing he won't be suffering anymore. To Peggy, Tara and Brian, my most sincere condolences. Life will never be the same without you. Rest in Peace, my friend.

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