John was my older brother and as such was a friend and protector as I was growing up. Growing up in Philadelphia in the 50's was nonstop games of wire ball, box ball, touch football in the street and nightly games of Freedom. In my teen years I thanked John for being such a uncool smoker that I never picked up the habit. All I remember was John hanging at the 7/11 taking a puff and then picking the tobacco from his lips and spitting, so when i reached the try a cig age and was told how cool it was I could point to my brother picking and spitting and say no thanks.

He was a great brother and I will miss him.