Big Bro Tony, also known as Butchie, was indeed unique. Early on we realized that games represented a challenge and were a passion for him and rules could be managed to match the situation, a valuable lesson for me. As the first of 7, we proudly watched his accomplishments and academic path, building of a family and then blossoming business careers.
Then came the move off the grid into his prefab log cabin on a hilltop, in the woods of Starrucca, PA with it's composting toilet and wood stove for heat. It was a far cry from the apartment at Waterside, overlooking the East River and a big move across state lines and highways. We bent an axle and blew a tire at the mouth of the Tappanzee Bridge pulling my trailer filled with piles of books and Margaret's audio tapes from her FM DJ days. But, true to his resourcefulness we repaired the situation, moved some of the stuff around into different vehicles and made it to our destination in the night.
I appreciate his support and way with me, 7 years younger, often sharing insight and later providing counsel in my corporate career and financial journey. We worked our separate businesses together, selling disposable supplies to body shops and business, me around S. Jersey and Eastern PA and he in Delaware and MD.
When he discovered something new, he was "all in". I remember him trying out deer scent on his shoes in the NY apartment. He wanted to be able to attract deer when they moved "to the country" and had to hunt for food. He had a love of astronomy and eagerly shared it with anyone who asked, taking the telescopes on scout trips into non-light polluted areas with Alice's nephews.
There are many memories to soothe the loss for me these last few days. Too late, though, I realized I had to stay tuned, or I would miss new adventures and lifestyle changes as they came along. Luckily, many phone calls and a recent visit have renewed his voice and sense of humor in my head, where I hope they remain.
