Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Artie, my friend, where did the time go! I can still hear, your Mom (beautiful, beloved lady) Artie Boy don’t forget your lunch money!
I can remember hitchhiking to Jones Beach back with you when we were in our formative years. Of course, neither one of us would dare let our kids do what we did as youths! It just seems like yesterday that we were playing 7th grade soccer for Mr. Sean Morrisey. Those cold winter days on the freshman basketball team running to Abbey Lane from Levittown Memorial to play basketball in their small gym. Mr. Morrisey would blow his whistle numerous times to have us reverse directions on the way to Abbey Lane. Mr. Morrisey was a great teacher and coach!
We were in some classes together, such as a math class with Mr. Faraci another great teacher who was all business. Most of my cherished memories with you go back to our time playing football, basketball, and lacrosse. I can remember how proud we were to get our red and black lettering lacrosse windbreakers being on the freshman lacrosse team. Your favorite sport, Lacrosse, made you a superstar in High School and College.
I can remember coming out of Okinawa, Japan as a USMC Captain and playing full court pickup basketball with you, my brother Kevin and the rest of the players who were Suffolk County cops. It was amazing that we could still play ball in our late 30s and 40s.
I am writing this tribute with a heavy heart, I absolutely believed in my heart that you would beat cancer especially the last time that we talked! You had that positive mental attitude and intestinal fortitude to never give up. Most of all my friend, I will always remember your loyalty, kindness and caring to me as one of your lifelong friends.
My deepest condolences to your bride Janet, sons Matthew (Emily) and Michael, siblings Michael (deceased) Tommy (Nancy), Rocco (Erin) and your beloved beautiful little sister Kathy (Ed) and granddaughter Gracie and the rest of your family members. Rest in Peace, My Friend, you deserve it after a lifetime of giving to others.
Gary R. Ibanez
