Tuesday, May 30, 2023
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I met Billy when I was in junior high through a mutual friend. Billy's basement became our hangout and the place to be. We played records (Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Doors). We drank beer and played poker. In the summer we went to dances at Calhoun as a group - Billy, his brother Gil, David Marcus, Gerry McCarthy, Steve Murphy, and me.
We sometimes hitchhiked to Jones Beach. One fond memory of Jones Beach with the crew was when The Doors' "Soft Parade" album was released. David had a battery operated record player that he brought on the trip and we listened that LP over and over all day. It was the last day of summer vacation. The smell of ocean air and french fries always brings me back to that day.
We sometimes played guitar, though he was much more advanced than I was. He taught me a few guitar licks and the intros to "Malaguena" and "Stairway To Heaven".
I don't recall him ever getting angry or disparaging anyone. He was a gentle soul. Rest in peace, Billy.
