Thursday, February 1, 2024
Joe and I became friends in Deposit Central School approximately 70 yrs ago. When I recall the many sports teams and interactions at school, one always comes to mind. In high school we were walking down the hall when Joe decided it would be a good idea to poke his head in the girls locker room which was not a good read. Principal Bilow promptly snagged him into the main office. A couple of us waited outside the office wall hearing a lot of things getting banged around. when he came out he commented" That was a rough one" Joe was a tough competitor in all the sports he played. When we graduated, Joe went to Vietnam and I went to college. Joe and I wrote to each other and got together at Gips,Andy's and a few spots in Binghamton. when he came home on leave. I know Joe was in many very dangerous situations that he never elaborated on. In 1974 my wife was in a serious car accident which our 2 year old daughter was killed in. Joe reached out to us and visited us in Liverpool several times always expressing his concern. Unfortunately Joe also lost his son. We had many conversations about our shared loss. Joe was a very compassionate person. Joe left Vietnam, but Vietnam never left Joe, we had several conversations about PTSD and dealing with it. His most recent fight with Alzheimers was a tough battle. God bless Jane for the wonderful understanding and care she has given him. RIP my friend
Alan Conklin
