I first met Tommy when I was in Kindergarten. Dominick was in my class and next door was his twin brother Tommy. From first grade until Junior high school we were in the same class. We were Cub Scouts together, Little League with ST'A's, Boy Scouts, we were even Webelo leaders (a part of scouts) together. We went to summer camp together, even at camp we were in the same canoe, Tommy in front and me in the back. We even got awards for saving the lives of two other scouts that almost drowned. Tommy's family belonged to Steeplechase Pool and we went there many times. Sometimes when me and Tommy were supposed to be going to church we would go to a store on 17th Avenue and buy a bag of marshmallows, a box of pretzel sticks and a book of matches. We would then stay in the 17th Avenue train station and put a marshmallow on a pretzel and roast it with the matches. When Tommy used to hang out at Maple Lanes Bowling Ally I was there. After his parents died and he moved to Queens to live with his aunt we lost touch for a while with each other. When he was working at Shepherd’s Hut near Brooklyn College I used to meet him and Dominick there sometimes. I believe the last time I saw him was in the store (Huntington Sheep and Leather) that was Tommy and Dominick’s together. That night I went to his house and for the first time met his children. He was so proud of his house and beautiful family, even his pets. I had met his wife Susan years before at my house in Brooklyn. I was supposed to meet him in Sept of 2008 in Orlando but I couldn't make it. I really wish I did. I thought there would more time, who knew. Tommy was the best friend I ever had and I will always have a place in my heart for him. Someday we will meet again, but until then, Rest in Peace.
Joe Marsiello
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
My Father
I do not even know where to start. I can not even find the words. It is tough to think my life will go on without the single most influential person...my driving force. My father taught me how to act, my father taught me how to be, my father taught me to love, my father taught me how to enjoy every single moment. One of his famous quotes was "Every day above ground is a good day". I think about those words every day, when I am sad, when I am lonely, when I am busy working, when I am aggravated, when I am happy, when I lose, when I win. Going over his words over and over again, I believe I am starting to understand what he truely meant. He meant that even though life can be shit sometimes (and trust me I have been down shit road many of times), we are all just lucky to be alive. If we can all value life the way he did the world would be a much better place. Life is to fucking short to worry about the small stuff.
All my father ever needed was his friends and his family. He was so proud of his family, of me and Casey, it would radiate out of him. I would make fun of him because he was just so corny sometimes with us. Not that many sons out there would say I love you to their fathers but he would make me say it everyday. I understand why he was the was he was. He lost his parents at a young age of around 15 and he loved them very much. It made him understand how precious life is and how to cherious the ones you love the most.
My father was the coolest Dad any kid could ask for. He coached me in all my sports growing up, actually one of the main reasons he went to Yaleet, during the time, was so could have more time to coach me and Casey. Casey stopped playing soccer but I continued and we won together as father and son, 12 championships. 6 little league championships, 4 soccer, and 2 basketball. Man all of those memories. I still have a couple game balls that he would hand out. He would write your game stats on the ball so you could keep the memory.
One the funniest and fondest memories growing up, Casey can back me up on this :), was that he would put on these theatrical shows for us during the evenings. He was pretty creative with his shows and took them pretty seriously. What I remember still to this day was him singing "Ain't No Mountain Higher" the Diana Ross version. Not only was he singing and dancing at the highest point of his vocal octive and craziest dancing abilities but he was also wearing a blanket drapped around his back like a cape. Just picture my father singing Diana Ross and doing the whole show and hopefully that will put a smile on your face. Well I am out and peace out.
-Chris Cheffo
All my father ever needed was his friends and his family. He was so proud of his family, of me and Casey, it would radiate out of him. I would make fun of him because he was just so corny sometimes with us. Not that many sons out there would say I love you to their fathers but he would make me say it everyday. I understand why he was the was he was. He lost his parents at a young age of around 15 and he loved them very much. It made him understand how precious life is and how to cherious the ones you love the most.
My father was the coolest Dad any kid could ask for. He coached me in all my sports growing up, actually one of the main reasons he went to Yaleet, during the time, was so could have more time to coach me and Casey. Casey stopped playing soccer but I continued and we won together as father and son, 12 championships. 6 little league championships, 4 soccer, and 2 basketball. Man all of those memories. I still have a couple game balls that he would hand out. He would write your game stats on the ball so you could keep the memory.
One the funniest and fondest memories growing up, Casey can back me up on this :), was that he would put on these theatrical shows for us during the evenings. He was pretty creative with his shows and took them pretty seriously. What I remember still to this day was him singing "Ain't No Mountain Higher" the Diana Ross version. Not only was he singing and dancing at the highest point of his vocal octive and craziest dancing abilities but he was also wearing a blanket drapped around his back like a cape. Just picture my father singing Diana Ross and doing the whole show and hopefully that will put a smile on your face. Well I am out and peace out.
-Chris Cheffo
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Remembering...
I feel a bit odd that I am the first one to post a second blog, but those of you who know me, know that I have a lot to say about a lot. Since the last time I wrote, I have been trying to remember the last time that I saw Tom. Again, complete blank. So many memories and yet there is a void. I remember the last time I saw each of my grandparents. I remember all too well the last time that I saw my mother-in-law. On and on, one of the truths about life is that we will never be able to keep those who are closest to us forever.
For those of us that were lucky enough to be there on Monday night, it has been proven that you can keep the spirit alive. For those of you that were not there, you missed one of the most special nights of my life. I am not talented enough to play and sing for Tom the way that Kent, Kevin, Jmac, and Erica did...but it was an honor to dance and smile and laugh in his honor. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have all of you as a part of my life!
A tie dyed bracelet was thrown in my direction at the beginning of the night. I intend on keeping it around my wrist as a reminder...not to send out good vibes to a friend in need, but as a reminder to be thankful for everyday that I wake up, breath in, and an extra reminder to smile. When the going gets tough, the tough stop and take a deep breath. Don't get me wrong, I still send the good vibes to those that need it...
In the words of Warren Haynes..."what will we do with our lives, now, anyway?"...remember and pay tribute to those who made you who you are. That's what my plan is....
Missy Johnson
For those of us that were lucky enough to be there on Monday night, it has been proven that you can keep the spirit alive. For those of you that were not there, you missed one of the most special nights of my life. I am not talented enough to play and sing for Tom the way that Kent, Kevin, Jmac, and Erica did...but it was an honor to dance and smile and laugh in his honor. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have all of you as a part of my life!
A tie dyed bracelet was thrown in my direction at the beginning of the night. I intend on keeping it around my wrist as a reminder...not to send out good vibes to a friend in need, but as a reminder to be thankful for everyday that I wake up, breath in, and an extra reminder to smile. When the going gets tough, the tough stop and take a deep breath. Don't get me wrong, I still send the good vibes to those that need it...
In the words of Warren Haynes..."what will we do with our lives, now, anyway?"...remember and pay tribute to those who made you who you are. That's what my plan is....
Missy Johnson
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
TC
I met Tommy Cheffo when I was 17. (52 now!) We worked together at Apollo Portraits in New Hyde Park. Anyone that worked with Tommy knows what it's like to go to work everyday and work with someone that just makes your day. We laughed all day long and never felt like we were working. He made everyday brighter than the next day. I used to go to his apartment in Woodhaven and listen to everyone play their music. We would watch Saturday Night Live every weekend. That was when Saturday Night Live was really good. Tommy was a charm. He was a bright light in my world.
After a few years of not being in touch, I was in Huntington one day in a leather shop with a girlfriend that just moved there. I was trying on a very cool sheepskin coat...in the reflection of the mirror I saw a familiar reflection.....could it be??? Yes it was. It was Tommy Cheffo! Even after all the time we hadn't seen each other, there was that happy friendly smiling face. We kept in touch since then. I have to say that my life would never have been the same if he wasn't a part of my life. There aren't many people like Tom Cheffo. After attending his wake, which was as nice as a wake could be, I realized how many people feel the same way that I do. I always knew he was special. When his daughter Casey spoke and got up to sing, I knew that she is a continuation of her amazing dad. How lucky his family was to have had someone like Tommy to be their dad and husband.
I have my little tie dye ribbon hanging in my car, when I look at it, I smile. Thanks Tommy! elisa
After a few years of not being in touch, I was in Huntington one day in a leather shop with a girlfriend that just moved there. I was trying on a very cool sheepskin coat...in the reflection of the mirror I saw a familiar reflection.....could it be??? Yes it was. It was Tommy Cheffo! Even after all the time we hadn't seen each other, there was that happy friendly smiling face. We kept in touch since then. I have to say that my life would never have been the same if he wasn't a part of my life. There aren't many people like Tom Cheffo. After attending his wake, which was as nice as a wake could be, I realized how many people feel the same way that I do. I always knew he was special. When his daughter Casey spoke and got up to sing, I knew that she is a continuation of her amazing dad. How lucky his family was to have had someone like Tommy to be their dad and husband.
I have my little tie dye ribbon hanging in my car, when I look at it, I smile. Thanks Tommy! elisa
Friday, July 31, 2009
Hey all....Karen Geiger (Susan Kaminsky's sister)...first thing I want to thank Susan for creating this blog. I think it is a great idea for people to talk about their "Tomisms" and the affect he had on each and every one of us...
Like Missy said, it is hard to place the first time I met Tom....it seems as though he has always been a part of the family. However one of my favorite memories involves both Tom and Casey and when they took time out of their busy schedules to fly to Myrtle Beach to help us celebrate Susan's 40th birthday....after encountering a few flight delays, they arrived in time to go to the fishing tournament weigh in and they had the time of their lives....they had heard so much about the weigh-in's and seen them by webcast, but it is totally different when you can experience it first hand....Susan was extremely surprised to have her "second family" there to cheer her on....Later that night it was the actual surprise party with the Zentricksters playing and the highlight was watching and seeing Casey singing "Me and Bobby McGee". Tom and Casey hung with everybody that night until early into the morning and then boarded a plane back to New York the next morning. It was a whirlwind trip, but one of the best times we all had together....
Tom, we will remember you forever and know that you will be looking out for all of us in your special way.
Grins and giggles....kg
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
From Kev Martin
Tom, your body has been gone a week, but your soul and spirit is stronger than ever in me, my family, my friends, our music, our conversations, and our lives. I am truly blessed and honored to have known you, albeit too short of a time. You made me a better man, husband and friend- not because you recommended a book to me or put me in touch with someone else with similar issues as I have, but because you NEVER dodged a question I had or issue I needed advice about, and you ALWAYS had time to talk to me- even right in the middle of a busy trade show with people everywhere waiting to speak with you, too.
And then there was the music- wow... this will be impossible to capture in writing, but I feel as if the most important, substantive, gut-wrenching, exposed emotional sessions I've ever been witness to, or a part of, were with you. Please continue to guide me in my life, and keep a seat around the campfire open for me to accompany you again someday (I'll bring some new strings for you!).
K
And then there was the music- wow... this will be impossible to capture in writing, but I feel as if the most important, substantive, gut-wrenching, exposed emotional sessions I've ever been witness to, or a part of, were with you. Please continue to guide me in my life, and keep a seat around the campfire open for me to accompany you again someday (I'll bring some new strings for you!).
K
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