Some people knew him as Fast Al from his stockcar days in New Hampshire. I met Al-V in High School auto shop class and quickly discovered that we had many things in common. We became best friends.
Over the next few years we founded a Hot Rod club named Vandal Speed Incorporated. VSI grew in membership to about 35 within two years while we built hot rods from Al-V's Burgandy 1957 Chevy to my '62 Ford red and white Sunliner convertible, to Danny Davis' White Whale 1958 Chevy convertible.
We spent many late nights and weekends in his parents garage in the house on the hill across from smoker's corner outside E.L Vendermeulen High School in Port Jefferson, NY. His parents were terrific, feeding us and allowing us to enjoy a few cold ones as we reconstructed his '57.
Al died about 12 years ago. I admit that we grew apart after my tour of duty in Vietnam, but I believe our feeling of brotherhood remained with us both until he died, with me still. My wife Ruth and I visited his grave site around 6 years ago and was pleased to see the wolve's cut into his marker.
His father Edgar (a quiet, patient and funny man), died within a few weeks of Al's dying and is buried alongside him.
Some people go through life touching others in positive ways that they never understand while doing so. Al was one of them as were his parents, Emily and Ed.
Hope you found peace, Al.
More later.
Posts
