Vincent “Vinny” Bazzone was tragically and senselessly murdered earlier this week. Vinny was my best friend’s little brother, so in turn, he was my little brother. I loved him like he was. He tagged along anytime we would let him when we were kids. We lifted each other up when the other needed a boost as adults, even when our conversations mostly morphed into sending each other Sporanos memes on instagram.

Vinny was one of a kind. He was so bright and eloquently hilarious. His brother and I wouldn’t even know he was making fun of us most of the time. We have so many memories that still crack me up decades later. He was a gentle giant. He was strong enough to earn Big 33 honors for football, and genuinely kind enough to mentor troubled youth in his career with familylinks.

His family is so heartbroken. I am so sad typing this. I’ll miss you, brother.

If you can help his family with the funeral costs at all, any donation is greatly appreciated.