Approximately 16 years ago, as a kid in middle school, I went to a friend’s house to hang out one night. Never would I have imagined of becoming great friends with her father, but I did. Visiting the Ochiuto’s house in Glendora, NJ would turn out to be almost a weekly ritual.  Although, I was there to spend time with my friend Dana, I would often find myself with Geno talking about the two most important things in life; Fishing and Good Food. Geno was full of life and turned me on to Surf Fishing.  In fact, he soon learned that Eddie Mush wasn’t only a character in the movies as I seemed to bring bad luck during our fishing outings.  The first time Geno introduced me to the Island Beach State Park, the tide was so high that the water was all the way up to dunes.  Needless to say, we didn’t fish that day; however we spent several weekends on the beach fishing and keeping warm with the help of soup and J&B. Geno taught me a completely different language. He always greeted me with a deep voiced, Yoooooooo and the ever popular striped bass was named Stripe-aaaaaahr. It was unique, but that was Geno.  With Geno and the Ochiuto’s, midnight Geno Steaks runs were a usual occurrence, unless there was a yen for Chinese food, then Happy Family was being ordered. 

Despite our age difference, Geno would always introduce me as “My Buddy” or “My Boy”. Additionally, he would treat me as a personal friend, rather than just a friend of his daughter. Just recently he introduced me as his “Old Friend from Jersey”, which made me chuckle as I’m only 29 years old, but I realized that our friendship began a long time ago. Thankfully, I was able to see him a couple of weeks ago; however Mush struck again and we were not able to fish. Although we didn’t fish, we spent a couple days together catching up, reminiscing, laughing, and of course eating.  Geno was a one of a kind type person and I am honored to have been a part of his life. It’s an understatement to say that Geno was taken from us too soon; however our memories and good times will always be held close to my heart and provide great, comical stories to pass along to my children.

Geno, you will be greatly missed.     Rest easy my friend.