Thomas S. Bellone

It is with great sadness that I come across this news of Tom's passing. One of the first people I met when I transferred to Fordham was Tom, who together with his friend Gary didn't mind letting a commuter student from Connecticut hang with them while exploring the nighttime environs in and around Fordham. Tom and Gary were an interesting pair; while Gary was more of a gregarious and in-your-face personality, Tom was more quiet and circumspect, with a very dry sense of humor that played perfectly off his good friend. If I recall correctly, they may have lived in the same building on Moshulu, or were close neighbors. They were quintessential New Yorkers and I enjoyed hanging with them immensely. Gary often referred to Tom as "Booner", but I don't remember if this was a regular nickname. One night I will always remember was when Tom and Gary introduced me to "Scratch" Park off of Webster Ave. near the train staion. We first went into a deli across the street for bottles of Olde English 800, then philosophized on a park bench while sipping out of our brown bags and gazing up at the stars that lit the Bronx sky. We then headed back across the street to the old Pick and Shovel bar to hear Rob Sabino's band. Maybe because I commuted to school, I never really had the full Fordham experience, and regretfully fell out of touch with friendships like Tom's. I am uplifted reading about his many accomplishments and those who loved him. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. Rest in Peace.