March 29, 2024

We are so grateful for our friends. You have lifted us up and are helping to bring us through a very dark time.

At this moment, Joann is with Sean’s kids. They are decorating eggs for Easter. Something so very normal for kids as they prepare for Easter… but for the first time without their dad. We will all be with them on Sunday. We are not moving on, we are all moving forward with wonderful memories of Sean in our minds and hearts.

Sean’s compatriots at the Endicott Police Department have answered the call and have delivered above and beyond the call of duty. They arrived in force to his funeral and escorted us through a very solemn service and burial. There were hundreds of men and women in blue. Sean was a decorated war veteran. The 21-gun salute and flag ceremony at his gravesite were impressive, memorable, and heartfelt. Yes, kids. Your dad was a hero. They continue to support Lindsay, and her now fatherless family, with love and support.

These same officers held a huge fundraiser at the VFW Post in Endicott last week. Hundreds showed up to celebrate Sean’s life and show their support for his family.

I have a personal thank you, to you, my friends. We felt your presence and are aware of your gifts. The Southern Tier crowd showed up and there was a noticeable uptick in donations after my post last week. Eamonn Hubert, who many of you will remember, played a killer set of songs at the event. Yes, he wowed the crowd. At 10 years old, when he first sat in with the Todd Hobin Band, he was a wonder.

Now, at 15 he is a fully formed Rock Star. His playing is pristine, but he has grown into a young man’s body, and his vocal chops are exemplary. I am so grateful that he stopped by and entertained the crowd. His mom, dad and I sat proudly watching him do his magic. The future is in good hands.

So now, I too, must move forward. But not before processing the loss of two more of my wonderful dear friends. I will be sure to share with you my feelings with a news post. Our music community lost a couple of my stalwart “brothers of the road.”

We knew that Larry Hoyt was ill. We also knew that he was very aware that he was losing his battle with cancer. He left his legendary weekly radio broadcast a few weeks ago. We knew that the end was near. I loved this man. He was my weekend companion, thanks to his weekly broadcast of “Common Threads.” Losing him has left a huge hole in our community. He is irreplaceable.

And on a very sad note, my dear friend Harold Mantor is gone. Unbelievably, was hit and killed by a Centro bus. I still haven’t had time to process this one.

It will take time to get back on track. Thank you for being patient.