Gow School - Jeff Fazzolari Memorial Award

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Julie Wysocki and Tammy Kasnikowski got ahold of me for the annual Gow School tradition of honoring one of their own in memory of my brother Jeff.

In years past, of course, we would head to the campus for the presentation of the awards and we’d have a great lunch at the dining hall where Jeff’s plaque is there.

This year, however, it was done in a phone call and Gow’s headmaster, Brad Rogers offered a tremendous recap of Jeff’s life, speaking of his energy, his humor, his love of the Yankees and his dedication to the school.

Jeff absolutely loved working at the Gow School and part of the reason why was because he did great work there, but he also loved the students

And he loved his coworkers.

I received a few texts just last week from Paul Rose and it was all because he was having a great meal and he thought of Jeff.

There was also Matt Row, who was one of Jeff’s buddies. Matt tragically lost his life just months before Jeff did.

Paul has since retired...

...leaving one guy from a circle of close friends.

Rick Hausauer is pictured above. He was tight with Jeff, he’s remained a Facebook friend of mine since, and every once in awhile we will chat about life and love and friendship and loss.

Rick is a good guy.

He was on the butt-end of some of Jeff’s jokes. They laughed a lot.

When I heard that Rick was this year’s recipient, I actually laughed...

...I thought of how hard Jeff would’ve busted his chops about it.

I know Jeff is smiling down...

...and that he loves everyone at the Gow School.

Terrific people...

...a beautiful award.

Congratulations, Rick!

You earned it by being a great friend to a great man.

Comments

Rick Hausauer said…
No doubt Jeff would have busted my chops! Thanks Cliff! What an honor.
20 May, 2020
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