RIP Big John

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rdiberna
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by rdiberna » Sun Jun 27, 2021 7:41 am

So sorry to hear this news, did not have the opportunity to meet you properly, yet we walked common paths, but your actions and your storied words will resonate with me for a life time.

RIP John

God speed to you John, Peace and Love for you and everyone that Loves you.

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by hockeygame3 » Sun Jun 27, 2021 11:44 am


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dsabo45
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by dsabo45 » Sun Jun 27, 2021 1:19 pm

Nikki and I are going to miss you big john. A true original with a heart of gold who was one of those really there for us when the chips were down. A very lovable man and larger than life character that you seldom come across. We were honored to count him as a friend. The world is less without him. Here’s to you john- You will live forever in the hearts and minds of your friends.
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by RambleonRose » Sun Jun 27, 2021 5:48 pm

This news truly breaks my heart. I adore Big John. That man could wrap you up in a hug so big and tight and oozing with love. His smile and his laugh lit up the whole room. He always had a great story to tell no matter what the subject was. It was damn near impossible to not have a great time around him. He and my father hit it off at a couple ROR Fests and every time I saw John after that he told me how much he loved my dad. He always touched my heart, every time I saw him.

It was an honor to know him and a blessing to receive his energy and love. I will never forget him.
Ive got a dream. Its about singing dancing and making people happy. Its the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with. I've found a whole bunch of friends who have the same dream. And, well, it kind of makes us like a family.~Kermit

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by RangerMom » Sun Jun 27, 2021 6:22 pm

Fare thee Well Big John
We had so many good times
I will never ever forget pushing your van up the hill at Penns Peak in the snow
just so many memories...
you're free now bud...blue skies.
I'll look for you on the other side.

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For Sure
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by For Sure » Mon Jun 28, 2021 11:48 am

Unc. John wrote:
Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:56 am
y'all better never forget that he was a REAL HERO.

damn this hits hard
That he was. Hearing this really hits hard. Fuck cancer. So sick of losing people to this shit. Talk about someone not deserving a fate like that ending. Bless his family. I hope they find strength in knowing what a special human he was and how many people he touched in his life time.

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by KEZHEAD » Tue Jun 29, 2021 10:03 pm

My thoughts are still with you John🙏
Dodging lions and a-wasting time
In memory of ChiefScott

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PlayingDead
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by PlayingDead » Wed Jun 30, 2021 7:56 am

RIP, Big John. You certainly led a big life, and you left much too soon.

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by FaceOnMars » Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:27 am

Fuck! Sad news indeed. I have never met John, but have always liked his vibe and appreciated his perspective. My condolences and heart goes out to John's family and friends.

{{{{ May the four winds blow you safely home }}}}
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

~ John Adams

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by daydream » Thu Jul 01, 2021 7:05 am

Big John had THE best laugh and a HEART OF GOLD!!! You will be dearly missed by A LOT of folks. Always loved running into you and listening to your stories and words of wisdom.
You will never be forgotten!
And FUCK CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9/28 Bob Weir Wolf Bros Baltimore
10/19 DSO Pittsburgh
11/21 DSO Williamsport
11/22 DSO Penns Peak
12/13 Billy Strings Pittsburgh
12/15,16 Bob Weir Wolf Bros NYC

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by flJen » Fri Jul 02, 2021 10:39 am

So very sorry to hear this. God bless his family.

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Rabbit
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by Rabbit » Sat Jul 03, 2021 7:52 am

Rest In Peace Big John . Never got to meet ya, but loved hearing your stories.

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by GratefulDeadhead » Sat Jul 03, 2021 12:11 pm

Horrible news! I remember his post about how covid was a blessing cause it might have saved his life. Really sad to hear catching it early didn't help.

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SunshineSue
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by SunshineSue » Tue Jul 06, 2021 11:09 am

What a shame! Sending out lots of sympathy to his family and friends. :(

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by Caracaskid » Tue Jul 06, 2021 8:38 pm

Hello this is Donna John's long time Friend. As Friki pointed out I do not post here much like 6 times in 6 years. But I have found comfort in all the wonderful posts about my dear friend. We knew each other our whole lives. We grew up in the same neighborhood his friends were my friends. But, he was my best friend. I'm still numb and in disbelief. It happened so very fast. We all thought he had more time. We were planning shows, I was bringing him his favorite foods. I have never gone this long without talking to him.Laina you were so right about his hugs . I told Dan when I spoke with him that I would give anything for just one more bone crushing hug. He was one of a kind. The sweetest man, I hear his laugh all the time. I know so many of you from him and had the best time with you all and yet as I write this most of your names escape me. Nicki and Dan, Friki, so sorry I am drawing such a blank. We had talked about the the upcomming show in Hershey and he said if he could not make it to take my son Shane at the time we thought if he couldn't go it would be because of treatment or being weak not this. I will take Shane and would love to see you all it will help. This show will be bitter sweet for sure and I they Play Peggy O not sure if I'll be smiling or crying. I live in Hershey and can catch up with you if you would like just pm me. I promise I'll check. To all you beautiful people . thank you for making John so happy. Much Love, Donna

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Re: RIP Big John

Post by KEZHEAD » Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:17 pm

Much love Donna
Here’s a Huge Kerry hug
((((((Donna)))))
I hope you find peace
John was a great Man!!!
Dodging lions and a-wasting time
In memory of ChiefScott

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friki
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by friki » Thu Jul 08, 2021 5:11 am

Thanks Donna. we'll raise a glass in Hershey. Perhaps in Philly as well, but we'll see about rounding up the usual suspects for that. John will be missed, but he was a hard partying pragmatist and would want us to tell stories, laugh and then go dance our assess off. which is my plan.

Donna sent me some pictures to post. Our Boy from the time machine....

PHILLY Boys 1982.
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All dressed up.
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Where's Waldo....
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Friends- 2014 (Beacon I think. I musta been takin a whizz)
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Peace my Friend. So glad I had the chance for your madness to run with mine...............
Last edited by friki on Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:57 am, edited 1 time in total.

Caracaskid
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by Caracaskid » Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:18 am

Friki thanks so much for posting for me. But silly boy they are not Jersey Boys, they are Philly Boys we grew up in Philadelphia, in the Great Northeast. We grew up hanging in a Playground called "Roosevelt" (the picture is from a reunion we had ) there was a cement sandbox that looked like a sailboat complete with Sail. Late at night after our favorite watering hole would close we would go down to that boat some of the guys playing guitars singing and dancing to the wee hours (or until the cops came) it was called "rocking the boat" as in "yeah we were rocking the boat last night. Probably why he became a sailor :lol: Much love to you all. hope to see you soon!

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friki
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by friki » Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:58 am

Fixed it Donna.

I think the Mustaches fooled me. :mrgreen:

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friki
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Re: RIP Big John

Post by friki » Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:05 am

Found some others....

Levon's Pad. Bobby Solo.
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Jackie Greene gig in Philly- forget the date....

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Camden .Org Party. I *THINK* BJ is in the back row towards the right.. and if not, this is sort of evidence of the entire complement of creeps.......

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