In what’s generally turning out to be a fairly tough week, I got the sad news Monday morning that an old friend, Tim Vettori passed away over the weekend after being hit by a train in Newark, DE.
When I think of Tim, it’s hard not to also think of his brothers, Mark, Craig and Bryan, as they were somewhat of a package deal, four unique personalities with a tight brotherly bond, like the Ramones, with Tim in the role of Dee Dee. I met Mark through skateboarding and we quickly became close friends, which led to a slew of fun parties over the years at the Vettori home, which eventually became a club house where we would relax after skating.
Two things struck me immediately about Tim – first that he had a wicked, dark sense of humor, which I dug, and second, that he generally went against the grain and lived life the way he wanted. He was rock-n-roll – a little snotty, anti-authoritarian, a non-conformist, the playful trouble maker with a good heart. An endearing pain in the ass and a complete f*ck-up – and I mean that in the best way possible. Ever hear Let it Bleed by The Rolling Stones? He was kind of like that record – a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, an uncontrived attitude with no shortage of heart and guts and overall just super cool. The real deal.
Summer nights spent hopping fences to dive into some strangers swimming pool. Endless games of pool that always devolved into some sort of stupid argument. Late nights at Jude’s diner, young and bored and looking for something to do. This is how I’ll always remember Tim. Lost days for sure.
To Mark, Craig, Bryan, his daughter Ciara, Ben Miller, and the rest of his family and friends, I’m deeply sorry for your loss, which is also my loss. I know he’s in a better place. Rest in peace, my friend.
What a wonderful tribute for a great guy and family!
Joe, thank you so much! Tim has his moments and your
piece truly caught the essence of him. Again thanks for
being there with us and thanks again for sharing. Ann V
Joe, I just learned of his passing. And while searching do some info on just what the hell happened, I ran across your tribute to him. You see, I literally grew up right across the street from the Vettori’s. My brother, Brandon, and I, were real close with Brian. And you’re right, you got those brothers in a package deal. If someone messed with Brian, they also messed with Mark, Tim and Craig. Especially Tim! Although I’m really quite sad as I sit here and write this, I can’t help but smile thinking about the things I picked up from Tim. Hell, things I love to this day. Horror movies, punk rock, heavy metal, Tony Hawk and even words you shouldn’t say in polite company. Lmao. I’ll never forget his door size poster of Iron Maidens “Eddie”. He used to tease me that if I didn’t look out for Bryan, he’d send Eddie after me. Haha. So without rambling too much more, I’d like to say, Joe, your words are touching and quite awesome. My thoughts and true prayers are with the Vettori clan. And to Tim. Thank you for having that coolness about you that stuck with me to this day. To a 10 year old kid, you were a God. Thank you for being a major influence I never really thought about until today. Godspeed, brother.
Joe, I absolutely love what you wrote about Tim. I keep writing and deleting my comments. I’m having trouble with what I want to say. I just moved back to the area and am sorry to hear that Tim passed a few years ago. I met Tim back in 1997. For 8 months he drove me mad, so much so that I cut him out of my life completely. Now knowing that he’s gone, I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and loss and regret. I know my decision was right and I can’t change it. While moving I found some of Tim’s letters. Half of them were letters of apology for one thing or another. Now I just miss him or I
Sorry, I cut myself off. I miss the man I knew so many years ago. As crazy as he drove me at one time I did love him and he did make me happy. That’s what I choose to remember.