Vic was one of the first friends that I met when I moved here from Conn. We met at East Hill Elementary and in our first meeting in the 5th or 6th grade Vic decided he was going to show the smaller kid who was in charge in the class. His soft grab of my arm resulted in my whipping him down to the floor as I was the oldest of the three boys in the family and my brothers had also tried that move on me as well with the same results.
I realized quickly what I had done as he quickly stood up towering over me as I gulped, but instead of a punch I received a broad smile and laugh and it became the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Vic moved shortly after into the city with his parents and we lost touch for a while, it wasn't until later on when I was working at my family business and a tall guy working at a door installation company came in, and even though we both had mustaches at the time I knew instantly who I was seeing again when he started to speak. After he finished getting what he needed I asked, "Anything else Mr. Coogan?", and a curious look came over his face as he tried to figure out how I knew him, I told him, "I'm the small kid who threw you into the chairs at East Hill." "Phil Ruffini", he said as he smiled and gave me a big handshake and we connected once again, this time for our lives. Vic was the type of person who you could never say no too, I still believe that's why his beautiful bride Maria put up with all his ventures, he had a overwhelming personality that would fill up the room and he always had another project and opportunity in the loop. He could come off as belligerent sometimes especially when it concerned his business dealings but his true feelings and goodness came through when he spoke of his Maria, his pride in his children and the love of his Akitas. There are so many stories and memories that I have since we were 10, and later on when we were adults, but I'll have to catch up with Vic in the next life to rehash them.
I regret that I am only finding out about Vic on the 22nd of June as I was out of town when he passed and missed the notice. I want Maria and Vic's sons and grandchildren to know that I would definitely have been there to say good-bye to their husband, father, grandfather and my friend if I had known sooner. My Deepest Condolences to the entire Coogan family on your loss. And to my friend, when you finally see the Blessed Mother, who you, like me, adored, please don't try to talk her into buying a completely new phone and security system...I'm sure she has all the security she needs. God Bless you, Mr. Coogan.
