Jeff Wilson

I am deeply saddened to learn of Jini's passing. She was part of our very active 9th grade social circle and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in our 9th grade yearbook as well as "Most School Spirit" and "Most Versatile". She was very popular and dated Henry Gerad, Gary Walther, Howie Gould, and Doug Jacobsen at various times during the wild weeks following 9th grade graduation from TJ. I know because there were parties every night that June and I actually noted who was dating whom. The future lawyer in me. We lost contact after high school but here we are, 60 years later, and I can still visualize Jini's exhilierating personality and vibrant smile. I hope she had a happy life. Rest in Peace old friend

Posted on: Feb 04, 2024 at 5:06 PM

Welcome Steve. Where ya living?

The history of my relationship with Roger Dodger goes back nearly 65 years growing up in Teaneck, We both started our journey at Longfellow School on Oakdene Avenue. Roger was one of the friendliest, happy-gp-lucky guys you'd ever meet. And he had that great hair. I had tight, curly brillo-pad hair so I was quite envious. God's gift to Roger was that he kept those flowing locks right up until the end when even chemotherapy couldn't take them away.

We remained friendly throughout our years at TJ however we traveled in different social circles so it wasn't until after college that we started becoming close friends. I played the sax and sang in my own band but would go to watch Roger play every chance I could. He was an excellent bass player and seemed to have a gig somewhere every weekend. He played with such passion and emotion, yet always with a grin from ear-to-ear. It was on my bucket list to someday jam with him. Sadly it never happened. 

My memories of Roger the past ten years is sort of jumbled together as I went through my own physical trials and tribulations, ultimately moving to Philly to be near my kids and grandchildren and to get superior medical care. Strange, with all I've been through the past 5 years I never imagined Roger would pass before me. The day before he died I called him and was so excited he picked up, he even apologized for not returning any of my previous calls. He said he was going home (from hospice) for Xmas. He sounded so cheerful, I was having dinner with my family the next day when I got a text from Steve Martini, a mutual friend (and musician), telling me Roger was gone. I began sobbing uncontrollably, I was so choked up with disbelief. I was so fortunate my 9 & 6 year-old granddaughters were with me to hug the stuffings out of me. I showed them pictures of Roger, him with that wavy,flowing hair hold his bass guitar. 

It's hard to explain the emptiness I feel right now, the hole in my heart where Roger Dodger used to be. He had that effect on people, he just made you want to be around him. He made you smile for no special reason. And he loved his wife Ellen and and his kids and grandchildren dearly. I'll miss you forever Rog.  

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Posted on: Mar 11, 2023 at 5:28 AM

I admire how committed you are to the arts. Good show!!

Andy was one of the nicest people I knew. I can't say we were close friends but we were good friends. I knew him from TJ and hebrew school. He always had a smile on his face and always seemed to be cheerful. Like most people we drifted apart after high school and I had no contact until about 10 years ago when we reconnected through the miracle of Facebook. We met up once in Montclair for a beer and I remember he proudly showed me his latest project....a book about the mansions of Montclair. I couldn't tell if he had been successful in his chosen career but he seemed happy. He wanted to sell me one of his books but I stubbornly refused. Why would I want a book about the mansions of Montclair? I wish I hadn't been so stubborn and just bought the book. I'm sure it would have brought him pleasure. If I could do it all over again I would have bought 10 of those darn books. I know he was very proud of it because he reached out to me about once a year asking if I wanted the book. Sadly I chose not to. Andy...I wish I knew you were sick. I would have come to visit. Rest in Peace old friend.

Posted on: Aug 30, 2022 at 4:43 PM

Recently moved to a 55+ community in King of Prussia, Pa. called Canvas at Valley Forge. I'm near my kids and granddaughters now.

I saw Jay at the 40th reunion and talked quite a bit. I recall how happy and contented he seemed. We were in scouts together and he was always so carefree. Not surprising he would name his home that. I remember him fondly and glad he lived a rich full life.