To My Friend

[tornandfrayed]

I first met Eric Kelley (Fat Vinny) when he came to my home to check out the studio. I had offered to do a recording for him and he wanted to check it out. We hit it off. We have been close friends ever since. It turned out that we had more in common then we thought. Since that time Vinny has become a staple at our home. He came to our parties and most recently he had been giving my 9 year old Stevie and my 13 year old Chelsea Guitar lessons. Not only was he giving them lessons but he was communicating with them. He spent time with them and cared about what they were doing and how they felt. When Vinny came over to give the kids lessons he stayed for hours, I had a running joke with my daughter that we thought maybe Vinny had a crush on Mama. We laughed about it. Vinny was here every Monday night because he had my kids and their cousins in a "Rock Band". He was always here treating them like peers and playing bass in the bands. He gave them a hard time and he gave them invaluable insight and knowledge. He was in a band ranging from the age of 9 to the age of 14. Oh and the bass player, Eric Kelly, who was 42.

Vinny was also in the process of writing a book. My wife and Aunt were reading chapters as he was finishing them. Yesterday my wife emailed Vinny and said we needed more. He sent more chapters.

I can't say enough about someone who touches your life so dearly. About someone who cares so much and give so much of themselves.

I can't honor Vinny enough, nor can I say how much he has brought to my family over the years.

Life is fragile though and this morning I got a call from Eric's mother saying that Vinny had passed away last night. He died of a massive heart attack. He went quickly and he went to a better place.

He will be missed.

He is now surrounded by Democrats (Vinny loved Politics) and the Blues (that was his life). He is the life of the party and will be picking up the guitar and playing anywhere that he is welcome.

God Bless You Eric and what you brought to my family and I.

Be with those you care about and reach out to those you don't care about. Life is short my friends.

We will miss you so much.

RIP Vinny

[felix'apprentice]

Wow. I am really sorry about your loss and i send my condolences to you and your family. I hope your kids are ok, i can imagine how hard its goin to be on them....sounds like they looked up to him. I dont know what else to say, but i send my thoughts and prayers to your family.

- kayla

[Big Jim]

I am really shocked by this news.

Eric was a nice guy. He certainly was passionate about music, wrote & recorded many unique originals, and put his own stamp on the cover songs he did. His CDs will be played for many years.

He sat in with Adam D & me several times, and came out to see most of the bands I've played in.

At such a young age, this is indeed tragic. My condolences to his survivors.

[Hawk]

I only talked with him a few times, but that was enough to know him. He was just that kind of guy, where you understood what he was about right away. Rest in extreme peace Vinny.

[onegunguitar]

I had met Eric only one time,but he definitely was a super nice guy and a great musician,he will be missed for sure. R.I.P Vinny.

[Imgrimm01]

Jam on Brother...

[moxham123]

Sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I never knew him and only got to see The Wiseguys twice and I enjoyed the band. Rest in peace "Vinny".

[CHICKSINGA]

I hope you will know that all of us send our heartfelt feelings to you for the loss of your brother. What you wrote was truly beautiful and he is honored by your words and blessed to have such a good friend.

Eric helped me with The Blues for Kasey benefit and was a true bluesman & gent.

Take Care.

Trace

[BloodyFingers]

I am really sorry about your loss and i send my condolences to you and your family. Sounds to me like he was a great guy, wish I would have known him. Gary