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Rhode Island

one of my favorite saying you may be familiar with is " bad people dont grow giant pumpkins"
i can honestly say that after having made so many friends because of this hobby over the years. to name them here would surely be a mistake as i would forget to include some for sure.
there is one man though that i feel you all need to hear of,some of you im sure remember him from the old days. he no longer grows. has not for many years now and, with mind and body reaching roads end could use a prayer or kind thought from each and everyone of you.
his name is john castellucci.john is now in his mid eighties and in failing health.
this man i can honestly say was and is one of the very most generous,kind,carring men it has been my pleasure to call friend.
from the early ninties on out ron, don langevin and i spent many a late afternoon and evening sitting in johns carriage house having a cool drink and chatting about the season as it was unfolding.
several years later our band of merry men was joined by joe jutras,steve sperry and big dave the hammer.
we took turns trying to out do one another each tuesday evening when we would travel to one anothers home for a meal and general bull session.
i will never forget those days, the fun we all had and the love and respect we all felt for the hobby,each outer and those fantastic meals.
to me this is the reason i continue to grow each year. not for the awards ( although i could use a break its been four years and counting since the 1450 showed up -lol )i do it because i dont want to loose that group mentality.
having friends is what this hobby is all about. if not ? you might as well grow on a deserted island.
so hats off to my best buddy johnny "cash" castellucci. may god bless and look over you.
pap

4/10/2011 5:02:36 PM

Muddy Waters

Amen brother!!!

4/10/2011 5:15:27 PM

Connecticut

very nice,pap

4/10/2011 6:15:52 PM

Johnston, R.I.

John will always be one of my Hero's.............

4/10/2011 6:41:41 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

well put.

4/10/2011 7:36:35 PM

Linden, Mi.,

"WOW" pap what an outstanding thing to say
Yes the friendship of this thing (growing giant veg) and of
life can not be beat. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FRIEND Johnny

4/10/2011 9:17:19 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

That's what I sense reading any of your posts! You address all with respect as along time friend. May God's hand be with John as he looks to those walking boards that lead upward!
To be competitors is by nature, to be friends is by choice! BSD, David

4/10/2011 10:01:09 PM

Cameron

Our thoughts & prayers are with John & his family.

Jane & Phil

4/11/2011 9:20:31 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Well said Pap, and well said David...this is why this sport (hobby) keeps growin!!! In RI, or in KY!!! Good folks!!! Peace, Wayne

4/12/2011 3:30:19 AM

Bristol,RI,USA.

To All Who Would Consider a Hall of Fame Candidate:


The Hall of Fame nomination of John Castellucci by Dick Wallace and the SNGPG is one that should be greatly considered. Mr. John Castellucci has been instrumental in starting and nurturing the sport of giant pumpkin growing in New England. He has brought a wealth of expertise and knowledge to all who ask, with a style and class of a true gentleman. He is truly of Hall of Fame Stature and a giant amongst men. I am proud to not only know him, but thankful to call him Friend.
I wrote these words when john was nominated and I ment every word it go's the same for you pap !!

4/14/2011 12:52:43 PM