Friday, February 13, 2004

Ride for Life has lost another family member.  Paul Oliveri, who rode his electric wheelchair from Montauk to Manhattan on the last 3 annual Ride for Life events, lost his battle with ALS on Friday, February 13th.  For those who knew Paul personally, you know what I mean when I say his ever-present smile will be missed.  He leaves behind a legacy of three; Amanda, Kelly & Joseph. 
 
I met Paul on the course while doing the Manzoni golf outing.  He told me he wants to get involved and from that day on Paul was a faithful friend and Ride for Life supporter.  That first year he was able to drive and brought 100's of ornaments to be mailed since I could no longer do it.  Then he went and worked on the local St. Patty's Day Parade.  He rode twice.  Up until the end he was thinking of ways to work. 
 
I am not sad that Paul is gone.  I will miss him of course.  But feeling sad would be selfish because he is so happy and at peace.  He fought ALS his way and never yielded an inch.  I thought myself tough and resilient.  When I watched him overcome his challenges, he taught me a thing or two.  I think what I will miss most is our ridiculous howling as we each laughed similarly due to our ALS.  He and I would crack ourselves up laughing at the improbable predicaments we would find ourselves in. 
 
Let's take a deep breath, pause for a moment, and then continue the fight with renewed vigor and purpose.  We have another quiet hero rooting us on. 

Chris Pendergast, PALS, founder of Ride for Life

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As much as he wanted to, Paul Olivieri won't be coming on the Ride For Life this year. Paul died on Friday the 13th of February.

The Ride meant a great deal to Paul. It was something he felt compelled to do, despite the difficulties he encountered while on it.

Fellow participants were always amazed at his ability to endure the inevitable frustrations in such a patient and humorous manner.

He was especially gracious with those who struggled to decipher what he was attempting to communicate. He would produce such an infectious grin when his message was finally understood that one just had to grin back at him.

Despite the incompetence of many who attempted to help him cope with the daily acts of living, he patiently endured their efforts with a great deal of humor. He tolerated with a smile all the various band-aid devices that were used in those futile attempts to modify his malfunctioning wheelchairs.

He was a sweet guy who loved to, when he could, eat his sweets on the ride.

He was a great sports fan and would at every opportunity put on his favorite Minnesota Viking jacket. On the Ride he took great pleasure in taking his son, Joseph, to the Duck's game and Yankee Stadium. It seemed that he was always the last one to leave the stadium, as he always wanted to see more.

While Paul is no longer with us, let us not forget to take our memories of him along with us as we journey on the Ride this year.

Paul's Ride For Life Friends

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Paul's family has requested that donations in his name be made to Ride for Life.

Click here to make a tribute donation to Ride for Life in memory of Paul through our secure server

Donations in memory of Paul can be mailed to:

Ride for Life
18 Grandview Blvd.
Miller Place, NY 11764