So long my friend, dearly departed, one Big Daddy Dave
Last Tuesday, a friend and I stopped by one of my favorite waterin' holes. The establishment, Big Daddy Dave's Jazz & Blues Club, was closed and a sign on the door read, "Closed because of the death of a close friend". Thinking nothing more of it, we pressed on to the Warehouse in Merritt Island. A while later, Jimmy Charland rings me up. He had called to tell me that our bartender, Big Daddy Dave, had died. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
James and I started going there back in, God, August I think. I'd like to believe we were regulars. Hell, we hardly missed a Tuesday! We started with Carol, but she was canned. Sometimes we'd get Johnny, who we called Woody cause we didn't know his name. Most of the time though, our 'tender was Dave.
We all had some great conversations with Dave and the Tuesday act, Tom Lash. Hell, I remember the time Dave, Jimmy Charland, and I stayed well past closing time just shootin' the bull. Dave was cool like that. Laid back and soft spoken, and dammit, he could mix a drink! Most times, Jimmy and I couldn't wait to get there.
Since getting back into school, I've only been back there twice because of 8am class on Wednesday. I took Professor Pat one Tuesday, and Mark Diaz the other. I kept thinking, Damn, we need to get back to Dave's, or, I wonder how the boys are doin'? Now I look back and wish I'd stopped in more.
I found Dave's obituary. It reads:
DAVID ACCURSO, MELBOURNE David P. Accurso, 53, died Tuesday, April 11, 2006 in Rockledge, FL. He was born in White Plains, New York and came to Brevard County 25 years ago. Dave was a local Night Club Owner and was known as Big Daddy Dave. He is survived by his wife, Wendy: daughters, Sharon Mahoney, Carolyn Accurso and Laura Accurso; and his grand child, Braniff Mahoney.
I left off the last line. That's the one that reminds me that I missed his funeral, and makes me feel like a son-of-a-bitch. I can't believe I missed the fuckin' funeral!
So here's to you, Big Daddy Dave, thanks for the talks and the drinks. You were, hell, still are a good man. Take it easy, friend!
James and I started going there back in, God, August I think. I'd like to believe we were regulars. Hell, we hardly missed a Tuesday! We started with Carol, but she was canned. Sometimes we'd get Johnny, who we called Woody cause we didn't know his name. Most of the time though, our 'tender was Dave.
We all had some great conversations with Dave and the Tuesday act, Tom Lash. Hell, I remember the time Dave, Jimmy Charland, and I stayed well past closing time just shootin' the bull. Dave was cool like that. Laid back and soft spoken, and dammit, he could mix a drink! Most times, Jimmy and I couldn't wait to get there.
Since getting back into school, I've only been back there twice because of 8am class on Wednesday. I took Professor Pat one Tuesday, and Mark Diaz the other. I kept thinking, Damn, we need to get back to Dave's, or, I wonder how the boys are doin'? Now I look back and wish I'd stopped in more.
I found Dave's obituary. It reads:
DAVID ACCURSO, MELBOURNE David P. Accurso, 53, died Tuesday, April 11, 2006 in Rockledge, FL. He was born in White Plains, New York and came to Brevard County 25 years ago. Dave was a local Night Club Owner and was known as Big Daddy Dave. He is survived by his wife, Wendy: daughters, Sharon Mahoney, Carolyn Accurso and Laura Accurso; and his grand child, Braniff Mahoney.
I left off the last line. That's the one that reminds me that I missed his funeral, and makes me feel like a son-of-a-bitch. I can't believe I missed the fuckin' funeral!
So here's to you, Big Daddy Dave, thanks for the talks and the drinks. You were, hell, still are a good man. Take it easy, friend!