Memories of Gerald Olcott

Friend: 'Always had each other's backs'

Jerry Olcott and I were childhood buddies. He was a great athlete and we hit it off right way, becoming teammates in both football and baseball at Herricks High. Jerry even helped me with my newspaper route, delivering “Newsday” in New Hyde Park. In full disclosure, there were a couple of times when we stashed a few of the papers in the bushes and rushed off to Martin's Candy Store for chocolate Sundays.

Some weekends, he, another friend Dobie Gerhart, and I would ditch our dates early and meet up at the Eagle Pub where we argued endlessly over the Yankees, Dodger and Giants. Knowing we had already missed curfew and couldn’t get into any more trouble than we were already, we’d move on to the Camey Diner for three eggs, ham, sliced potatoes and toast.

Feeding nickels to the jukebox, we’d sing along to "Denise, Denise” until the wee hours of the morning. Those were great times for three guys growing up on Long Island.

We always had each other’s back. In fact, the only time I remember Jerry getting mad at me is when I stole his pack of Lucky Strikes and ran like hell, with that redheaded, crazy guy right on my heels. The day I learned that Jerry had died in the towers, it was like I had been sucker-punched in the stomach. I still think about it quite often.

I try not to get angry, but I usually do. I pray for his family and wish I could talk to his kids and tell them what a stand-up guy their dad was to me. Jerry Olcott, my buddy, was the best.

Jeff Carling, West Palm Beach, Fla.