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March 11th, 2010
Happy Birthday Rob
Love always,
Joseph
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February 17th, 2010
Hey Rob,
Just saying Hi.
Daddy's friend Mike is not doing so well. Mind giving him a hand?
Love always,
Joseph
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February 6th, 2010
Hey Rob,
Life has revealed a series of events before my eyes over the last few months. With Mike Leoponte passing, I also got a call from one of my closests, and realest friends, Noah Bornstein has joined your ranks. I am sure you saw my breaking down on the train as his mother told me the story. It's true what Otis Redding said, 'Change has got to come'. And if loosing Noah wasn't hard enough, Rick the owner of the 72 Chrylser passed on last Friday. Let him know I will be restoring his Chrylser and will keep it in honor of him.
Believe it or not, I feel like life is turning incredibly wonderful for me.
Please watch over us Rob, and give me the horsepower needed. I am ready to rule.
Love always,
Joseph
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December 18th, 2009
I am sure you already know Mike Leoponto is no longer with us Rob. He's joined the ranks of the angels that follow over those that miss and loved him. I am sure he's got paperwork he needs to fill out before he enters the kingdom. Give him a big hug for me and tell him he's left an everlasting impression on my heart and soul. Also let him know, if he wants, I'd love to restore the Falcon.
Love always,
Joseph
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November 13th, 2009
It's been a rough day. I drove from NYC to Philly in your car today. It's ironic that this time 5 years ago I was barreling down the Turnpike in the Olds racing to your situation. Remebering how Mommy screaming in the phone that you had shot yourself, Me calling Daddy and telling him to get to your house, telling Lisa what had happened, etc. When I learned that my fears were true I nearly lost control driving over 100mph. You were no longer with us. It still breaks my heart and I'll always cry thinking about it.
Just as I passed Exit 14 I was reliving the past as if it were happening again. Within a moments notice, some guy pulls up next to me giving the 'thumbs up' pointing at your car. This snapped me out of my sorrowful thinking and cracked a smile across my face.
I miss you terribly Robert. I really do.
Love always,
Joseph
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November 9th, 2009
Hey Rob,
I am sure you watched over us as Lisa and I drove up to Boston to hang with the Slacks. I am very impressed with the handling of the car. Mr. Happy is great on gas too. Just need to iron out a few little things that are vibrating and the like.
I loved how Shawna took Mr. Happy by the horns and raced him around Lynn. Very impressive for a soccer mom :)
Joseph
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November 3rd, 2009
Hey Rob,
Just watched this video and thought of us.
Joseph
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October 9th, 2009
Hey Rob,
I had a very awkward moment today. I dropped your car off to Eli at Ridgewood Auto to get the alignment done. Eli asked if that was my new car, to which I said, 'No, it belongs to my late brother...'. It continues to sound awful whenever I need to state your passing. I still can't seem to say I have 1 brother and 1 sister. I am so upset you took your life.
Impatiently waiting,
Joseph
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October 3rd, 2009
Note from Daddy
Robert. Thanks: for all the help and learning, we have shared together. All of your family said "Now is the time".
Love YOU and will always have you in my mind. Dad and the Kilrain FAMILY.
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September 30th, 2009
Brought your car to Mr. Han today to give the radiator a flush and replace the thermostat.
I've been struggling with a name for your car for the longest. I know we spoke about 'Hell Awaits', but that sounds to harsh. How does Mr. Happy sound?
Joseph
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September 29th, 2009
Still working on what to say but I'll let the photos and videos do the talking.
Love,
Joseph
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September 28th, 2009
AMAZING, IT REALLY IS!!!!!
Daddy, Amy, Jimmy Ervin, and I all took turns. I'll have photos to post and a better message for you when I am more composed. I'm still glowing over ther weekend.
Love,
Joseph
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September 25th, 2009
Hey Rob,
I am headed to Philly today to get the tires and wheels set up on your ride. I'll be sure to cook the rubber a little bit :)
Love,
Joseph
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September 15th, 2009
I just had the strongest thoughts about you Rob. I wanted you to know that I do love you very much and miss you.
I can't wait for your car to be done. I'm hoping that Mommy, Amy, Kevin, and Daddy will use the car when it is all done.
Joseph
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September 14th, 2009
New photos are posted
After talking with Daddy and seeing colors from Mike, we are going with red rims. It will add the perfect touch. Give props to Daddy for being creative. I told Mike I'd like to have the car by the end of the month. See to it that he has the time to complete the car.
Joseph
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September 12th, 2009
YOUR CAR IS AMAZING!!!!!
I'll have photos to post later this weekend. It really is impressive Rob. And Daddy's idea for the red rims is very cool too.
After handing Mike the $600, I asked if he knew how to install air bags for a lowrider. He said yes, you know which ride is going to get hooked up next :)
Joseph
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September 9th, 2009
Hello Rob,
I am headed to Philly this weekend to get your ride. It's all done, after 5 long years. I must say working with Daddy has been difficult but we got it done. I felt that you were with me the entire process. Your voice would enter my mind whenever I was confronted with a descision. I'd say I miss you terribly but you already knew that.
Please guide me safely this weekend as I unleash the wrath of your ride on all those that oppose its might.
Love,
Joseph
p.s. Mike really worked a miracle with your car. You should thank him in some way.
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September 3rd, 2009
Hello Rob,
We had a great time in Europe. Berlin was amazing. There were a bunch of really nice classic cars there, including a 69 Camaro, 73 Catalina 454, and a 64 Cadillac. Unfortunately I lost my digital camera and won't be able to share the memories.
While I was away, Daddy had coordinated with Mike and got nearly all of the parts installed. He even fixed (to an extent) the leaking firewall. All that remains is painting the dash and getting the rims. Daddy's mentioned painting your rims red. Not sure what color he means but I am nervous. Hopefully it won't be Fire Engine Red like he first mentioned.
More to follow,
Joseph
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August 21st, 2009
Hello Rob,
Lisa and I are in Amsterdam celebrating our first anniversary. You've been on my mind since we got here. Mainly because of the car.
Unfortunately we've hit a huge bump on the road to completion. The firewall was not repaired at Tom's and now your car is flooding like a sin. Mike said he might be able to fix only 50% of the water leakage. We've spoken with Tom and he will be looking at the damage to see what he can do.
And to add insult to injury the turn signal switch didn't fit.
Here are the photos: Progress 09
Joseph
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August 6th, 2009
Hello Rob,
How are you?
Daddy took photos of Mike's progress. The interior is all gutted and ready for replacement. I ordered a new Turn Signal Switch assembly to finally make legal turns.
Photos to come,
Joseph
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July 13th, 2009
Rob,
Daddy just confirmed Mike's got your car. I wrote a detailed list on what is needed for the interior. It is only a matter of time until your car is completed.
Eagerly waiting,
Joseph
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May 1st, 2009
Hey Robert,
Just saying hi. I hope all is well
Love,
Joseph
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March 20th, 2009
Hey Robert,
Sorry for not getting up to you. My previous host was giving me such a headache. They are assholes.
A few months back we did a video about you: Busted Halo. Bill did a great job. I hope you like it.
I've got almost all the parts needed for your ride. Get Daddy and Mike to finish it up for the summertime.
See you soon,
Joseph
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January 13th, 2009
Robert,
Just an FYI, after a long bidding war for the vent windows I finally got them, and for $6 cheaper too. I also found the Inside Fill for the Left side of the rear passenger seat. All of the complicated parts are found. Now Mike just needs to install them.
Keep everybody moving.
Love,
Joseph
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January 1st, 2009
Happy New Year Robert,
I found your instrument panel in the basement today! I thought it was lost when you passed away. When I saw it, I leaped with joy! This is exactly how I wanted to start the new year. Moving in the positive direction. I can't wait to get it installed.
Love,
Joseph
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December 27th, 2008
Robert,
Bill McGarvey, Daddy, and I met today regarding the interview with your car.
It went great and I think Bill has a lot of footage to make a great video. Did you like the little burnout I did? That's the first of many to follow.
Help us ring in the new year and make it wonderful and peaceful for everyone.
Also, guide me with my SIX4, it's time to hook my boy up now.
Love,
Joseph
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December 25th, 2008
Merry Christmas Robert.
I've been thinking about you today. Some of the gifts I've received are the remaining parts for your car.
Bill McGarvey and I are meeting up on Saturday to do a short video on how I find you through your car and this semi-blog. I'll post a link once they are done.
Check out this video. Sounds like a combo of a Nascar engine, a lion roaring, and a machine gun. Works for me. This is how I want your car to sound.
Love,
Joseph
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November 14th, 2008
Robert,
It's my birthday today. Despite yesterday making it four years since you've been gone, I've been thinking about you for months. My wedding and honeymoon was spectacular. Lisa and I had a great time, as did all that attended.
When we returned, Tom was complete with your car. The paint is great and body is superb. I've purchased the little bits of trim missing and am waiting for Mike to install the pieces. See the photos for yourself.
Tires and wheels are next.
We all miss you terribly.
Love,
Joseph
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September 19th, 2008
Robert,
I get married today. Needless to say I'll be thinking about you.
Love,
Joseph
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September 16th, 2008
Robert,
I added new photos to your landing page today. Now you can cycle through some of the images I've taken of the car while in progress. Click the 'Load another image' button at the very top to see what I mean.
I hope all is well.
Love,
Joseph
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August 24th, 2008
Robert,
Daddy and I met with Tom on Friday. His work and progress on the car is phenomenal. You can see the photos here. He also showed us a sample of the black paint he plans to use. I saw these rims today by Konig that I would like to get for your ride. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Your ride is going to be nasty!
Love,
Joseph
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August 12th, 2008
Robert,
I spoke with Tom earlier today. The car is almost done!
Love,
Joseph
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May 31st, 2008
Robert,
It's 1:24 a.m. Saturday morning. I had this feeling that you were with me watching the Nelson Racing videos of the 66 Impala. My plan is for your Impala to rival his. I really do wish you were here to work with me on your car. I miss you terribly.
Help keep me focused Rob. My skies are gray off and on with Mommy, Amy, and others in the family that are ignorant. Put the good word in with the Big Man up there.
Love,
Joseph
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May 16th, 2008
Robert,
There is not a ton of progress on your car but Tom has assured us it will be done sooner than later. He did get a new deck lid for the car. See the progress here.
Keep him motivated.
Love,
Joseph
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May 9th, 2008
Robert,
During this week I spoke with Tom about your car. He was working on it when I called him. Tom said having keyless entry will be very difficult due to the door set up on your car. So I told him I would purchase new door handles for the car. I called Classic Industries today and learned there is a sale coming up in Mid May. Use your heavenly abilities to get me that coupon so I can order the parts for 20% off :).
I am headed to Philly next week to talk with my college. I also plan to meet with Tom and photograph the progress of the car.
Also, I know you saw the accident with my Impala last month. Thank you for protecting me. Now that my Impala is getting hooked up too, guide those working on it to greatness.
Love,
Joseph
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March 18th, 2008
Robert,
My apologies for not wishing you a happy birthday. As you know I am terrible with remembering birthdays. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't chink of you. It aches my heart thinking how you departed our lives. Keep me sane, keep me focused, and above, keep the torch lit. I am on my way!
Love,
Joseph
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February 5th, 2008
Hello Rob,
I was talking to Darlene Pergola today. I showed her your car and we starting talking about how nice it is. I really want your ride done
by the summer time. Guide Tom to get started on the car. I'll be living through you as I drive it around.
Best,
Joseph
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November 13th, 2007
Hello Rob,
Needless to say, I am thinking about you today. I hope you are at peace.
Love,
Joseph
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October 10th, 2007
Hello Rob,
I was thinking about you a moment ago. The thought of your car being painted has really got me excited, it also has me sad.
Once the car is done you know I will keep as if it were mine, even though I know you will be watching as well. Just guide me going forward as much as you can. With my personal life and adventures, my future with Lisa, and helping those to see the light.
Don't be mad at me when I do some burnouts in your car either. You definitely did so with my Impala. As Mommy always said, 'What goes around comes around'.
Love,
Joseph
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September 30th, 2007
Good evening Rob,
After a long talk with Daddy, we've partially put our disagreements aside and will work together to get the car done. Tom promised the car within 2-3 months. Very soon!
Sadly, I don't think Daddy understood my email to him. He took it as I was attacking him and calling my claims, for lack of better words, lies. Help me with him Rob. You know I don't want to fight with anyone overall but he really doesn't see his comments hurting us. He won't accept responsibility for hurting us. Help him to stop drinking Rob. That's the only way he'll be a better man.
God Speed,
Joseph
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September 28th, 2007
Hey Rob,
I am sitting here after a long talk with Lisa about our future. As you known, The Gov't is breaking my b@ll$ about the bad CPA I dealt with. Make sure they suffer for what they've done to me and all the innocent people they've hurt. The other thing is, Mommy doesn't like Lisa because she is black and Amy & Daddy can't bring themselves to stop using derogatory words (n****r).
Give me a hand with them. I know their perception is clouded with the opinions of others, and their limited views on life. Frankly, I could care less on the opinions of everyone outside of our family.
I see the light Rob, I see where I can go with Lisa and my future. Guide me!
Help everyone in the family to truly understand what love is and maybe we can get your car done.
I plan to do everything myself unless Daddy can change his attitude about me being broke needing to 'hit people up for money' whenever a situation arises. It hurts me badly when he makes me out to be a failure. I know you understand given how he treated you sometimes.
Guide me - Guide them,
Joseph
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September 13th, 2007
Hey Rob,
Sorry to put a damper on the progress of your car. I told Daddy today that I don't want to finish the car with him. His constant concern (basically b.s.) for money has made me sick to my stomach. I told him once I get my own money I will finish your car without him.
Tom has your car right now. Once I get an estimate from him I will figure out if I can take on the project on my own or not.
Guide me Rob,
Joseph
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August 8th, 2007
Tom finally saw the car and we are waiting for his estimate. We are 1/3 of the way done :)
I am very excited!
Joseph
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August 1st, 2007
As you might already know, I was ripping up Philly with your car over the weekend. It's really nice Rob. We learned that the original transmission was removed from the car too. Not that it is a problem, just thought you would like to know.
Keep us well,
Joseph
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July 28th, 2007
Daddy had the car inspected by Lee across from his house.
Still waiting to hear from Tommy about the paint. Also, Daddy got news today that we may have to find a new garage to park the cars in. Work your magic to prevent this from happening. If that is asking for to much, guide us to a space that has same or lesser price for parking.
Keep us well,
Joseph
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July 26th, 2007
I walked over to 8th and Oregon and got the plates for you car. Along the way a grade school bully appeared, smiling very intently. His name is Nicky Manarazo. We spoke briefly which had me flashing back to my past. Of course you came to mind. I thought of when I would push you, Amy, and Kevin in the park in the red wagon. How we joked about having race cars for each other. The fire these thoughts ignited in my mind had me itching to get your ride out! On the 27th as I headed towards the subway at 9:00 a.m. I saw Ms. Libertz. She asked about mommy and how she is. Please help her find peace Rob. I am doing my part with your car and I ask that you do your part with Mommy.
Turns out that Tommy the paint man is reputable. The Tags man referred him to me to get your car done. So it looks like he will be doing the work on your car.
Thinking of you,
Joseph
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July 14th, 2007
I could have cried all weekend long. Your car sounds better than ever! Mike did a remarkable job painting the engine. Once I saw it, Daddy and I brought it to the muffler shop. I spared not one penny and focused on what was the best we could get from them. 2 1/2" Dual exhaust Flowmasters that are 'bologna cut' at the end. They creep out the site like on the Oldsmobile. The videos and photos are great.
Next is paint. I don't think Tom will do the job so guide me to the person you want to have work on it.
I miss you so much
Joseph
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May 11th, 2007
I was at Mike's today and heard the car. It's incredible! I know you heard it all the way up in heaven. Here are the photos and video images I have.
Keep everybody faithful Rob and help us get to the next stage.
Joseph
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May 9th, 2007
Daddy told me today that he saw the car with the kit installed! You now have front disc breaks. Mike will be replacing the rear wheel cylinders and brake lines all around the car. Hopefully I will get to see the car Thursday or Friday.
Keep everybody moving Rob.
Joseph
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April 30th, 2007
I spoke with Mike today and he said that he has the kit for the brakes. He will install them next week.
Joseph
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April 20th, 2007
I ordered the parts for the brakes. You'll have front disc brakes for now. Hopefully I'll be able to make the car disc all the way around in the near future.
Help me when you can Rob.
Joseph
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April 19th, 2007
Daddy said that Mike has the car on the lift and we are going to add the brake system.
I can hear the burnouts now!
Joseph
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April 5th, 2007
Daddy said that Mike got the car running!
Keep them working on your ride Rob, we are almost there!
Joseph
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March 26th, 2007
Daddy confirmed with me today that your ride is in Mike's hands. Mike is responsible for getting the car running, then it is off to the body shop.
Give everyone the power they need to get your ride running for the summer time.
I am there when you need me.
Joseph |