Chris Zarmakoupis
December 11, 2021
Frankie and Bob, I’m so very sorry to learn of Brad’s passing. I’ll forever look back fondly on the time I spent with Brad and yourselves in high school. Your family extended me such kindness and generosity over those special years. So many firsts where with Brad. My first two vacations without my family, you and Brad’s patience in teaching me how to ski and remaining calm and helpful when I started off so horribly, and a few other “firsts” that I probably shouldn’t mention here, but just know, they were always a blast with Brad and I wouldn’t change a thing. My high school years wouldn’t have been as cherished as they are today without his friendship. Brad was the kind of friend I wish everyone could have as a kid. He was welcoming, shared in everything he had, and every time we were together, I knew memorable times were going to be made. He was an incredibly hard worker on the football field and showed so much passion and leadership as a teammate. He inherited both of your good looks, a great fashion sense, tremendous athleticism, and was someone all of his buddies looked to emulate on those fronts. I truly regret not spending more time with Brad in adulthood, but the physical distance between us and the pulls of work and family life will never separate you and Brad from the special place you occupy in my heart. I’ll remain forever grateful for your hospitality, Frankie’s cooking, the sleepovers in your home, Brad’s sweet grandparents and the stories his grandfather shared about working with my father at ARCO, and most of all, Brad’s loyalty to his friends, his fun and sometimes nutty personality, that mischievous smile he was always breaking out, and his no-judgement embrace of his friends for who they were, just as they were. May be peace with you in your time of grief, and I hope you find comfort in knowing that you and Brad played a special part in his friends’ lives. I’ll carry those memories forever. Much love and gratitude to you both.
Chris Zarmakoupis
