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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

2498.0. "TWO CYCLING FRIENDS KILLED IN FLORIDA" by AKOCOA::FULLER () Thu Feb 18 1993 09:44

    With deep sorrow, and anger, I need to let those cyclists in the
    Central MA area know that two of our fellow riders were killed
    yesterday while on their regular training ride in Vero Beach Florida. 
    Those killed were Gene (Geno) Murphy and Bob Wall, both active members 
    of the Seven Hills Wheelmen.  In addition, Bob's wife Rita was
    critically injured (from conversations I have had with fellow club
    members she is not expected to survive).   Geno was a dear friend of
    all of us in the 7HW.  In his mid-70's he was a stature of health and
    energy.  His donation to the sport of cycling, especially to those in
    Worcester county over the past 40 years was unsurpassed.  Geno, lead
    beginner rides from the old stone church for many years, nuturing new
    cyclists and teaching the rules of the road.  
    
    Goodbye friends
    
    Steve

T.R	Title	User	Date	Lines
2498.1		LJOHUB::CRITZ	`Thu Feb 18 1993 10:59`	8
	Steve, Can you give us some idea of what happened (if you know and it's not too painful). Thanks, Scott
2498.2	FLORIDA - DEATH HAVEN FOR BIKES	AKOCOA::FULLER	`Thu Feb 18 1993 11:34`	15
	Only details I know of as of now are that there were 3 or 4 of them riding single file, over a bridge or someother type of road over the water. Rita, the only one still alive, was thrown into the water and recovered from water. Due to the time she was under, she is not expected to survive. The only other item is that it was a Toyota truck driven by a 60 year old man and they were struck from behind. According to the Florida Highway Patrol "a group of 4 cyclists were riding along the side of the road..." BTW, only 3 months ago, my father's former Boss, a registered pharmacist also from Worcester, was also killed in Floriday riding his bike. Steve
2498.3	Feelings	LMOADM::LEROUX	`Thu Feb 18 1993 17:44`	8
	I joined the 7HW two years ago. I started with Gene, Bob and Rita Saturday mornings at the Old Stone Church. Being so new to the sport, Gene took me under his wing immediately. He taught me so much and encouraged me each time we rode together. I can never forget his kindness. Bob and Rita were wonderful too. They hadn't been riding much longer than myself and we became close (Rita and I toward the end of the pack). I can't say enough about these wonderful people - I am so very sad.
2498.4		ISLNDS::SCHWABE	`Mon Feb 22 1993 14:10`	19
	I'm in shock after reading the base note. I used to ride with Gene and the Seven Hills Folks many moons ago. Although still a member I don't ride with the club much anymore (although every year I tell myself I will become more active). Like the return of the Robins in the Spring, it was always a pleasure to see Gene once again leading the Saturday beginner rides from the Old Stone Church. I would say to myself every year that I hope I'm in as good condition when I'm his age! Gene was a cycling institution in this area. He will be missed. Very sad news indeed. Do you have any information on Memorial or Funeral services in this area (Worcester)?
2498.5	Gene Murphy	AKOCOA::FULLER	`Tue Feb 23 1993 13:50`	13
	I just returned from his Gene's funeral this morning. There were about 20 people from our bike club. At the calling hours last night, someone brought a framed article from the Worcester Telegram, dated 1984, about Gene and his passion for cycling and cycling safety. The family has requested donations to the Seven Hills Wheelmen, Bicycle Safety Fund. P.O. Box 24 Worcester MA 01606. In addition, we will be having a memorial service at 7:00 next Monday, at the Universal Unitarian Church, prior to our regular club meeting. peace Steve
2498.6	Service	LMOADM::LEROUX	`Fri Feb 26 1993 15:09`	5
	This is a little late, but Gene's wake was last Monday night (2/22) and he was buried Tuesday (2/23). As of yesterday, there are still no arrangement for Bob Wall. Rita is starting to improve I believe.