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2 days ago

The Julie Wilson illustration of Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill being reunited for eternity was forwarded to me by Jimmy’s son James. (Not a day goes by without me receiving multiple texts from James and his brother Kevin.)

This illustration poignantly reflects the thoughts of the many avid readers of these two outstanding New York wordsmiths. Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill personified the grit, spirit and sardonic humor of New York’s blue collar neighborhoods. I certainly didn’t agree with everything these guys said but I certainly loved their style and way with words. And they were both nice guys. (Well some of the time in Jimmy’s case!)

l was lucky enough to know Jimmy and Pete. Jimmy I got to know very well. For a few years Jimmy and I would talk almost every day. He was at my daughter’s wedding. We would go to dinner with our wives every month or so. Then suddenly it ended. During the next 15 years we spoke only once. It was at his daughter Kelly’s funeral. We sat on a bench in the yard behind the Church. Our conversation went well. After about 20 minutes we shook hands and agreed that we had to get together again soon. We never met or spoke again.

I met and spoke with Pete much less frequently but he was always engaging and in good spirits. We shared a strong interest in the Irish Peace Process and worked together on a public statement at a moment when the Process threatened to break down. A true highlight for me was when Pete Hamill hosted a book party for my first novel “Terrible Beauty” which Jimmy attended. Pete was as comfortable in Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn as he was mingling with Jackie Kennedy or Shirley MacLaine. An immensely talented, very regular guy.

Now they are both gone. Jimmy in 2017. Pete this week. Ironically this past Monday Jimmy’s son Kevin and I were having lunch and talking about Jimmy and Pete and what giants they were. Then the next day Kevin texted me that Pete had died.

The end of an era. The closing of a chapter. Whatever you want to call it, these guys will always be remembered.

Jimmy Breslin & Pete Hamill R.I.P. ... See MoreSee Less

The Julie Wilson illustration of Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill being reunited for eternity was forwarded to me by Jimmy’s son James. (Not a day goes by without me receiving multiple texts from James and his brother Kevin.)

This illustration poignantly reflects the thoughts of the many avid readers of these two outstanding New York wordsmiths. Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill personified the grit, spirit and sardonic humor of New York’s blue collar neighborhoods. I certainly didn’t agree with everything these guys said but I certainly loved their style and way with words. And they were both nice guys. (Well some of the time in Jimmy’s case!)

l was lucky enough to know Jimmy and Pete. Jimmy I got to know very well. For a few years Jimmy and I would talk almost every day. He was at my daughter’s wedding. We would go to dinner with our wives every month or so. Then suddenly it ended. During the next 15 years we spoke only once. It was at his daughter Kelly’s funeral. We sat on a bench in the yard behind the Church. Our conversation went well. After about 20 minutes we shook hands and agreed that we had to get together again soon. We never met or spoke again.

I met and spoke with Pete much less frequently but he was always engaging and in good spirits. We shared a strong interest in the Irish Peace Process and worked together on a public statement at a moment when the Process threatened to break down. A true highlight for me was when Pete Hamill hosted a book party for my first novel “Terrible Beauty” which Jimmy attended. Pete was as comfortable in Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn as he was mingling with Jackie Kennedy or Shirley MacLaine. An immensely talented, very regular guy.

Now they are both gone. Jimmy in 2017. Pete this week. Ironically this past Monday Jimmy’s son Kevin and I were having lunch and talking about Jimmy and Pete and what giants they were. Then the next day Kevin texted me that Pete had died.

The end of an era. The closing of a chapter. Whatever you want to call it, these guys will always be remembered.

Jimmy Breslin & Pete Hamill R.I.P.

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Very nostalgic.

Guys like these are missed. You could argue with them and then go out for a drink

My memory of Jimmy Breslin was of a cop hating a-hole.

Beautifully written. R.I.P. Gentlemen.

That’s nice. Were you able to see it without any power in Seaford?

Disappointed in your office .. sent several mails last month and the month before. Received on response and had questions and never again received any answers sent to all the email address. K D was the person that sent me the first response and never heard back.

Nice story, thank you for sharing this.

prayers rest in peace.

Fabulous and thank you for you’re help in the peace process would never have happened without you guys

Just beautiful! So sorry Peter....

Sounds like end of an era. Talented men who had something to say.

Thanks, Peter, for sharing this.

Part of the problem is today's political correctness. Newspapers and their editors are afraid of offending anyobody. Breslin & Hamill told street stories in street vernacular, including some words for eethnic groups (not races) that would give the corporate types running newspapers these days strokes. It is a shame...

Their columns annoyed me to no end, but they could write.

Remember Pete Axthelm. He would be the third wheel

🙏😪

The epitome of journalists. R.I.P. Gentlemen.

Loved Jimmy Breslin. I have his book 44 Caliber Killer. He covered Son of Sam killings back in the day. Great writer. Miss him!

Thanks for sharing. Always enjoyed reading their columns in the paper. They were realistic, honest and called it the way it was. Icons for sure that will be well remembered!

That's how I remember them.

Thank you for sharing . Both had a tremendous impact on my life . I enjoyed your stories about two top notch reporters , who were one-of-a- kind

Pete:I believe you might say there is still a living writer that compares favorably with these departed Giants. None other than the living legend and Hall of Famer Tom the Bomb Dewey. WriteR EXTRODINAIRE Do not wait for a RIP. HE is well known at Farrell' s and their neighborhoods. All the best. JIMBO

Thanks for sharing. Still wondering if you will run for Mayor of New York. You could be doing a great service to the people of NY. We need a strong leader to take the helm.

Thanks for these very moving remembrances, Pete.

Awesome

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