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REMEMBRANCE
Remembering our LVSSA members who are no longer with us.
REMEMBERING MATTHEW C. "MATT" LINK
November 13, 1943 - July 8, 2024
Matthew C. Link, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on July 8, 2024 at the age of 80.
Matthew, fondly known as Matt, was born in New York City to Cornelius and Ruthmarie Link. He was a talented athlete who loved playing sports. At a young age he excelled in basketball playing for NYC powerhouses Archbishop Molloy High School and Manhattan College. He later developed a passion for playing competitive softball where he spent decades traveling the country playing for nationally ranked teams and winning many championships and several “World Series” titles.
Beyond his athletic achievements, he received a Bachelors Degree from Manhattan College and later a Masters Degree from Georgia State University. He proudly worked for over 31 years in Law Enforcement and retired in 2006 as a Lieutenant in the DeKalb County Police Department in Georgia.
Matt is survived by his wife Guifang Xiao “Lucy” and his in-law family Yucheng Xiao, Ping (Yunyu Qin) Xiao, Qinchao (Xia Li) Xiao and Hanjun Shen. He is also survived by his son Matt (Amy) Link, grandchildren Suzann and Olivia, sister Ruthanne, brother Neil (Laura) along with many Link family nieces/nephews and grand nieces/nephews. He is predeceased by loving family members that include his parents and mother-in-law, daughter Suzanne, brother Dave, and brother-in-law Joe.
A celebration of life will be held on a future date at a time/place to be determined.
From Rob Robinson and Rod Adams - Matt pitched for Stark Street Pizza in the World's and was All-Tournament. Matt had been a member of LVSSA since 2016.
-Courtesy of Davis Funeral Home and Memorial Park
REMEMBERING JOE UPPERMAN
August 5, 1938 - August 18, 2023
From LVSSA Monday/Thursday Field Commissioner Russ Curtis and Joe’s Daughters Julie and Diana:
It is my sad duty to report, that Joe Upperman passed away yesterday. Joe joined the LVSSA in 1995. Joe played his entire LVSSA career with the Monday/Thursday guys and for a guy that was 85, he played at a high level.
At 83, Joe played second base for the Sin City 65's Tournament Team in 2021.
Joe's Remembrance Service is Thursday, March 14, 2024 after the regular pick-up game.
-Photo Courtesy of Mike Warzocha
REMEMBERING JoE PELLEGRINO
September 13, 1946 - July 14, 2023
Joseph (Joe) Pellegrino of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed into peace early on the morning of July 14, 2023. Joe was born in Queens, New York to Anthony and Laura Pellegrino on September 13, 1946. He came to Las Vegas to be a stand-up comic, and he performed before enthusiastic audiences in comedy clubs for many years. He worked for Global Experience Specialists (GES) in the convention industry until he retired in 2009. He then became an active member of Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA).
Joe is survived by his loving wife Mary (Tress) Pellegrino, his children from a former a marriage, Joseph Pellegrino Jr and Angelia Pellegrino; his siblings, Anthony Pellegrino, Carmella Fitzpatrick, and John Pellegrino; and his grandchildren Sierra Jimenez, Ivy Jimenez, and Roxie Jimenez. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Ram Ratnasabapathy, MD and his staff at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada for their dedicated care of Joe.
-Courtesy of Davis Funeral Home
Remembering JOE PELLEGRINO - IN TRIBUTES
Photo Courtesy of Mike Warzocha
From LVSSA Hall-of-Famer Gary Pro
JUST A DAMN SHAME! FOR THOSE THAT DIDN'T KNOW HIM WELL HE WAS ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS YOU COULD EVER KNOW. NEVER A BAD WORD ABOUT ANYBODY AND IN THE FACE OF MORE ADVERSITY THAN MOST PEOPLE REALIZE HE WAS ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS I'VE EVER MET!
HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED!
From LVSSA Hall-of-Famer Rod Adams
One of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet! On the bench, so jovial and positive! He truly helped the late Mike Deal and his wife Donna Deal and their Family in 2018 when Mike Deal had cancer and sadly passed in early 2019. He will be missed by ALL!
- Rod and Jan Adams
From Long Time LVSSA Member Jim McEvoy
Damn, Joe is a good friend. I’m sure you’ll keep us in the loop so we can attend the service and the funeral. Again Joe is a good friend and he’ll be missed. I texted him about two or three weeks ago and he said he was getting stronger and thought everything was OK.
From Long Time LVSSA Member Clarence "Cee" Wright
To the Pelegríno family
Please accept the Clarence (Cee) Wright family’s deepest condolences.
Joe will be remembered as a great guy who was always kind and friendly to everyone.
He will surely be missed.
Best regards,
-Clarence "Cee" Wright
From LVSSA Member Roger Rasch
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing but now he’s in God’s hands and in a better place.
- Roger "Rabbit" Rasch
REMEMBERING GARY ALAN HARWOOD
December 14, 1966 - June 24, 2023
Gary Alan Harwood, age 56, of Harrison Township, Michigan passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
To Our LVSSA Members,
It is my sad duty to inform you that former LVSSA member Gary Harwood passed away on June 24th, 2023. Gary was a member of the LVSSA and had recently moved from Las Vegas back to Michigan. Gary played for the Freak Show 55’s team that won several tournaments. Gary’s teammate, Erez (Easy) Borowsky wrote on Facebook:
Rod,
This is what I posted on Facebook:
It is with great sadness that I just heard that my great friend and teammate Gary Harwood has passed away. It is heartbreaking as we were planning on our usual excellent camping trips to catch up after our moves from Las Vegas. When I first played with Gary, he overheard me saying “please catch the ball” when I threw to first base. He wasn’t mad but made sure that I knew he heard me! We became best friends from then on. Gary was direct, a caring guy, fun to be with, a wonderful teammate, human being, and friend. He will be missed.
His wife is Suzette Harwood. I know Paul Piscitelli also knew him well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzette and the Harwood Families.
Cheers,
Erez Borowsky
-Courtesy of Easy Borowsky and Rod Adams
REMEMBERING MARCELINO CORTEZ Villanueva
January 9, 1955 - May 12, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Marcelino "Marcy" Cortez Villanueva of North Las Vegas, Nevada, who passed away on May 12, 2023, at the age of 68, leaving to mourn family and friends.
Marcy was a member of the LVSSA since 2013.
Marcy played recently for the Los Vatos Viejos II 65’s AA - a team that won the 2022 Spring Worlds in St. George. Marcy also played regularly with the Monday/Thursday and the Tuesday/Friday guys.
Celebrating The Life of Marcy Villanueva Service is Sunday, June 4th from 11am - 4pm at the Life Legacy Venue at 3040 West Cheyenne Avenue.
- Courtesy of Palm Mortuary and Rod Adams
REMEMBERING PAMELA (PAM) KODEY
November 3, 1952 - March 28, 2023
Pamela Kodey passed away March 28 after battling cancer for almost 15 years. She was born in North Olmsted, Ohio to Raymond and Betty Kodey. She graduated from North Olmsted High school where she played in the marching band and participated in sports. She then attended Muskingum College where she obtained a BA degree. She became a travel agent where she indulged her love of travel. During this time Pam joined the police department as an auxiliary police officer. Later she moved to Las Vegas where she assisted her brother Wayne as the office manager of his camera shop. Through her working careers Pam found time for sports. She participated in soccer and softball leagues (including the LVSSA) as well as paddling a Dragon boat as part of a team of cancer survivors.
Pam was active at John Knox Presbyterian church in North Olmsted and Grace Presbyterian in Las Vegas. She played in the bell choirs of both churches. She participated in cancer survivor support groups at The Caring Place in Las Vegas and at Grace Presbyterian church. Pam was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister Beth. She is survived by he brother Wayne and his wife Geri Kodey.
-Courtesy of the Las Vegas Review Journal and Louise Freiheit
REMEMBERING PAUL RUBIN
December 11, 1932 - September 14, 2022
Paul was born in 1932 in Brooklyn, NY. In 1950, he joined the Naval Reserves and entered the University of Maryland at College Park. In 1968, Paul began playing slow pitch softball in the Navy while graduating from the American University in Washington DC with a master’s in public administration. In 1990, Paul moved to Las Vegas so he could play softball year-round.
Paul did a great amount of work for the LVSSA, including being the 70’s and 80’s age representative, and as a member of the LVSSA Board of Directors he assisted in adopting the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws, and has acted as the Secretary and the Treasurer.
His work in softball includes umpiring for SSUSA and winning two world championships while managing and playing for Frank’s TV 75’s teams.
Paul won the LVSSA President’s Achievement Award in 2017.
Paul was also a 2003 Inductee to the LVSSA Hall of Fame.
Paul's family donated his LVSSA records and trophies to the LVSSA in May 2022 and again in April 2023. Thank you so much Paul Rubin and Family (Hilary Malyn and Neil).
-Courtesy of Rod Adams - Photo Courtesy of Mike Warzocha
REMEMBERING GLENN DE GRACIA
August 17, 1962 - July 28, 2022
Glenn De Gracia, 59, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on July 28, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV.
Glenn was born in California to his parents Raphael De Gracia and Naomi Spector on August 17, 1962.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Raphael and Naomi. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and his five children.
Glenn was a member of the LVSSA since 2014.
A visitation for Glenn was held on Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the De Gracia family.
BRIAN BUHL
1/4/1959 - 11/7/2021
Brian Gregg Buhl, age 62, of Boulder City, NV passed away on November 7, 2021. He was born in Seattle, WA to Orris Clifford Buhl and Bonnie La Vonne Butler Buhl. Brian moved to Boulder City in 1994. He married Charmel Hawkins on March 28, 1998 in Renton, WA. Brian owned and operated Boulder Tree Service.
Brian deeply loved his family and was a man of many passions. He had a passion for building, showing, and racing his cars. A few streets in Boulder City may still have some skid marks he left behind. He played softball for 40+ years, most recently winning tournaments with his softball team and earning MVP honors. He was also in such good shape that whenever anyone needed a baserunner he was the first up. Brian loved meeting residents at the Veterans Home in Boulder City and building relationships with them. If you’ve ever been scared or chased by the “chainsaw man” on Halloween night or taken the Santa Train in Boulder City around Christmas time, you’ve probably interacted with Brian and Charmel. He loved the holidays and making the most of them. He was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On Sundays, Brian stood at the door and made everyone feel welcome. Brian was a kid at heart. He loved playing pranks, scaring others, and having a good laugh. He freely shared his wise and notsowise one-liners, which we now coin as Brian-ism’s. Brian had a colorful life and did not hesitate to share entertaining stories and experiences from his life.
Many people have shared with the family that Brian is one of the hardest-working, strongest individuals that they know. He scaled trees as fast as a monkey, and he lifted logs and operated heavy machinery with ease. His large, strong hands were a testament to his work. His arms were marked with scars as trophies of all that he had done. On one occasion a work accident resulted in nearly losing his arm, and within a week he was right back to cutting trees.
Brian was a friend to all and deeply cared about others.His legacy lives on through his wife, Charmel, their 7 kids and 21 grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Charmel Buhl; seven children Sarah (Kevin) Tate, Devin (Darci) Buhl, Leah (Austin) Bone, Brittney Buhl, Justin (Kelsie) Buhl, Natasha (Matthew) Combs, Preston (Alexis) Swasey; two brothers Calvin Buhl and Mike Buhl; and 21 grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 5pm to 7 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 916 5th Street, Boulder City, Nevada. Visitation prior to service on Saturday, November 20 from 11am to 12 Noon with funeral service at 12 noon at the Church. Burial will follow at the Boulder City Cemetery. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at https://www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com/obituary/Brian-Buhl
Courtesy: Boulder City Family Mortuary
Dave "BAM BAM" Winslow
8/16/1950 - 5/26/2021
Dave passed away in his sleep on the night of May 25-26. He was a former Las Vegas Metro Police Officer. Dave was a member of the LVSSA since the early 2000's. He coached the Las Vegas Heat 70's, Ryan's Way, the Silverbacks and many other teams.
George LaCombe
3/8/1947 - 2/4/2021
George W. LaCombe, 73, passed away at Nathan Adelson Hospice on February 4, 2021, after a year-long battle with cancer.
He was born in Berlin, N.H., on March 8, 1947. He served his country in the United States Air Force (USAF) for over 22 years, retiring to serve the Las Vegas community as an AFJROTC Instructor at Rancho and Palo Verde High Schools for 20 years. He and his family welcomed international exchange students Berto, Jussi, Uli, Victor and Benni into their home and hearts.
In retirement years, he enjoyed travel, family, and playing with the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA) for more than 12 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Antonio; mother, Margaret (Meehan); and sister, Patricia. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; son, Benjamin (Tiffany); daughter, Jennifer Bucher (Michael); sister, Mary Bruni; brother, Peter (Joyce); nephew, Tony (Mina); niece, Peggy (Dave); nephew, John (Laura); and grandchildren, Layla, Lacey, Keaton, and Colette.
A private service will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made in his honor to Epicenter Food Pantry at Christ Church Episcopal, Galilee Camp and Conference Center, or a charity of choice.
REMEMBERING ROBERT TAYLOR
June 3, 1946 - August 26, 2024
Robert Benjamin Taylor, age 78, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Henderson, NV. Bob was born on June 3, 1946 In Lusk, Wyoming. He graduated from Niobrara County High School. He then attended the University of Wyoming.
Bob worked as a television station engineer as a downlink satellite recording specialist. He worked for KVVU-TV 5 a Fox Network for 30 years. He is a member of the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Bob was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, IATSE. He enjoyed softball, photography and camping. Bob played Senior softball and was a member of the 2018 National Championship team in the 65+ division.
Bob is survived by his sister, Tammy Bennett of Charleston, South Carolina.
A service is scheduled for Friday, September 20th at 10 am at the Palm Mortuary in Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway.