Saying goodbye to a distinctive voice that is synonymous with New England.

I am a local. There I said it. I'm a New Hampshire local. I have lived my entire life right here in New England. And look, I consider the "true locals" to be the Native American Algonquin, as were all the Native American tribes that lived here before we came.

But I do consider myself a local. Even though I have traveled all over the world, I have always considered New England my home.

I love it here. I love the four seasons (when we actually had them). I love the people (well 90% of them). I love the ocean and the mountains. I love our culture. I love our history. And boy do we have plenty of that. New England is rich with history.

And I love our sports teams. You kidding? Any NFL fan who lives in New England has to be somewhat of a Patriots fan. You have to be. And this time of the year is very exciting for us Patriots fans. Very exciting.

I grew up on the teams, players, and coaches.

And I also grew up on the voices and commentators who broadcast these games on the radio and TV. Through the bad times and the good. I am a fan. So it was easy for me to feel a bit melancholy last Sunday at Gillette stadium when we all said goodbye to local legend Gil Santos.

The voice of the New England Patriots.



My son Max was emotional as well, saying, "I grew up on Gil dad." I nodded my head. "We all did Max."

The Kraft family are a class act. No question about it. They are special, and they treat everyone that has ever worked for them and with them with that same class and respect. The tribute for Gil was so moving and thoughtful, that there was hardly a dry eye in that stadium. I know Max and I were touched by it.



I shot this from our seats. Gil and Gino with the Kraft family.



I posted a bunch of photos on Facebook when I got home that night. I could not believe how many friends Facebooked and messaged me saying how Gil and Gino saved them from missing the games when they were driving to go surfing or working. I guess we all owe them something for that.

Driving to and from surfing, or working around the house. Gil could call a Patriots game like no other. How many of you would actually turn off the sound on your TVs and just listen to Gil's voice instead? We all did. Nobody could call a Pats game like Gil. We didn't care if the visual was not synced up with the audio. It was Gil calling the plays, not some TV bonehead who knew little about our team and players. Gil was one of us.

He was the voice of the New England Patriots.

No one will ever be like Gil. That voice, that distinctive familiar warm voice, a voice that sounded like home, has retired.

I know I am not alone when I say thank you Gil and Gino for the many wonderful memories. May you find peace, good health, and happiness in all your future endeavors.

And I hope the Patriots make it to the Super Bowl this year so you can experience that sensation once more in your lifetime.

Long live Gil Santos! And Gino Cappelletti!

Go Patriots!