I miss him already!!
Posted by Marc Robbins
on September 24th, 2007 at 11:14:16 am , 2170 views
Noah Finz was so eloquent and accurate in his writings of News 12 Sportscaster Bill Gonillo. Honestly, this is a very sad and difficult time for me. My wife and several others have said it would be helpful for me to write something too, because I worked side by side with Bill for 5 years at News 12 Connecticut. So please bear with me, I may jump around a little, but only because the memories and experiences I have are just flooding my mind.
Bill was my very close friend. Of course with Bill, there are many people out there who can say that, because he was such a warm, caring and genuine person... Bill's character, his sweet, lovable personality just brought a smile to me everytime I would see him. I left News 12 back in June of 2000, however Bill and I had remained good friends. I can't believe I'm writing about Bill in the past tense! He and I would greet each other with a big Hiiiiii! Just like the late Cubs announcer Harry Caray would say. I'm smiling now just thinking about it.
You know a lot of people say, they feel like they know television personalities and news people because they watch them every night. With Bill, you viewers really DID know him! His enthusiasm for his job just jumped off the screen. The passion for the people he covered is unmatched. He never wanted to be in this business for fame or fortune. He just loved Sports and the stories he could tell.
Bill was an extremely gifted and dedicated broadcaster. Everyday, Bill would give the extra effort, stay a little longer to get a better highlight or ask the needed question, to get the story right. Many of us in the business would joke with him about pushing that "time limit" we have in TV, right to the very brink. Bill would push it on a nightly basis, and always just make it and then put on a performance full of gusto, and life.
Now I wonder what all those kids, coaches and school communities must be feeling. I'm not exaggerating when I say there isn't any field, gym, park or campus in Fairfield or New Haven county where Bill Gonillo would show up and not receive a loud lovable greeting. And he earned it. There's a huge void in our Sports World. Of course Bill wouldn't want all this fuss, or any fuss at all for that matter. He would probably Blog an apology for drumming up all this attention. Like any top Journalist, he never wanted to be part of the story.
I wish the gusto wasn't gone!
21 comments
Comment from: Sheryl Rosen [Visitor] 
Marc,
I fondly remember when you and Bill would do the play by play for the Bridgeport Bluefish games together during the 1998 and 1999 season.
What a team and you always seemed to be having
so much fun doing those games.
We've lost a wonderful person in Bill Gonillo.
To say I'm sad would be an understatement.
Thanks for sharing your memories of a great
guy.
I fondly remember when you and Bill would do the play by play for the Bridgeport Bluefish games together during the 1998 and 1999 season.
What a team and you always seemed to be having
so much fun doing those games.
We've lost a wonderful person in Bill Gonillo.
To say I'm sad would be an understatement.
Thanks for sharing your memories of a great
guy.
09/24/07 @ 11:21
Remember the Joy aspect within Him.You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;the mountians and hills will burst into song before you,and all trees of the field will clap their hands.Isaiah55:12.Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,who walk in the light of your presence,O Lord.They rejoice in your name all day long;they exault in your rightouness.Psalm4:7.Those who sow in tears will reap with song of joy,carrying sheves with him.Psalm126:5-6.Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the rightous:The lord`s right hand has done mighty things!Psalm118:15.You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.Psalm 4:7.Surely then you will find delight in the almighty and will lift up your face to God.Job22:26.I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that Your joy may be complete.John15:11.In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his Holy name.Psalm 33:21.Let the rightous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him;let all the upright in heart praise him!Psalm64:10.But I will see you again and you will rejoice,and no one will take away your joy.John16:22...These are a few scriptures that you sparked within me just talking about Bill,Thank You for shareing all the plesenttry,He reflected God Beautifully.I pray Inner Peace To You Mark,and the whole Sports Team,and all .~Peace Glenna~
09/24/07 @ 12:09
Comment from: Chantel [Visitor]
Wow,
From the time I was a freshamn in college to now 14 years later, Bill was my buddy. Fairfield U women basketball road trips and trips to sizzlers! I loved Bill. I have seen Bill more times then I can count over the years through HS sports. One minute he would be in Bridgeport, next minute New Canaan and then by the time I was back home....he was on the air with his tie/blazer ....and knowing Bill his jeans and sneakers from the waist down. I had the pleasure of seeing him do the sports reporting process from start to finish. He went to the games, showed up 30 minutes before air time.....got the footage all set in the editing room and was on air for a flawless report of local sports.
Bill loved his job....He worked his --- off. He was a driver,cameraman,editing guy, and reporter. I always use to laugh and say Bill is there anything you don't do? He said Chantel I love what I do. And he most certainly did. Whenever I went to HS sports events I would look for Bill. As soon as he saw me ...he waived and waited for me to come down so he could get his hug and kiss and then we would proceed to talk for as long as we could about what was going on in our lives. I admired Bill and his hard work.....I pray to GOd that there will be a memorial service.....held at a sports venue of course in honor of Bill. I hope Channel 12 and other local affiliates put together a softball tournament every year to honoe Bill and raise money for Diabetes. I hope Channel 12 will create a scholarship for a local student who has aspirations of becoaming a sports caster. In honor of Bill. May there be a moment of silenece at everygame that Bill probably would have been at this year. I know the last thing that Bill would want is a whole lot of fussing....but damn it he deserved it!
Bill was such a personality.....a great person, and a friend......Bill I Love You! You are gone but not forgoten. I am so sorry you had to go...that you were alone. I miss you already and I will NEVER EVER go to a HS game without looking for you. You will forever be in my heart. God Bless you my friend....May the sports fans in heaven welcome you with open arms.......and may there be an all you can eat place in heaven....(our special joke)
Forever in my heart....
Chantel
From the time I was a freshamn in college to now 14 years later, Bill was my buddy. Fairfield U women basketball road trips and trips to sizzlers! I loved Bill. I have seen Bill more times then I can count over the years through HS sports. One minute he would be in Bridgeport, next minute New Canaan and then by the time I was back home....he was on the air with his tie/blazer ....and knowing Bill his jeans and sneakers from the waist down. I had the pleasure of seeing him do the sports reporting process from start to finish. He went to the games, showed up 30 minutes before air time.....got the footage all set in the editing room and was on air for a flawless report of local sports.
Bill loved his job....He worked his --- off. He was a driver,cameraman,editing guy, and reporter. I always use to laugh and say Bill is there anything you don't do? He said Chantel I love what I do. And he most certainly did. Whenever I went to HS sports events I would look for Bill. As soon as he saw me ...he waived and waited for me to come down so he could get his hug and kiss and then we would proceed to talk for as long as we could about what was going on in our lives. I admired Bill and his hard work.....I pray to GOd that there will be a memorial service.....held at a sports venue of course in honor of Bill. I hope Channel 12 and other local affiliates put together a softball tournament every year to honoe Bill and raise money for Diabetes. I hope Channel 12 will create a scholarship for a local student who has aspirations of becoaming a sports caster. In honor of Bill. May there be a moment of silenece at everygame that Bill probably would have been at this year. I know the last thing that Bill would want is a whole lot of fussing....but damn it he deserved it!
Bill was such a personality.....a great person, and a friend......Bill I Love You! You are gone but not forgoten. I am so sorry you had to go...that you were alone. I miss you already and I will NEVER EVER go to a HS game without looking for you. You will forever be in my heart. God Bless you my friend....May the sports fans in heaven welcome you with open arms.......and may there be an all you can eat place in heaven....(our special joke)
Forever in my heart....
Chantel
09/24/07 @ 12:14
Comment from: dominick [Visitor]
Bill was the greatest of guys. As a video editor I always enjoyed working with Bill when he came by to voice over a show for The Outdoor life network. He had a contagious personality and was great fun to work with. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
09/24/07 @ 12:19
I have been well blessed to be a contributor on the Rich Marazzi Yankee and Baseball related broadcasts for a number of years. Bill, of course was often a host or co-host. Over the course of time, Bill and I conversed about sports-related topics (or he allowed me to help interview a guest). We last spoke this past Saturday, with Bill and I in great agreement on the subjects of cheating in sports and the treatment of retired players in the NFL.
I cannot say I knew Bill well, but I can say that he was a talented and bright professional who was always decent and respectful to me, cordial and interesting. I had offered to take him to lunch one day, but I guess that will have to wait. My sorrow goes out to all who knew him, and especially his family and loved ones. AJD
I cannot say I knew Bill well, but I can say that he was a talented and bright professional who was always decent and respectful to me, cordial and interesting. I had offered to take him to lunch one day, but I guess that will have to wait. My sorrow goes out to all who knew him, and especially his family and loved ones. AJD
09/24/07 @ 13:24
Comment from: Bob Lazzari [Visitor]
A tremendous loss to the Connecticut sports community. Having worked with Bill in the past, I considered him a friend--a man who was never too busy to talk sports, tell me how much he enjoyed my sports column, and/or share a personal story. We now have the memories to fall back on, and I am a better person for having crossed paths with Mr. Bill Gonillo. May he rest in peace.
09/24/07 @ 13:37
Comment from: Patrick Moran [Visitor]
Marc,
It’s truly is a kick in the stomach to hear the news of the passing of Bill Gonillo. He will be missed. Like you said, he had a warm heart and went out of his way to make you look good.
He will be missed.
Patrick Moran
Sports Information Director
Post University
It’s truly is a kick in the stomach to hear the news of the passing of Bill Gonillo. He will be missed. Like you said, he had a warm heart and went out of his way to make you look good.
He will be missed.
Patrick Moran
Sports Information Director
Post University
09/24/07 @ 14:52
Comment from: steve [Visitor]
I worked with Bill way back in the mid-to-late 80s at WELI Radio. He was one of the funniest people I ever met(I cannot believe I'm writing about him in the past tense). He was also an usher at my wedding.
Cannot believe he's gone. This just highlights how every day should be treated as a gift from God. Please post the arrangements when they are known.
Cannot believe he's gone. This just highlights how every day should be treated as a gift from God. Please post the arrangements when they are known.
09/24/07 @ 14:56
Comment from: Doug Ammann [Visitor]
I first met Bill back in the 1980's we were both following high school football and working at the Volvo Tennis Tourney. What a Guy! Into what he was doing and the people he shared the experience with. I ran into Bill at a Fairfield Prep football game game three years ago, he came up to me, shook my hand,and said Doug I can't believe your still doing this.After not seeing each other for more then 11 years he instantly rememberd my name. Rock on Bill!
09/24/07 @ 15:26
Comment from: Mike and Stacie Guilfoyle [Visitor]
Bill Gonillo was an amazing person. There isn't a dry eye around right now. As a former player for the Bridgeport Bluefish (and to my wife) Bill was truly a great friend. He was never thought of as a nuisance sports reporter...he was your friend. He was an everyday piece of the Bridgeport Bluefish and the team members. Whenever he was in the Clubhouse everyone would always shake his hand and he would always have a conversation with you about anything (sports, weather, family, your kids, etc.) it wasn't always business. I am now a police officer and whenever I would run in to Bill he would always have something to say about "the good ole days" when I was playing ball. He was a good friend to my wife and we are both saddened by this terrible loss. The whole sporting community has lost a real hero. Thanks for all the great memories and for always being a real friend. We will never look at the Bluefish stadium in the same way. We love and miss you. Mike & Stacie Guilfoyle
09/24/07 @ 15:54
Comment from: Charlie Dowd [Visitor]
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill for 15 years going back to the formative days with the New Haven Ravens. Bill was a tremendous professional who knew how to make business fun. He was always fair and would go the extra yard for a story. Whether the team was winning or losing, the mood in the press box always brightened up when Bill would visit. He knew sports and he knew people even better.
A good friend, he will be missed.
A good friend, he will be missed.
09/24/07 @ 16:06
Comment from: Jean Pullia [Visitor]
I am honored to have called Bill Gonillo my friend. He was funny, caring, loveable and full of life. My son Joe was an intern at Channel 12 about 11 years ago. Bill soon became a friend of the whole family. The times we all spent at my dinner table are priceless memories. He would sometimes call from work and say "Hey sis," a fun nickname he game me, "What's for dinner?!" When he showed up, half the time he would bring someone from the station with him and say "He was all alone, you don't mind do you?!" That was Bill, always thinking of others.
I love you Bill, and will miss you more then you could have ever known. My deepest sympathy are with his family and all the millions of friends he leaves behind.
Love, Sis
I love you Bill, and will miss you more then you could have ever known. My deepest sympathy are with his family and all the millions of friends he leaves behind.
Love, Sis
09/24/07 @ 19:02
Comment from: Steven Zipoli [Visitor]
Billy was my best friend since first grade. He was my great friend. Imagine how I will miss him!
09/24/07 @ 19:08
Comment from: Scott Tryon [Visitor]
Marc,
I, if you remember, worked with Bill and yourself at News12 CT not too long ago, where I directed the newscasts and sports cut-ins. You were so right to describe Bill as having a sweet, lovable personality that would bring a smile to your face. He was that kind of guy. When he entered a room, I knew he and I were going to exchange one-liners and we'd have a good laugh. He used to have a box of ties in his office, if you remember. About a baker's dozen of them rolled up and scattered in an open box. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. On many occassions the crew and I dreading staying late for a final sports score, but knowing it was for him, it was always well worth it. We'd do anything for him and to see him do well on the air. He was a wonderfully talented sportscaster/reporter and quite a ham in front of the camera. I was thankful to have visited him this past June at the station to share a few laughs one last time. I miss the big guy already. A warm heart, great humor and a good friend.
I, if you remember, worked with Bill and yourself at News12 CT not too long ago, where I directed the newscasts and sports cut-ins. You were so right to describe Bill as having a sweet, lovable personality that would bring a smile to your face. He was that kind of guy. When he entered a room, I knew he and I were going to exchange one-liners and we'd have a good laugh. He used to have a box of ties in his office, if you remember. About a baker's dozen of them rolled up and scattered in an open box. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. On many occassions the crew and I dreading staying late for a final sports score, but knowing it was for him, it was always well worth it. We'd do anything for him and to see him do well on the air. He was a wonderfully talented sportscaster/reporter and quite a ham in front of the camera. I was thankful to have visited him this past June at the station to share a few laughs one last time. I miss the big guy already. A warm heart, great humor and a good friend.
09/24/07 @ 19:08
Comment from: Ken Best [Visitor]
A mutual friend once described Bill Gonillo as the biggest kid in the room. I think that is how I will remember him. He always seemed to be having a good time and his energy was unparalleled.
His enthusiasm for sports was genuine; his knowledge was encyclopedic; his commitment to his craft was professional; his friendly nature was sincere.
The last time I saw Billy was in the media center at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament in New Haven and, as always, he was calmly thinking through how he was going to get back to Norwalk, edit his videotape by the time he was to be in front of the camera. He grabbed my wrist to look at my watch, saw he had about an hour and said, "No problem." With that he slung his camera over the shoulder and headed out the door.
He had a deadline to meet and he wouldn't be late.
He left us much too early.
His enthusiasm for sports was genuine; his knowledge was encyclopedic; his commitment to his craft was professional; his friendly nature was sincere.
The last time I saw Billy was in the media center at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament in New Haven and, as always, he was calmly thinking through how he was going to get back to Norwalk, edit his videotape by the time he was to be in front of the camera. He grabbed my wrist to look at my watch, saw he had about an hour and said, "No problem." With that he slung his camera over the shoulder and headed out the door.
He had a deadline to meet and he wouldn't be late.
He left us much too early.
09/24/07 @ 19:55
Comment from: Joe Pullia [Visitor]
You know a person is very special when everyone thinks that he is one of their best friends. I know I did.
From the year I became Bill's intern 11 years ago, I knew that luck was with me. I not only found a mentor that would make the job fun, but a friend that I can count on both professionally and personally. He always joked when I said that he would give the shirt off his back...to which he replied, "Well, it's biggest enough to fit two people in!" Bill not only made the job fun, but he made life fun for everyone who was with him. We remained friends even after I moved on to other jobs and was always so supportive as I tried to climb up the broadcasting ladder. When we would get together for dinners, he never wanted to talk about himself, but everyone else who was there. He was the life of the party everywhere he went and made people feel special no matter if you knew him for five minutes or five years.
Your time came too soon Richard, and I cannot express how much you will be missed by my family and I. You are a special friend and will always be in my thoughts. God must have needed you to broadcast a big game or add some personality to his favorite sportscast. It is our loss and His gain. Save me a chocolate shake for when we see each other again. Your friend, Ricky.
From the year I became Bill's intern 11 years ago, I knew that luck was with me. I not only found a mentor that would make the job fun, but a friend that I can count on both professionally and personally. He always joked when I said that he would give the shirt off his back...to which he replied, "Well, it's biggest enough to fit two people in!" Bill not only made the job fun, but he made life fun for everyone who was with him. We remained friends even after I moved on to other jobs and was always so supportive as I tried to climb up the broadcasting ladder. When we would get together for dinners, he never wanted to talk about himself, but everyone else who was there. He was the life of the party everywhere he went and made people feel special no matter if you knew him for five minutes or five years.
Your time came too soon Richard, and I cannot express how much you will be missed by my family and I. You are a special friend and will always be in my thoughts. God must have needed you to broadcast a big game or add some personality to his favorite sportscast. It is our loss and His gain. Save me a chocolate shake for when we see each other again. Your friend, Ricky.
09/24/07 @ 20:56
Comment from: Rob Wilson [Visitor] · http://visitor
My wife and I had the pleasure of knowing Bill and enjoying his warmth, wit and insight for 19 years, dating back to our stint at WELI. He treated everyone with genuine interest, humor and charm, displaying the least-inflated ego of anyone I've ever met in the competitive broadcast business.
We periodically kept in touch, and no matter how much time elapsed between conversations, it seems as if we spoke only yesterday - about our health issues, mutual friends, gossip, rumor and confidential truths!
The three of us shared a looong, leisurely dinner early last month. He was happy, satisfied with his business and personal circumstances, and was eager for us to meet, eat, and laugh again - I am sure we will someday, somewhere.
Friends and colleagues have been blessed to know Bill and enjoy the singular pleasure of his company.
In Arthur Miller's "Death of Salesman" it was said that what mattered most in life was if you were "well liked." Oh, how well-regarded he was.
No one could ever find a reason to say a bad word about Billy - and all of these accolades hold your, my dear friend.
-- Rob Wilson
09/25/07 @ 16:49
Comment from: Kris Phillips [Visitor]
Be it personally or professionally, Bill cared. Bill was a friend. Bill was a colleague to some, a friend to many, and will be missed by all.
To say that his passing is a shock and untimely is an understatment.
Bill, your smile and wit will be missed on the high school scene, the college scene, and the professional level.
You truly made a difference.
To say that his passing is a shock and untimely is an understatment.
Bill, your smile and wit will be missed on the high school scene, the college scene, and the professional level.
You truly made a difference.
09/25/07 @ 17:02
Comment from: Daniel Kinsman [Visitor]
When it comes to loss of loved ones or the loss of good friends I refuse to believe that this life is all there is. I remember when my Dad who died from cancer withered away who at one point was so strong earlier in his life, After he died he came to me when I was sleeping one night to say thanks for the help I gave him. When I saw him he was standing tall and strong just like he used to then off he went to eternity. Faith which is believing in what you cannot see gets us through loss of friends or loved ones. Maybe your friend will still be there. Love goes beyond death.
09/26/07 @ 07:38
Comment from: Stacie Guilfoyle [Visitor]
I am walking in honor of Bill Gonillo in Fairfield on October 14th for the American Diabetes. I have formed a team called "Friends of Bill" and if you would like to make a donation online to our team, please visit
www.diabetes.org and click sponsor walker. You then have to select the city (Faifield) and the team (Friends of Bill). The site will then walk you through the rest. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me via email.
Let's raise a lot of money for American Diabetes and stop this disease from taking anyone else out of our lives.
www.diabetes.org and click sponsor walker. You then have to select the city (Faifield) and the team (Friends of Bill). The site will then walk you through the rest. If you have additional questions or comments, please contact me via email.
Let's raise a lot of money for American Diabetes and stop this disease from taking anyone else out of our lives.
09/28/07 @ 13:19
Comment from: DEBBIE HANLEY [Visitor]
I worked with Bill Gonillo at WELI for many years. Everyone always gahered near him at 5 pm to talk sports with him and just to talk to him. Everyone always looked for him. He was just Great! I amjust heartbroken. My prayers to all his family ...and friends..I am so sad because of this but so happy to have know him .Debbie Hanley
09/30/07 @ 16:55
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