Sad News

[Ramfins59]

I heard from a friend yesterday that Classic Plastic Model Club's President, Del Paone has passed away.  He was battling cancer.  Del was a great modeler and all-around party animal.  Years ago when I lived on Long Island (NY) we'd travel up to the Holiday Inn in Taunton, MA for the MassCar Model Exhibition.  The show was on Sunday but we would go up on Saturday afternoon and stay at the hotel.  After bringing our luggage and models up to our room, we would meet all the party people downstairs at the bar.  Invariably Del was "holding court" in his usually boisterous way, wearing his shorts and buying drinks and shots for everyone.  I don't think Del even owned a pair of long pants.  I suffered many serious hangovers on the day of the show as a result of partying until the wee hours of the morning.

I "bend an elbow" in memory of my friend Del Paone......  R.I.P. buddy. 

[High octane]

I heard that on another board and that is sad news. While I've never met him I am familiar with his fantastic models and "over the top" detailing, as I've seen many of his builds in model car magazines. May he R.I.P.

[SfanGoch]

Sorry to hear this. I remember seeing his models in SA. Really great stuff.

[peteski]

That was a very sad and surprising news (I'm a member of the Classic Plastic Model Club) and I just saw Del at the meeting we had week ago.  He conducted the meeting as usual and even presented a lengthy show-n-tell about his latest model.

We knew about his illness but he seemed to be doing ok.  Now he is gone!  When we elected him the club president, we jokingly made him president for life.  He lived up to that bargain. He was by far the best club president (and a friend) we had, and he sure lived his life to the fullest!  And as as you guys know, he was a great modeler. He will be dearly missed by all of us.  R.I.P. Del!  I hope that where you are now there are lots of fast cars and lots of model kits.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Very said news. Never had the pleasure of meeting him. He drag cars were very cool.

[MrObsessive]

Wow............I get up from sleeping after working all night long, and now I see this!

I've run into Del many times over the past 20 years or so at the NNL East particularly, and I'm really shocked to hear this! I just saw him in fact at this past NNL and had no idea that he was ill. Yeah, he built some FANTASTIC stuff, and his work will be greatly missed.

Anyone know how old Del was? I'm curious as to me he wasn't "old".......although this sort of thing can strike at any age sadly.

[dimaxion]

I remember some of his builds in SAE . Condolences and Prayers to his loved ones he left behind . Thanx .. 

[Jon Cole]

Del rocked. When I was down, he did his best to help me out. He will be so missed.

[peteski]

2 hours ago, MrObsessive said:

Anyone know how old Del was? I'm curious as to me he wasn't "old".......although this sort of thing can strike at any age sadly.

Don't know exactly, but he was in his 60s.

[D. Battista]

Very sorry to hear this news..!   I was lucky enough to have met Del once in Toledo Ohio at the NNL .... Very nice guy and a great builder, he spent some time sharing some tips and some of his techniques with me.

 

[PARTSMARTY]

So sorry to hear this.He was an absolute master builder and built some totally awesome models.My heart goes out to the family.

[disabled modeler]

55 minutes ago, PARTSMARTY said:

So sorry to hear this.He was an absolute master builder and built some totally awesome models.My heart goes out to the family.

Same here...sad to hear this.