Buddy Verardi’s remarkable bowling over the years speaks for itself, so it was no surprise that he was included in the 25th anniversary class of the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame.
It was a marvel that the 46-year-old Oakwood resident showed up for his induction into the Hall on Sunday night in front of a full house at the Staaten Restaurant.
Just before the pandemic, Verardi’s lungs were assaulted by an autoimmune illness that left him literally out of breath, necessitating a double lung transplant a few months ago.
It is the most amazing thing ever! Regarding his induction for exceptional performance, Verardi remarked, “It’s just so special.” I’ve always wanted to be here.
On Sunday, Verardi joined 11 other Island keglers who were inducted into the S.I. Bowling Hall of Fame. The others were Adrienne Paccione and John McLaughlin for distinguished service, Walter Palmer and Tony Everts for superior performance, Frank Passaro, Lou Rimi, Dorothy Dee Graf, Melissa Hughes, Nicole Camarda, and Diana (Ragusa) Allocca for superior performance.
About 37 years ago, Verardi made his bowling debut at Victory Lanes as a junior kegler. He then took his skills to Susan Wagner High School, where coach Howie Newman helped him win two PSAL city titles.
At the sixth annual Staten Island Bowl Hall banquet in 2005, the gifted southpaw—who was renowned for the incredible rotations on his ball—was given the first-ever, consecutive 300 Game Award. He went on to become one of Victory’s most feared bowlers. He never had an average below 200 from 1999 to 2021, and in the 2020–21 season, his average steadily increased to 228.
At that time, he had an autoimmune condition that destroyed his lungs and made it so difficult for him to breathe that he need oxygen constantly. Verardi’s condition deteriorated shortly after receiving a COVID diagnosis.
As stated by Verardi, creator of eight 800 series and eighteen flawless games, “my hands swelled up and I couldn’t breathe anymore; my heart started to race and stuff like that.” The process took a long time. I endured suffering on over 20 liters of oxygen every day for approximately four years. To keep the oxygen flowing, I was on household machines.
Due to his illness, Verardi had to stop bowling, but he was focused on surviving instead of thinking about that.
Verardi’s situation finally improved following the double lung transplant, although he is still unemployed.
Last August, he made his way back to the lanes, initially throwing only a half-game before increasing to a game as his lungs strengthened.
In his return to the sport, Verardi averaged 186 in 30 practice games. “I’m throwing a 14-pound ball (instead of the 16-pounders that most seasoned keglers use) and just taking it easy,” he said. Even if my lungs are 100% healthy, I still have autoimmune illness, but it won’t stop me. My goal is to become half as good as I was.
On Sunday night, Greg Goldstein, on the left, introduced Buddy Verardi to the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame. (The Advance of Staten Island)SIA
Greg Goldstein, a teammate who introduced Verardi to the audience on Sunday night, expressed his happiness at seeing his friend return to the lanes.
After bowling with Verardi for almost two decades, Goldstein stated, “He’s able to bowl three games; he’s a little winded, he’s a little tired after the fact.” But he’s recovering, and I’ll take him back to league bowling when he’s able to bowl in September of next year.
According to Lisa, Goldstein’s wife, Verardi’s story is a true miracle.
“It’s amazing after everything he’s been through,” she said. For you to go bowling once more? After then, some people simply have trouble breathing.
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A bust of the late Rab Wilkinson, one of the founders of the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame, was given to the Wilkinson family. (Photo courtesy of Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island
One of the founding fathers of the S.I. Bowling Hall of Fame, Donny Walters, received the Founders Award close to the start of the celebrations, and the family of co-founder of the Staten Island Bowling Hall, Rab Wilkinson, received a life-size sculptured bust of Rab, who died in 2008.
According to Frank Wilkinson, son of Rab and owner of Rab’s Country Lanes, the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame Dinner is still a beloved custom that unites our bowling community in honor of the sport we love, even after 25 years. The growth of this event since its inception is gratifying, and I’m sure my father and the other founders would be pleased to see it flourish. Maintaining this custom not only pays tribute to bowling but also preserves my father’s memory as a part of his legendary legacy.
Following the death of her husband, renowned Country house pro Ray Laursen, in February, Nazareth Laursen and her family were also recognized by S.I. Bowling Hall director John Eadicicco.
A little less than 300 people attended the event, which Frank Passaro, a member of the Staten Island Hall of Fame, described as a who’s who of the local bowling community.
Professional bowlers Parker Bohn III, Kelly Kulick, and Johnny Petraglia were also among the large crowd. Kulick auctioned off bowling balls and pins that had been signed.
In addition, Mike King was given the Ben McNevich Memorial Award, and Terri Hart, the assistant youth organizer at Country Lanes, was given the Gloria Simonson/Donna Zajac Memorial Award.
Additionally, the Rab Wilkinson Toast of the Town Award was given to Anne Trischetta, who recently celebrated her 99th birthday.
Anthony Everts accepts his induction into the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame. (Advantage of Staten Island)SIA
John LaSpina, who has been involved with the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) for fifty years and operates three locations in the metropolitan area and two in Florida, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame.
In addition, the yearly High School All-Star Awards were presented, although this year they were dubbed in Ray Laursen’s honor.
Mason Maniaci-Herber (St. Joseph by-the-Sea), Chelsea Pabey (St. Joseph Hill), Peter Flynn (Sea), Andrei Kovmir (Sea), Robert Werling (Moore), Justin Arenas (Sea), Joseph Guarnieri (St. Peter’s), Brendan Gavrity (Monsignor Farrell), Madison Gigliello (Port Richmond), Kiara Lombardi (Petrides), Anthony Laverdi (Tottenville), Yannis Cho (Susan Wagner), and Rocco Perri (McKee/Staten Island Tech) were the recipients of the Ray Laursen All-Star Awards.
Arenas added the Robert Hanel 800 Award to his collection, and Guarnieri and Arenas also won the Jackson Smith Youth 300 Awards.
James Nye and Morgan Gigliello won the Donna Zajac Memorial High School Scholarships.
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