I grew up 2 blocks away from the Gipper. He lived on 45th street, and I lived on 47th street. Played with his kids from time to time (they were a little older, and hung with my sister more than me). The Gip once ran over my bicycle when I was about 7 or 8. My fault, laid it down in the driveway and since it was on a slight hump, I'm sure he couldn't see it when he backed up. That night he showed up at our door with a brand new green Murray bicycle complete with banana seat.
My mom knew the Gipper too. She was the bartender on Tom Raley's yacht (85' motor yacht), and Ronnie would come out at least once a year and spend a day or two cruising with Tom and just relaxing. He tipped VERY well. My mom who was a lifelong democrat voted for Ronnie every time. She said it was because she could look him in the eye and see that he was a genuine man who meant what he said.
