Not sure if anyone's aware, but there is some very sad news to report about a long-time and well known GBB member, a member who last posted on the boards just a few months back.
22 yr old Don Colletti (aka Austin Bice), was discovered dead by authorities in Madrid, Spain on March 8th. His final post here on February 18th highlighted his study abroad trip to Madrid. I know some of us stayed in touch with Austin through facebook, but I only heard this awful news a few days ago after noticing one of his friends post condolences on his wall.
He was a young man full of life who seemed to have the entire world in his hands. This is such a shame.
22 yr old Don Colletti (aka Austin Bice), was discovered dead by authorities in Madrid, Spain on March 8th.
Ice, please start a new thread about this. Not many may remember, but I should start an IN MEMORIAM section one of these days now that we've lost at least 2 members
Last edited by J Geoff; 05/09/1102:05 AM. Reason: pic
I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! lol
Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy?--Peter Griffin
He was an early member (April, 2002) here on the Boards and he was truly a gentle soul, belying his giant size (he was a BIG man, standing about 6'5" and 280 pounds). He spoke often of his love of football (playing it) and of movies.
He looked nothing like his avatar (of Sylvester Stallone) but that is how I'll remember him.
Oh man. So sad. This a testament to the real feelings of friendship that abound on this board. Even though we don't physically meet someone, you feel a connection and sense of loss when they're gone. My sympathies to his family and friends.
After hearing this story, I just realized I saw this on the news when it happened. Not knowing people's real names I had no idea this was him. I remember when they found him. This is such a tragedy.
Last edited by Beth E; 05/09/1108:25 AM.
How about a little less questions and a lot more shut the hell up - Brian Griffin
Really? Yes, I remember Don Colletti. If I remember correctly he was from California (Orange County I think? Although by the link maybe San Diego?)
He was always very nice and seemed like a likeable kid. He hadn't posted in a while but he would always pop in every now and then even just to say hello.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. And, so very young. How sad. My prayers to his family and thank you Ice for letting us know.
Ice, do they know what caused his death?
TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 05/09/1109:23 AM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
Thanks Beth! How tragic. I can't even imagine the pain the family feels. I wish there were a guest book for condolences. Not that anyone would now me from Adam, but I feel the need to express my condolences. This just makes me SO sad.
RIP Austin
TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 05/09/1109:46 AM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
I've been reading over the links posted here. What a handsome young man! And from reading his posts over the years, he was very sweet, too. I think the part that got me was reading his last post and knowing how much he was loving his trip, and then reading that his father was in Spain searching for him just a short time later.
God bless his family, and give them them strength. As I know I've mentioned before, this is every parent's ultimate nightmare, and I can't imagine their anguish.
The Mafia Is Not Primarily An Organisation Of Murderers. First And Foremost,The Mafia Is Made Up Of Thieves. It Is Driven By Greed And Controlled By Fear.
Between The Law And The Mafia, The Law Is Not The Most To Be Feared
"What if the Mafia were not an organization but a widespread Sicilian attitude of hostility towards the law?"
My thoughts and most deep felt condolences are with the family.
Wow...rest in peace, Austin.
"Growing up my dad was like 'You have a great last name, Galifianakis. Galifianakis...begins with a gal...and ends with a kiss...' I'm like that's great dad, can we get it changed to 'Galifianafuck' please?" -- Zach Galifianakis
I'm very sorry for Austin and his family. I rember him from years ago--a very nice, very gentle, very young man. I remember being surprised, when seeing his photo in "what we look like," that someone so young posted so thoughtfully.
Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu, E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu... E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.
I messaged him and a few others on Facebook on March 8, regarding a meet-up in London this summer; I did wonder why he never replied, but hadn't heard the news till now.
...dot com bold typeface rhetoric. You go clickety click and get your head split. 'The hell you look like on a message board Discussing whether or not the Brother is hardcore?
I just saw this thread - I feel terrible for his family for such a tragic loss. I too have a habit of thinking that people that post on this forum look like their avatar, so in my mind he is Stallone. May he rest in peace and his family find strength and peace.
Last edited by Don Marco; 05/11/1111:59 AM.
"After all, we are not communists"
Christopher Moltisanti: You ever think what a coincidence it is that Lou Gehrig died of Lou Gehrig's disease?
Tony Soprano: Yeah well, when you're married, you'll understand the importance of fresh produce.
I meant no disrespect SC, but I did not know him. That's the only reason why I referred to him as "guy". It seems like most of you here knew him or at least interacted with him a little bit. I don't remember talking to him. My condolences go out to his family.
"What is given, can be taken away. Everyone lies. Everyone dies." - Casey Anthony, in a poem, July 7, 2008
I meant no disrespect SC, but I did not know him. That's the only reason why I referred to him as "guy". It seems like most of you here knew him or at least interacted with him a little bit.
All the more reason to not refer to Austin as, "guy".
When you talk about someone who recently died to his friends and acquaintances you should, at least, show enough respect and personalize your comment(s).
I'm still sad about this. He wasn't constantly on the BB but when he was he was always an upbeat and friendly young man. I think we all got a sense of his personality. I keep thinking of the family and what they must be going through.
TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
One by one, our old friends are gone...but they aint old!
Plaw went before his time, and Austin was way too young!
This is so so sad. I'll always remember his joyful spirit around here.
JG - can you please disable the ratings for both this and plaw's thread? one has 3 stars and the other has 4, and it's just disgusting to see these stars appear next to these threads.
"Come out and take it, you dirty, yellow-bellied rat, or I'll give it to you through the door!"
Wow, 3 years already? I was so shocked when I heard that news. He was always such a polite young man, friendly to everyone. What a tragedy. Seeing the slide show, was very touching. Looked like a very nice family. RIP Austin
TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 12/30/1311:47 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
I ran in the Cleveland Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. During the race, I saw a couple of people wearing shirts that said "Team Austin Bice." Does anybody know where he was from? In the beginning of this thread I saw he passed away in Spain. And I realize it's not a completely uncommon name. If nothing else, it made me think of the BB's Austin Bice and hoping that he is at peace.
I think he was here in CA. San Diego I believe. I remember him well. He was always respectful and friendly. Nice kid!!
TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
Maybe not a coincidence. If you go to http://www.austinbice.com/ (which has been mentioned a few times in this thread, years ago), it's about the 2012 Oceanside Turkey Trot. Is that the same thing? If so, too bad the site hasn't been updated (and, has been stripped of everything but that).....
I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! lol
Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy?--Peter Griffin
That is a fear parents have when their kids travel abroad.
When my youngest daughter had a chance to live in Germany and go their to school for a semester.
I used her credit card to track her. She was living with a family who taught in the school. I had someone do a check on that family. I had that person watch over her. That is my daughter the communist . I taught them all I have 4 kids how to defend themselves.
The worst thing I can think of is out living your kids.
When my oldest went to college and that was here in the U.S. I tracked him through his credit card. Before he went I went to the west village I bought him condoms. I told the gay guy I want to buy condoms that were like a suit of armor
I hope at the funeral when they talk about their son. They talk about the good times they had with him and not about his death.
When I talk about people who are gone I talk about the good times we had and not about their death or how they died.
lol
