Wednesday, October 29, 2025
I met Jane McCrudden on July 4, 1992 on Lenape Island, NJ at a big family holiday barbecue, invited by her son, my beloved and dearest friend, Ira. It was approximately 3 months after a very big national news story at that time. The story was about a girl dubbed The Long Island Lolita, Amy Fisher, who shot her lover's (Joey Buttafucco) wife, Mary Jo, in the face at the front door of the Buttafucco home. Imagine, if you will, a 65 year old (at the time) Jane, whipping open the front door to meet me for the first time, not by saying "Hello, nice meeting you," but instead, impersonating Mary Jo perfectly, right down to the altered voice and facial paralysis, saying, "My Joey is a good man, that lying Lolita thinks she can come between Joey and me..I stand by my Joey, he's a good man." Then throwing her head back laughing and slamming the door shut, while I stood there, absolutely astonished. Well, everything about my friend Ira suddenly became crystal clear. I fell in love with her (and her wonderful husband James) instantly. She was kind, loyal, sharp as a tack. generous, tough, hilarious and insane. She called me often over many many years. We had long secret conversations and she was very wise. I have never known anyone so completely authentic in my life and I will miss her always. I write this on October 29th, 24 hours since the news of my own 93 year old mother's passing. Life will never be the same. My deepest condolences to all of the McCrudden's large extended family and, of course, to my dear Ira. See you on the other side Jane. I know you will be waiting.
