Please help us remember Sonny by sending your favorite story to Lori. We will post them here in memorium so that family and friends can fondly remember all of the great times we had with Sonny.

Email stories to Lori Osinski lori@sonnyosinski.com

Submitted by Rocky Grande
Well how do I Start this Sonny O Story: As everyone knows me Rock, Sonny, & Clinton always had a Wildwood shore house every summer starting in 1985. Me and Sonny always had a Pennsauken Football vs. Camden Catholic Football battle. Who was Better, who would beat who, if we ever played against each other, you know, boys being boys story..... Anyway one Wildwood day after working, going to the beach With Cori & Lisa Laphan and all The 1986 Pennsauken Girls from Sams Pizza. Me and Sonny were watching family Ties and it was an episode where the little brother pretended to be deaf because his friend was deaf. So here we are, me and Sonny laying on our plastic couches sweating like crazy, because it's about 95 Degrees out "CRYING" over this episode. It touched us both so much that at the same time we were CRYING. The two big football players from Pennsauken & Camden Catholic, this was a heart felt bond Me & Sonny had that summer; and swore we would never ever tell anyone. To me, this just shows me how big of a heart Sonny has. He is a great friend from the day I met him in 7th Grade till the end of time. He will always be in all our hearts...
Miss You Sonny O.........
Love,
Rock G

Submitted by Lisa Mcandrew, Lisa Wilson, and Anthony Naro
Lori, how odd that we chose to look at this web site tonite not realizing that it is the anniversary of the passing of our dear friend Walt as we knew him. We were just talking about how wonderful the web site was and decided to click on. The pictures are great. They bring back so many memories of who Walt really was and all the great stories he told. We worked in the OR with him at memorial. He was so much fun and made us laugh everyday. Amazing how such a big burly guy could be so lovable. As told earlier, he ate like an animal. I worked at nite with Walt and frequently we had dinner together. He always finished my dinner for me because I could never eat that much, but not him!!! Looking at the pictures brings tears to our eyes. We love the OR picture of him with Dan at work. Walt always used to grunt and strike a muscle pose, or while scrubbed in surgery would team up with the doctor to harrass the nurse in the room by constantly yelling NURSE, NURSE, or stand there drawing naughty pictures on his scrubs to pass the time and once again make us laugh.Walt was never in a bad mood and never complained. The day he moved in with you, we told him this will be the one, and as time passed we could see it happening. We were so thrilled to see he found someone so special. Walt used to ask us married girls "how do you know when your in love", and then one day he realized how you know all on his own. He was so lucky to have you by his side as I'm sure you'll agree how lucky you were to have found such an amazing guy. Thanks for taking such good care of our good friend, and creating such a memorable web site to honor him. Please keep us informed of any charitable events in his honor that we could help out with.

Submitted by Beth Correll
Where to begin..... Sonny, as a brother to me and my husband was always ready for a great time. From Corona Sunday's to North Wildwood's beach and bars! My son Tyler loved to fish with his Uncle Sonny! He would get so excited to spend the week with him on our family vacation just to fish and drive the boat. He would always say "Tyler, fist me a cold one!" The way that Sonny ate walking the boards you would of thought he was pregnant. All they talked about was MACKS pizza! Sonny, Steven and Ed would load up the cooler, chairs and umbrella's while Gina and I got the kids ready. After seeing us get the kids finally ready for the beach Sonny would say "Go have a dozen!" Up until Sonny met Lori he never wanted to get married or have kids. Lori really did something special to him! When they me at my house to go get an engagement ring I had to call Gina! I never saw Sonny so excited and scared before. The love he had for Lori was amazing. Ed and I met Sonny and Lori at the Oaklyn Manor for some food and DRINKS to congratulate them on their engagement. I remember asking Sonny why he didn't look himself? He said he was going to get blood work done and within a few days Sonny was in the hospital. I will never forget Ed coming home from work in the middle of the night after being at the hospital with Sonny and Lori to tell me Sonny had Leukemia. I felt like I got hit by a bus, but Sonny as strong and he was, said he would beat it. He fought to the very end with Lori by his side. He never complained and still continued to live life to the fullest! Lori you are truly an angel for all that you did for Sonny and are still doing! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Sonny. My kids talk about all the good times they had with Uncle Sonny, even though Kira was afraid of him. There isn't enough thanks in the world for all that you have done Lori, not only for Sonny but also the Leukemia Society!

Love Always,
Beth Correll

Submitted by Jennifer Madden
There are many, many, many stories that could be told about Sonny. Being his little cousin he tried to "keep it clean" when I was around. But I can say that I have had the best laughs of my life on Merchantville Avenue. Going to "Club O's" was the highlight of my adolescence! Sitting around and having some cocktails with Aunt Barb, Uncle Walt and "the boys" are cherished times to me. I remember Uncle Walt stuffing napkins inside his cheeks to imitate "The Godfather" ... "Do you spend time with your family?" and the boys fighting over who was going to be "Fredo."

I remember countless Easter and Christmas holidays and one New Year's Eve where we all stood outside in the freezing cold to watch Sonny streak naked up the street and Uncle Walt putting his arm around me. I'll never forget the loving tone in his voice as he said, "That's my boy!"

Holidays we all dressed casual for the long nights of celebrating, except for Sonny. He always had a dress shirt and tie on for the festivities. My dad always said, "That's nice, Sonny. You have class!" And he did, he had loads of class!

There's one day, one moment with Sonny that I will always remember, my wedding day. I got married on a Friday night in February, a month after we lost Uncle Walt. I thought for sure that my cousins wouldn't make it to the Church because it was in Philly, it was a Friday and I was sure that they had work. I was wrong. The first person I saw when the Church doors opened was Sonny. When I seen the back of his beautiful bald head, I had a smile from ear to ear. I was so happy to see him. I was so surprised to see him and I was so proud that he was there. I knew he was there to represent his family. He was there for me, he was there for his mom and dad and he was there for his Uncle Tom. Sonny was so special and cherished his friends and family so much. I regret not telling him how much it meant to me that he was there that day. I think he knows now because I tell him in my prayers and when I hear that song that reminds me so much of him, "Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?" That song always makes me smile because I can still picture Sonny singing and posing in the "Action News" camcorder.

I miss him very much. I miss the times we all had together and all the laughs we had. I can still hear him say "How ya doin' sweetheart?"

Lori, thank you for being there for Sonny, for holding his hand and loving him so much. Thank you for being there for Steven, Joey, Gina & Angela. Thank you for bringing us this beautiful website so we can all remember Sonny and what a wonderful guy he was. The stories from his friends and family are so touching and most make me laugh out loud! Sonny was lucky to have you by his side and we are blessed to have you in our lives.

Love Always,
Jennifer Madden

Submitted by Susan Lippert
Although Sonny was only my brother-in-law for a short period of time, he will not be forgotten. Sonny (or Walt as I called him) had such a love for food. I recall him coming over for ribs and eating until he was sick, and then bringing home the leftovers to eat for breakfast. His favorite dish which my husband often made for him was Chicken Francais. He would eat about 20 pieces of it at one sitting. We loved feeding him and always knew that he would enjoy it. That was one of the little things that he did (not realizing) that made you feel good.

When Sonny found out that I had a Nextel phone he programmed his # into my phone, and we often called each other. It was usually nothing more than for me to yell out "Walt" and him to always answer "Yes, this is Walt". I remember even when he was sick after his bone marrow transplant I would still try to call him on the Nextel just to make sure that he would answer me. I tried not to ask him how he was doing because I know that he just wanted to be "normal", and not a sick guy with cancer.

As Sonny got sicker and couldn't eat, we kept telling him that as soon as he was up for it we would make him Chicken Francais and would get a smile out of him. We never got the chance to make him the meal again, but we always think about him when we have it now. I am happy for the time that he was in our lives and the short time that Lori had with him.

Submitted by Jenny Lyons
I have so many memories of Sonny as I have known him since I was 12 years old. Being Shannon's younger sister, and one of Lori's best friends, Sonny has always been a part of my life.

During my pregnancy, on Sonny's 33rd birthday, I was feeling very lost, and Sonny looked at me and said "you are the most beautiful pregnant woman I've ever seen". He had a way of making people feel special.

Over the next year as Lori and Sonny's relationship flourished, I spent much more time with Sonny and shared their excitement about their future plans.

I'll never forget the day Lori and I had plans to look for her wedding dress, she called me to tell me Sonny's lab work was abnormal and he would be fine and we would reschedule, we never had that chance.

During his treatment we all had the chance to be together, one last time, at the beach. True to form, Sonny made the vacation a time to remember: funny, special, appreciative, and thankful.

My husband was a very special part of funeral service. I was so sad, yet I was so proud to see my husband standing in front of one of my best friends to represent this amazing man. Time has passed, and his loss is profound.

I still bring my daughter, Hayden, to the cemetery. She sings twinkle, twinkle little star, to a man she will miss and know through memories of so many who loved him. She looks at the sky and thinks of Sonny.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SONNY!

Submitted by Alan Gudis
This truly is a superlative site.

It is a wonderful tribute to one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend.

There are so many stories that I could write about and so many great things to talk about when you consider Sonny O. Unfortunately there is not enough time and not enough space.

There were so many sides to Sonny and I really do believe that he surprised a lot of people by being as well rounded as he was. I think what made me feel like he was such an amazing person was how he would make everyone feel important to him. Sonny would always take care of things and he would always be there for someone in need.

Some of the greatest times I have ever had with Sonny were heading down the shore, fishing, hitting the Casino's, the endless nights at Dillon's/ Bryson's, sitting by the pool, and watching Sunday football. But, I think the greatest times with Sonny O were the marathon poker games we would have. It was like a big happy family betting against each other and insulting one another. Those were some of the most outrageous times I had with him. Not only was it with him. There were so many faces at our card games. But they were special times because it was hours of time spent with Sonny, Mr. O, my father Curly, Steven, Joey, Greg, Everett, Paul, Wiley, Gary, Ray and if I missed anyone I am sorry but these are the people that were staples at the table.

I can't think of one particular card game that sticks out. So many of them at so many different locations. I do however remember one summer, I think it may have been 99'. That summer was one of the hottest summers ever. Not only was it hot but it never rained. I remember this because every Sunday we would sit and play cards by the pool and when it got too hot or when it was Ray's turn to deal we would all jump in the pool and cool off. Hours, seriously hours of gambling. Marathon games that would start in the early afternoon and end very late in the evening. And forget about it if there was a holiday on a Monday where no one had to work. Sonny's go to saying was " when are we throwing some vinyl".

Those times seem so long ago. They are special because Sonny loved playing cards and loved being around all the guys. Sure he took the brunt of a lot of the jokes but, we all did and that's what made them great times, the comradery that we all shared.

Sonny's life was well accomplished. He did a lot and never complained about anything, not even when he was as sick as he was. I believe that's what made him such a polished person. I think about him often and wonder what it would be like if he were still here. He was a true friend to all and I considered him part of my family. Knowing him has allowed me to be a better person and I will never forget his true friendship. I always admired him and do now more than ever. It is not often that you meet someone as genuine as him.

Submitted by Shannon Talbot
I have spent a lot of time thinking of a story to share, but I think the beginning of "Sonny and Lori" is a solid choice.

After serving his country in the Navy, stationed in Guam, Sonny came home to Merchantville Avenue to live with "Babs" (Mrs. O) and Walt (Mr. O). During this time, my husband and I lived around the corner on Walnut Avenue and had the pleasure of frequent interaction with this unique and endearing brood. As the years passed, tragedy befell the Osinski family with the loss of the beloved "Babs", a wonderful woman who shamelessly wore the love she felt for her husband and her "boys" on her sleeve. More time passed and "Mr. O" and the Osinski boys were faced again with the unthinkable, the loss of "Mr. O" after a very intense battle with cancer. (Truth be told, I believe "Mr. O" died of a broken heart.) During this heart wrenching time, Steven, the middle Osinski, had the love and support of a good woman, his wife, and my longtime friend, Gina Osinski. Sonny and Joey were still single during this trying time.

It was June 1, 2002, Sonny’s 33rd birthday and about 5 months since the passing of his beloved father. I had recruited the help of my best friend Lori to help me do some gardening. During the early afternoon of this beautiful day, I was at work in the garden and Lori was at work changing CD’s on the porch, when Sonny "O" rode down the street in his blue pick up. We flagged him down and enjoyed each other’s company the remainder of the day. Of course, libations added to the fun. During the course of the day, the living arrangements between Sonny and Lori were born. (As most of the people reading this know, Lori and Sonny had also been friends for 20 plus years.) Sonny was emotionally touched when we returned with clams, mussels, crabs, shrimp, birthday cake and more beer, after realizing it was his birthday. Sonny’s 33rd birthday feast was celebrated by Lori, Jenny, Rich and Shannon, and I know we all cherish the lovely memory more than words could ever express.

Submitted by Christine Kimber
I met Sonny the summer of 2002, when my sister Lori moved in as his roommate. December came and the two of them declared themselves a couple and there was no looking back. They became engaged February 14, 2004. I can still picture this day in my head, Sonny was incredibly proud to have Lori as his fiancé and they were both so very happy and full of plans for the future. There happiness was soon interrupted with the news of his illness. Lori and Sonny looked at his illness as an obstacle they would surely overcome. The coming months brought endless chemotherapy and subsequent hospitalizations. Never once did I hear him complain, he was always trying to make everyone else feel at ease. Lori organized with the help of colleagues and great friends several blood drives and a benefit for Sonny. The benefit brought so many people that had loved Sonny over the years. Every person had a story about what a great guy he was, and how he touched their lives. I was so moved by the number of people who loved this man; he brought so much joy to so many people. I feel like I missed out on such a special person. I always figured there would be time.

Sonny lives on with me and my children every day. I tell them he is in heaven (I’m certain), and when my husband travels in an airplane for work they always say "Mommy, Daddy will be close to Uncle Sonny". It makes me sad, but it is such a sweet reminder of this man who truly touched my life.

Submitted by Gina Osinski
Lori,
As I looked over the web site I could not help but laugh and cry. The pictures are the epitome of who Sonny was, every single one has a story to tell. The other stories submitted by friends do not surprise me. Even those who felt they did not know him well, felt changed by just knowing him at all. I was there when we began that friendship with Sonny so many years ago. Who would have ever thought that he would become such an important part of our lives. First as one of my best friends and then as my brother through marriage. Best of all, what girl doesn't dream about one of her best friends marrying her husband's brother? Our dreams came true if even for a brief period of time. I cherish every moment I had with Sonny and every long serious talk, which many were about you. I recall the day he bought your ring. He must have called me more than a few times. He was so nervous that he would choose the wrong thing. I told him to trust himself and of course I gave him a little help... I knew he was falling for you from the start and he kept it no secret from me, one of the many other serious conversations we were always having. He was an important part of this family and will remain one even in his passing. He will be loved always and missed severely. His life was well lived and to the fullest. We should all aspire to take a page out of his book. I know that I am a better person for having known him and for having the privilege of being a part of his family.
Gina Osinski

Submitted by Richard Giannini
I worked with Walt (Sonny) at Burlington Memorial Hospital for several years until he became a police officer. I remember when he first came to the hospital he was as quiet as a mouse,he didn't say anything at all. But if we all know Walt it would be hard to believe, he was so full of life. Walt and I were not friends outside work but I felt like he was one of my best friends. One of the things that I remember most about Walt was when we had down time in the operating room we would all sit down and eat together in the lounge and he would come back from the cafeteria with three hamburgers, french fries and some type of dessert. He would finish all his food and then ask everyone if they had any food leftover that they didn't want. We would ask "How the hell can you eat so much?" and we still laugh about that to this day. Years ago there would be alot of down time and Walt and I would sit down and talk. I remember when you (Lori) moved into his house after his father passed away to help cover all the bills, so he used to say. He used to say that he was falling in love with you but that you and him were friends and he didn't want to wreck your friendship. One night I remember he said that he could not take it anymore what should he do and I said that if you love her tell her. To this day I don't know if he listened to me or someone else but you were the best thing that ever happened to him. Sometimes when I am sitting alone and I am thinking of Walt I still get all choked up. He was a very special person. Hope you are doing fine.
Thinking of you,
Rich

Submitted by David Pancrazio
I am not sure if you will remember me. My name is David Pancrazio, Ed Correll's good friend.
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how wonderful I thought the website is.
I see that you may be planning some fundraisers in the future and I wanted to let you know that I would be proud to help in any way I can.
Sonny and I were not very close but I am honored to say he was a friend. I have spent a lot of time with Sonny, Joey, Steven, and Ed. I must say that my memories of Sonny are that of a caring, loving, and sensitive person. I realize that sounds a little soft for a Police Officer and ex-Navy man, but then again I am also comparing him to Joey and Steven. (ha,ha)
I remember going to Ft. Lauderdale just a couple of years ago with Sonny and the gang, we had a great time. Lots of Laughing, fishing, drinking, and camaraderie among all of us.
I also remember a February day in 2004 when I took Sonny to the famous "Jewelers Row" in downtown Philadelphia to select a diamond engagement ring for you. Well, I didn't do any selecting, I was there because of my background in diamonds and I personally knew all the diamond dealers. Sonny was so happy as he selected that perfect gem.
Looking back on all the care, love, and support you provided for Sonny, especially in his last months with us it is obvious that we were simply buying a stone, for his perfect gem was you!
I can't say I knew a lot about Sonny, but I know he was very proud and happy to be marrying you. Believe me, we spent most of the day trying to convince him to stay single but he wouldn't listen. (only joking)
I am glad that I knew Sonny Osinski. I am sure in some ways I am a better person for it.
Best Wishes,
David Pancrazio

Submitted by Kathy Levenberg
Lori,
This is such a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. I remember when Sonny was in Cooper and we always would call and include him in our lunch plans. Then there were the never ending IV insertions. He never complained, though and always had something nice to say, even when you knew he didn’t feel good. I will visit the site as often as I can and you did a wonderful job. I know he is so proud of you.
Love,
Kathy