Matty Hickey was tough... a friend. (Tougher than I was). His reputation and a lucky left hook (by me) changed my life. 

This night in May 1962 started off good. We and our dates went "parking" in my 54 Pontiac. (at the Bronx River). Afterwards we went to Andy's Bar&Deli (as usual) waiting for the guys. (They never showed).

I remember every detail of that night. Having to relate the event in front of Judge Carlson of the City of Yonkers Criminal Court. (Over the summer of 62)

"Let's have a slap fight Bobby". I hit him with a lucky left hook (In the eye).  He went crazy."It's now for real" Matty said. He immediately drove me on top of my car. Punching down, me, punching up (And loosing)

"Herbie Faultner" the beat cop came out of Andy's (having a few) and tried to get Matty off me. Matty picked up a 7 up bottle, broke it and turned on Herbie. He pulled his gun and shot.(Breaking Morty's Hardware picture store window). Alarm Sounded!!!

We were arrested, Front Page, Herald Statesman..."2 Youths Assault Policemen,Shots Fired."

We were found guilty of "1st Degree Assault on a Policeman,3rd Degree Assault on each other and Vagrancy". Sentenced to 4 yrs at the Correction Facility at Sing Sing,Ossining NY (suspended sentence). If Matty went into the Navy (After graduation,in one month) and I went to Pennsylvania Military College. (9/62).

Voices from Video 50th Reunion :  PMC Class 1966

hhtps:://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqvg1SZ52kU  

Scary Bob.  PMC was the best thing for you, me and many of our classmates, and many of our Alumni.  It taught us discipline, it taught us responsibility and taught us honor.  It also created lifelong friendships that continue today.  Thank you Judge Carlson for sending Bobby to PMC.  He is a great friend, brother and turned his and many other life around.  Well done Bob.

YITB Clark