http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wir ... l-23216157

This one really hurts. I went to college with John and knew him before he began doing standup. In fact, John and another guy that I was friends with were standing near the dorms in Lowell, Massachusetts when he talked about going to some open mic nights and trying to be a comedian. I laughed at the idea because I didn't think that anyone could make it that way. Boy was I wrong. He ended up being a really funny guy and I'm really sad to hear this.

(I know this news was already posted upstairs, but I thought it was worth repeating here.)

Wow, I didn't know you knew him right at the beginning. My condolences, and yes, he was a very funny man.

Sorry to hear that. My condolences, Steve.

I am so sorry to hear this Steve. My God, he was only 50. He was extremely talented and will miss his stand-ups.

Rick A.

Condolences to you, Steve. I was a fan.

I can't take any credit for knowing John. I lost touch with him around the same time that he started going to open mic nights. It's just that any time someone who you've known dies, particularly someone younger than yourself, it hurts.