Lil’ John Buttera (continued)
In the late 80’s through the new millennium Lil’ John designed cutting edge components and parts for companies like Edelbrock, Harley-Davidson, and others. He became well known in the custom motorcycle scene building several “Smoothie” style V-Twin bikes. What Lil’ John loved best was building street rods and driving them across country. He was honored as a Goodguy’s “Hot Rod Hero”. He would step beyond the wildest dreams in creative imagination. John’s legacy was his Indy car involvement. He was awarded the first ever Clint Brawner Trophy for technical achievement, this award which resides today in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum. It has been said that few share Lil’ John’s level of pure artistic and technical creativity. In recent years he would spend time in his garage building hot rods. Lil’ John leaves behind his son, daughter, son in law and two grandchildren. I guess the saying is true that “only the good die young”, Lil’ John you will be missed by so many!
Boyd Coddington
World Renowned Hot Rod Builder and custom car designer, Boyd Coddington, Star of the “American Hot Rod” Cable TV reality show, dies at the young age of 63. Boyd was born August 28th, 1944 in Rupert, Idaho, leaving this world February 27th, 2008. It has been told that Boyd grew up on his father’s farm where he spent countless hours with his nose in custom car magazines. At 13 years of age he negotiated his first vehicle by trading his shotgun for a ‘31 Chevy pickup truck. Boyd was a Disneyland machinist prior to making his name in the hot rod / custom car word. The legendary hot rod builder and multi award winner will be missed by many. Boyd Coddington leaves his wife, Jo and five sons, his sister, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild along with countless fans and followers!
Al Hofmann
National event winning Funny Car driver, Al Hofmann died March 20th of a heart attack at his home in Florida. Al Hofmann was born in Peekskill, NY, he began racing at Dover Drag Strip in Wingdale, NY and considered Dover to be his home track.
Like so many of the racers, Al street raced then shifted over to sanctioned races. It has been said that Al said, after his first time out that he “was hooked right away”. He’d been nicknamed “Hang em High” with his ‘55 Chevy and again nicknamed “Rat Poison” with his ‘57. Al later headed for Pro Stock, the need for speed led him to the Funny Cars. Al was the second Funny Car driver to exceed 300 mph. Al we are wishing you continued good times in the big sky, hangin’ with all the old racers!
Ronnie Italiano
Better known as “Ronnie I”, passed away March 3rd, 2008. Ronnie was a lover of group harmony sound and the founder of the UGHA (United In Group Harmony Association). Ronnie was the owner of Clifton Music store in Clifton, NJ. Ronnie also produced and recorded many known and unknown singing groups on his record label, Clifton Records. He had a great knowledge of music, keeping it alive was his passion. Ronnie provided dignity to many long ignored artists, he was a man that is, and will continue to be, admired by so many. Music was in his heart and soul. As dedicated as Ronnie was in preserving the music, there is no question that the clouds above are filled with great sounds of doowop and acapella right now. As the song says “Rock n Roll Is Here To Stay .. It Will Never Die.” Ronnie you will live on and be remembered in our hearts and sounds forever!
Charlie Ryan
Charlie was born December 19th, 1915 in Graceville, Minn. Sadly, Charlie Ryan passed away in his hometown of Spokane, Wash., at the young age of 92 on February 16th, 2008. Songwriter and singer Charlie Ryan will live on in our hearts forever with his popular song “Hot Rod Lincoln”. Charlie and Ruthie, his wife, wrote this song together. It was inspired by Charlie’s own 1930 Model A Ford Coupe that was powered by a Lincoln motor. The song Hot Rod Lincoln, written between 1947 and 1950, was a hit in the mid-50’s by Johnny Bond and later covered by Commander Cody. Charlie and Ruthie recently celebrated their wedding anniversary of 70 years. Charlie leaves behind his wife and 3 children, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Charlie ... may you keep “twisting the speedometer cable off the end”, wherever you’re drivin’ that Hot Rod Lincoln!
Still Runnin Magazine
has gathered information
believed accurate from reputable sources. If there are any errors, we apologize in advance to the families and our readership. Our sincere condolences go out to the families and friends for their loss of their loved ones. SR