by Adam Reek
Andy Morris relayed a message from Alec Dinner: Rob Coppolillo was gone. It's been a week, and I'm still grappling with it.
We met over 30 years ago. I'd just landed in Boulder for a VeloNews job. My first weekend, Alec said, "Dude, you've GOT to meet Rob!" Rob, living in a cramped apartment with his brother Pete and a seemingly 200-pound Husky, embraced me with a booming welcome.
Eight magical, irreplaceable years in Boulder followed. Rob was woven into the fabric of it all: Thursday nights devouring home delivered warm cookies with ice-cold milk at Julia Loo’s house while glued to Taxi and Cheers episodes, long rides and races, surviving his legendary parties, and our unforgettable Sicilian adventure in 1994. I'd often catch his signature smirk and mutter, "Damn, Rob, what did you do now?" He'd erupt in laughter, launching into another unbelievable story, the kind only he could pull off.
I still hear your voice and I still see your smile. I miss you “Carnalito” and I’ll never forget you.