by Richard J. King/photos as noted
Mike Del Vecchio passed away August 31, 2023. Mike had served as President of the Tri-State Railway Historical Society for twenty-six of the past thirty years, and had been a member of Tri-State since the 1980s. In recent years, he had been an “elder statesman” in the realm of railfan historical and restoration organizations.
As a young kid, not too far removed from high school, this writer became involved in the Tri-State Railway Historical Society during 2015. From my earliest involvement, I was awed by Mike’s railroad experience, his vast knowledge, and ability to get various groups to work together to advance the cause of rail history preservation. As I became more involved in Tri-State, it was clear that Mike was the “glue” that held the organization together, and he was its greatest advocate.
Mike always supported the “passing of the torch” to the next generation of rail preservationists, and thanks to Mike’s belief in the “younger crowd,” Tri-State invited me to become its Treasurer in 2017, when I was just twenty-three years old and wrapping up my accounting degree. As a board member, Mike served as a mentor to me and to my fellow early-twenties friend, Kevin Phalon. The same year we joined the board, Kevin and I spearheaded the acquisition of Morristown & Erie Alco C-424 No. 19. While some members hesitated, Mike wholeheartedly supported the preservation of No. 19 and our championing of the project.
Fast forward to 2023: Tri-State members had elected me President, and the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey (URHS) has Kevin serving as its President and Executive Director. One of Mike’s greatest talents was championing groups working together and placing accomplishments above personalities. In past years, some saw the various rail preservation groups and historical societies as “competitors.” Mike never saw it that way. Thanks to his advocacy, today Tri-State and URHS are led by two of his young proteges, and the two organizations are aligned in their mission and partnership.
Mike was always a compassionate and generous person, and served as a statesman for Tri-State, URHS, and rail preservation at large. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, in my opinion, is Tri-State’s “Lackawanna” EMD F-3 No. 663, a project he has shepherded for decades.
For the past two-and-a-half years, Mike had been valiantly battling an aggressive form of cancer. In July, Mike bravely made it known that his cancer had become terminal. At Tri-State’s August Board meeting, we learned that the Naugatuck Railroad in neighboring Connecticut was looking to honor Mike’s years of accomplishments with a special tribute train.
The idea for a such a train had been set in motion days earlier, by acclaimed photographer Dennis A. Livesey during a phone conversation with Howard Pincus, the railroad’s President. Without hesitation, in replying to Dennis’ idea, Howard said, “Done, let’s pick a date.” At our Board meeting, Mike let us know that August 13 was the date selected. Afterwards, Kevin and I got on the phone with Howard and offered our assistance. Working with Dennis and Howard, we put together a tribute befitting Mike’s resume within the span of ten days.
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, fifty of Mike’s closest friends, family, and colleagues traveled to the Naugatuck Railroad in Thomaston, Conn. Mike rented a large passenger van to bring his dad, siblings, and some close friends from New Jersey to the festivities.
The day was filled with tributes, including heartfelt speeches and songs, plenty of food, and, of course, trains. Following a sumptuous luncheon, presentations and remarks at the Thomaston station, a tour of the railroad was made aboard a chartered train, replete with a photo stop and runby at the scenic Thomaston Dam. We all knew the reason we had gathered — to say goodbye — but the day never felt that way. Coupled with the great weather, the day was a marvelous farewell for the gentleman we gathered to honor. Throughout the day, Mike was most joyful and also humbled by the affection shown for him.
Mike always advocated for collaboration and the good work we can do when we all work together. Mike never held an expectation of praise, which he so rightfully deserved, for all the good work he had done. Mike’s simple philosophy was to do good work, believe in what you do, and do it for the good of the cause. Adhering to those simple guiding principles, Mike made a tremendous impact during his lifetime. Those who respect his professionalism and stewardship are many, far and wide. In the rail preservation world, we should all strive to “Be a Mike Del Vecchio.”