Stories

Jill Kahlert

 I was in atleast one class with Todd since about the fifth grade. For some reason, I remember him loving this cherry cake I had made to go along with a class presentation. Since the fifth grade, Todd has always made me laugh. He sometimes said the most random things and had this profound ability to make everyone around him happy. When I reflect back on Todd's contribution to the class of 2001, I think back to H-block band. It was during the holiday season and we were preparing for the winter concert. Everyone was so serious until Todd comes busting through the doors with friends who had constructed a transportation device. However, Todd, I believe, called this car the Hebrew mobile. It was decorated with flags and everything. The class cracked up and adored this festive invention. Todd, of course, was the driver. Todd was smart and he was funny. I found his laugh particularly contagious. In fact, when I think back to eighth grade graduation, Todd signed my yearbook with the nicest message. He said that he was so glad he had the chance to get to know me better, and that he thought I was "cool." Todd was the best with only friends supporting him. I will miss Todd, but I will never forget his humor or his fantastic smile.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stephanie Macdonald

 One of the MANY memories of Todd:

I'm pretty sure most of us know of AIM profiles, and Todd's profile freshman year at UMass was almost as animated as he was. He had quotes like, "I can sing, I can dance, I'm the king of romance" and amongst our popular favorites, "With some much drama in Amherst see its kinda hard being Snoop T-O Double D." There was one quote in the profile that I thought was so funny, maybe it was just me. It was a line from a pretty popular song that year, Caramel by City High. It went "5'5" with brown eyes, smile like the sunrise." I remember reading the quote and smiling to myself and thinking... that Todd, he's so funny, such a character and laughing to myself.

I went downstairs to the infamous 1st floor of Patterson Hall later that night to hang out with the guys. I walked into Todd and Pat's room, the definite "hot spot" of the floor. It was usually where you found everyone watching TV, and just having a good time. When I walked in everyone was in there and Todd was at his computer making a playlist on his computer of music for everyone. I leaned over to him and said, "heyyy by the way, I really like your profile, its funny," and he gave that signature smile and said, "oh ya?!" I then told him how I thought the line from City High really fit his description pretty well and giggled. He turned sooooo red, and moaned and groaned, "ohhh nooo, I'm so embarrassed. You thought that was about me?! He started to laugh really hard and said, "You know when I think about it... it makes a lot of sense." He continued with that big belly laugh that had to have come from the depths of his toes and just smiled. (the quote was soon deleted and replaced)

It was a little joke and we laughed when we heard the song. I still laugh and smile whenever I look back at this memory or whenever I hear that song. I really hope my memory makes you smile too.

Ali Rose

 I think it's safe to say that everyone who knew and loved Todd was fully aware of his appreciation for members of the oppostie sex. Todd wasn't a player (though he may like for us to embellish and remember him that way), but on the contrary genuinely enjoyed the presence of girls and possessed a chivalrous respect for women that is truly a testament to his wonderful upbringing. This innocent Casanova was utterly in his element whenever surrounded by friends, and especially when in the company of adoring ladies. Todd continually captivated everyone's attention--seemingly effortlessly-- by that simple aura that only he radiated, and for this reason he could always be found in the center of a group of girls who were clearly hanging on his every word. One memory in particular illustrates this aspect of his personality. A bunch of us went to the DMB concert a few summers ago and as is customary spent the afternoon tailgating in the parking lot of Foxboro Stadium. Equipped with Hibachi in hand, Todd asserted on the car ride there that he was to play the role of chef for the day. Throughout the afternoon he cooked hot dogs and burgers for his friends and any friendly strangers that happened to drift our way. As always, Todd took this character to the extreme, dressing the part fully adorned in an apron that read "Kiss the Chef" and a floppy chef's hat. Todd looked adorable as always in his apron, and enjoyed every minute of attention it brought him. We have a photograph of a bunch of us girls standing around Todd, covering his face with kisses, as per the apron...Todd's expression is priceless. Whereas Todd thought we were all coming back for more of his mediocre hot dogs, it was his mesmerizing manner and contagious attitude that kept us hovering around him this day and every day.