Rip Richard Onaga Poem by Joe Rosochacki

We grew up learning guitar Rich Onaga
You from the east side of Detroit I was from Hamtramck
We were taught at the Americana School of Music and Dance
Which was founded by Frank Tucci and his wife
Don Barr was our teacher
We were in an accordion band under the direction of Mel Bai
Even though we played guitars along with Dennis Kiraga.
Palmer Hughes books that was our diet for ensemble practice
we played until were we ready for stage band under the direction of Elmer Sugeves
We also took part in duets and the stage of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
I shocked me to hear of your demise,
I wanted to find you on FaceBook but to no avail,
Then I Googled you and at last I found you -and your obituary.
We both played American made Epiphones, Sorrentos to be exact,
-the semi-hollow guitar with Venetian Cutyaway
I found that you had a family and so do I
I have pursued music as my venue in life
So you've pursued insurance and investments
I wish that we found each other before your tragic -finale.
So we can play a duet together later, much later,
If I can help it
I have MS to contend with down here.
There ought to be an Americana Studio in heaven,
WHERE FRANK TUCCI IS SELLING ACCORDIANS
AND EPIPHONES TO THE ANGELS.