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A VIP act of friendship

There are friends who are acquaintances. Then there are friends who will get a favorite quarterback from more than 35 years ago to visit when you're in a rest home recovering from cancer. That's what Bennie Gonsalves did Thursday to cheer up his 76-year-old buddy, Clem McNamara, recovering from surgery at Hacienda Health Care in Hanford.

It seems to have worked.

When he was introduced to former Notre Dame and Oakland Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica, McNamara, seated in a wheelchair, looked up in amazement.

"Timmy, can you believe it? Daryle Lamonica, the Mad Bomber," McNamara said to his son, Tim McNamara, one of several friends and relatives who witnessed the moment.

Lamonica -- a Clovis High grad who started three seasons at Notre Dame before becoming a successful quarterback with the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders in the late 1960s and early '70s -- handed Clem a couple of autographed pictures and gripped him solidly by the shoulder.




"You just made my day. You're a true Notre Dame man," said McNamara, known locally for Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service, which he used to own with partner William Whitehurst.

McNamara said that he had bladder cancer a year ago, followed by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

He hopes the recent operation removed all the cancerous tissue.

Meanwhile, he called it "unbelievable" to meet Lamonica, a two-time Most Valuable Player in the old American Football League who quarterbacked the Raiders to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 1967 season.

McNamara said that as an Irish Catholic, he's been a Notre Dame fan since childhood.

He continued to follow Lamonica with the Oakland Raiders, but was also drawn to San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana, also a Notre Dame grad.

"Anything to do with Notre Dame," McNamara said.

The surprise visit came out of a longtime friendship between Gonsalves and Lamonica.

Lamonica said that Gonsalves called him up to say that he had an old friend in rehab who would appreciate a visit.

The famous Clovis resident agreed to come.

"That's my way of giving back. That's the way I was raised," said Lamonica, who freely handed out autographs to everybody who asked for one.

"I'm still dreaming," McNamara said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2432.

(April 4, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

Ashley wrote on Apr 4, 2008 12:10 PM:

" This is the good stuff! "

sweetness wrote on Apr 4, 2008 12:19 PM:

" We'll that was nice~
"

Old Salt wrote on Apr 4, 2008 12:29 PM:

" What a wonderful gesture, both by Mr. Gonsalves and Mr. Lamonica. This is exactly the type of story the Hanford Sentinel needs to be reporting upon and printing on a regular basis. Society will benefit much more from reading positive stories like this than the sex, corruption, violence and trash we seem to be bombarded with on a daily basis. Perhaps this type of story will encourage others to perform more random acts of kindness. "

AJM wrote on Apr 4, 2008 12:33 PM:

" You go Clem! Nice to hear you are on the mend, you are in the thoughts and prayers of many in this community. This story reminds me of old proverb told to me years ago by an Irish priest now gone from this world. It says "When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends." Indeed sir, those who know you Clem McNamara are the better for it! "

cynic wrote on Apr 4, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Nice story - I'm sure stories like this don't sell as many papers - but they are refreshing. "

what-huh? wrote on Apr 4, 2008 2:44 PM:

" Can anybody say CLASS !!!!! "

All For It wrote on Apr 4, 2008 4:00 PM:

" It is so refreshing to see an american legend take time out of his schedule to make such a nice gesture in giving back. Those new millionaire quarter backs woulc take a few lessons here. Instead of worrying about selling their autographs to kids, perhaps they could give a few away sometimes to give back to the fans that have put them where they are now. Very nice Mr. Lemonica, it's good to know you haven't forgotten your roots or who helped make your career what it was an outstanding success. I hope you live a long an prosperous life for the compassion that eminates from your heart, to reach out to others when they need it most. Good Luck Clem and know you are in our prayers for a speedy recovery. "

Bobb wrote on Apr 4, 2008 8:40 PM:

" To All For It- you are absouluty right. I am old enough to remember when atheletes like Lamonica appreciated their fans. The new generation is all about SELF and MONEY. Fans are just an neccesary anoyance to most. The role models they present are not what you would want for your child. Drugs, arrogance,ME and "above the law " attitudes prevail. This story just shows that even in retirement that the OLD SCHOOL atheletes are a CLASS ACT. "

Dave Gonzales wrote on Apr 4, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Mr. Lamonica, I've been a Raiders fan since 1966 and my Uncle Clem has been a Notre Dame fan since I can remember.

Thanks for making his day and thank you for showing what a class act you are. Thank you too, Mr. Gonsavles for setting this up.

Uncle Clem, I hope you are getting better, and know you are in my thoughts every day!

Your "outlaw" nephew. "




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