Each year, upwards of 50 people travel from around Staten Island and New Jersey to meet at PS 23 in Richmondtown on a typically brisk Thanksgiving morning to celebrate family and friendship over a game of two-hand touch football in the schoolyard -- which has come to be known as the annual “Budda Bowl”.
Stephen “Budda” Crea, a Richmondtown native and father of three who passed away in 2014 at age 54, was the orchestrator of the game, which began in the mid-1980s and has gone on each year since.
Crea was described by family and friends, who turned out in droves to reconnect with old buddies and honor their late friend, as the “life of the party” and a friend to all in the Richmondtown/Oakwood community.
While some played in the game, others gathered for conversation as adults and children alike played in the park.
“It’s a way of getting all the old neighborhood kids back together,” said Barbara Crea, Budda’s wife of 28 years. “People put their holiday on hold to reminisce with childhood friends...it’s become a tradition that everyone looks forward to and now some of them are even bringing their kids.”
In the ’80s it was just a small game among friends, but it’s grown into something that transcends the pigskin.
“It started as mostly Budda’s friends, now it’s their kids and even grandchildren,” said Crea. “It’s one of my favorite days to see all the people my husband grew up with and loved.”
A photo from one of the original Budda Bowls -- featuring Stephen "Budda" Crea (far right).
Since Budda’s passing, his childhood friend Billy Campbell has taken over the role of organizer.
His pals were quick to point out that he was the MVP of this year’s game, as well.
“He was my best friend, we all grew up in this schoolyard,” said Campbell. “Budda’s here...we miss him, this is in remembrance of him...he was just a big jolly guy.
“He used to make all the calls, 30 or 40, making sure everyone was here,” added Campbell. “Now, everyone just knows, it’s a ritual, it kind of runs by itself now.”
After a couple of hours bundled up in sweatshirts and enjoying one another’s company, everyone files out of the schoolyard to proceed with their day -- but not before a “Budda! Budda! Budda!” chant broke out.
“I feel blessed that people felt enough love for my husband to put off their holidays and hangout,” concluded Crea.