the Big Mattress

Darrell!
You brought so many people a smile that you may never know how many. It is true. I have been talking about Chuccccccckkkkkks site and we have sat around the desk (bar) and quoted many of your forecasts. Peace and strength and love to you!

Sincerely,
A Wise Fool

Darrell:

When I heard you back with Charles it brought me back to a happier time. Every morning I would wait to hear the number for the day on my drive to work. You started my day with a laugh for years.

Be strong! Peace.

Don

Darrell: Listening to you on Charles' show was a bright spot in my day. I always looked forward to hearing what you had to say, and I miss hearing you! You made so many people smile :-)

Be in peace. Hugs, Janet

(Charles, such a wonderful idea.)

Muffin, I'm certain you wouldn't remember me from my 'BCN days with you so long ago , but know that you have been in my thoughts often over the years. Someone I love once commented that I must have been born during Mercury Retrograde; that may be true, but thanks to you I've navigated pretty well. Whenever I look up to the stars I will think of you. Peace and love for all of your lifetimes, Lauren Chiaramonte WBCN '86-'88

Darrell - I read Charles' blog but swore I'd never post - until now. I hope that you remember me as I remember you - Louise's office at 'BCN, afternoons swimming at the pool, enjoying meals of gravy at your house and good times. You have touched more people than you know and we are all thinking of you, wishing you love and peace. -Critter

From one who has continually reached for the stars...and will always. Darrell- You don't know me from anyone as I've told Charles (who actually introduced us informally...) But you may be the one soul who's had a wonderful part in this soul's spiritual not religious being. And for that I'm thankful. For you I'm thankful. You have touched many a soul and will continue. Always. Stay the course wherever you go, Muffin!!! (I told Charles in my original email that there is nothing more powerful than the stars and mother ocean. Actually I told him he was that lucky cuz he's living there...But frankly, we all are.) And for those of us who have had you in their life? Need I say more....

We will all keep reaching.

Darrell,

I only met you once back in 1995 while I was helping out Melissa with her weekend show. I enjoyed our talk about astrology. I always listened to your reports during Charles' show every morning.

Peace be with you,

Yvonne Christian

I'll never forget the Christmas card you sent back around 1980 that had a picture of you with the pope, at least thats who I thought it was until someone corrected me that he was the Cardinal from Boston.

Darrell,
I am just one of your devotes, who couldn't start her day without hearing from you. Mind you; I was extremely young, but you confirmed an early belief I was harvesting about energy and the universe. WoW. When I grew up a little more I studied with astrologers and continue to follow the planets. On so many occasions when I am looking at the stars "Darrell The Cosmic Muffin" lights up in my brain for a few flashes. Thank You for all your guidance and humor over the years. And for turning me and my friends on to astrology ! Love and Cosmic Hug, Kit

Godspeed Darrell. You truly made a difference in so many lives. Perhaps more than you ever realized.

Darrell - Not sure if you remember me but I was at 'BCN with Critter and Lauren '85 - '88. I have thought of you often over the last 20 years...most often on bad days when I am wondering if Mercury is retrograde or whether God is just getting back at me for all of the wild times we had in the 80's @ The Rock. To touch so many is a special thing. I wish you peace and comfort.
Warmest Regards
D.

As someone who grew up listening to BCN, I have to say that I'm sure you unconciously influenced my love of astrology & charts

I was told once that I was like Martin Luther, who started the Protestant Revolution,a quiet soul who made a big impact with a small action.

You, by way of the radio, did that for me. You are truly a wise person who never let the stars rule you. May the rest of your days be 10's. Peace out.

Darrell,
I too grew up listening to BCN & Charles, and I miss your voice on the radio. Your reports were always the best and the most interesting to listen to.
I wish you peaceful days, and I thank you for the smiles.
Love, Lisa

That really is beautiful and, I know, heartfelt. Not inappropriate at all.
So many familar names and memories. I don't know if you've spoken with
Oedi, but Darrell is really doing this on his, (not the doctors,hospice,
priest or Eddie's) time frame. They all had him gone by Saturday. He
insisted on going downstairs Saturday morning, Ed said "no honey, you're
weak as a kitten and can't stand up". "Right, FU Ed". He rocked back and
forth, one two three and pushed himself up to a standing position. He
wanted to be downstairs where the action was, and there was a steady stream of people in and out all weekend. He said he wants the North End Roma Band
to play at his funeral, so that's been arranged.

For years I set my alarm to hear you on BCN and find out where the moon was before I went out into the day. I learned so much from you that has become part of the fabric of my world -- knowing when the Moon is void of course (of course!) and Mercury is retrograde has saved me and many friends and colleagues much pain and suffering. I am now a part-time astrologer, no small part thanks to your enthusiasm and good attitude.

Thanks for making a contribution to me, whom you never knew in person, and to those who have had the obvious privilege to be your friends. Well done.

Darrell,

Many years have past since I've been at BCN...(80'-86')but your presence and effervescent smile always made me feel good...even when Mercury was in retrograde! Your positive spirit lives in the many lives you have touched.

Big hug,love and peace,

Yoda

Hello Muffin, I'm Don Bertolino.... I think you were the first man, other than a member of my immediate family, that, without pause, walked up and hugged and kissed me.... and being the uptight guinea bastard that I am, I kinda liked it... if I could right now, from San Francisco, give you that hug and kiss back, I would... peace brother!

Thinking of you...

-d

Darrell,
I'm just a fan, not in the loop at all, but I wanted you to know you touched my life. When I was young, I worked with a bunch of grumpy old men, and I would report to them what you said every day. They all would ask me for the report, as they listened to Dave Maynard, on the ride in, and I listened to The Big Mattress. They came so dependant on my report, that they actually tried to tune in 'BCN when I was out.

You have touched many lives, in small ways such as mine, and I'm sure in large ways with your close friends. Go in the peace that you meant something on this planet - you made a difference.

Thank you very much.

Mike

Cosmic Muffin -

Your name in my mind is associated with great happiness, your segment on the radio was excellent and now i realize, sorely missed. I wish you eternal peace.

Darrell - I love you and I will never forget you ... I was always envious of how comfortable you were with yourself. The world won't be as much fun without you.
Love, Tank
P.S. I will miss your Christmas card!

Darrell,
I only met you in person once, (I took that picture!) but your words will reverberate throughout a lifetime! Thanks for giving all through the years.
Peace, Renata

I wish you and your family peace for all time. You are a wonderful human being and the world sorely needs more of you.

Darrell,
I was a young impressional naive girl from Ohio. What did I know about stars, charts, that sauce was really gravy, how beautiful Christmas Midnight Mass in the North End could be (even for a little Jewish girl) and so much more. You touched my life in such a positive way. What a wonderful honor to know you. Although we parted ways so long ago you have always stayed in my heart. The heavens will always be a little brighter because of you. With much Love and Respect. Ellen Goldman-McGrath

Darrell,

It is always a pleasure and treat to see you - although it's been awhile - (and to hear your reports). Both at Stuart St (850/94.5) and later at 'BOS on Soldiers Field Rd. (not to mention the functions and special events). I always knew where I could borrow "good" extension cords (except around Christmas time when you used them for your highly acclaimed displays).

I echo the sentiments from others here. And like others have mentioned, you are often in my thoughts. ...What is the status of Mercury? What do the stars say? What did they say? What would the Cosmic Muffin say...?

You are a wise man my friend. ...

73,
AL Carp

When I was a kid, no morning was complete until my mother had heard you on WBCN. I don't know how many times I turned the radio up and shouted "Cosmic Muffin's on!". Thank you for creating my little morning ritual for all of those years. All the best.

I love you darrell,I'm so glad I got to see you tonight,I feel so lucky to have had you in my life,you are a unique and incredible person and I will miss you very much.

-my best memory of Darrell (and there are many) was slogging through feet of snow in Harvard Square during the freak snowstorm (April 1 '96?) after MANY cocktails at the John Harvard Brewery...not to mention his penchance for cheap jug wine, fur coats, pink jumpsuits garnished w/multiple gold chains, the semingly millions of Christmas lights on the Fellsway house, and most of all his love of life (and Ed) in general...I have always and will always consider myself extremely lucky to have befriended an extremely special soul whose work I admired and enjoyed long before I met him...love you and miss you...Albert

Dear Darrell....
You are a sage, a mentor, a pshychologist and such a kind and understanding saint to fellow man. Your broadcasts will travel through the stars forever.
The Christmas lights on Jolly Jingle Highway will always shine in your honor.
Much love and good thoughts, Clark

Darrell,

Don't know if you'll rememner me...we worked at ZLX for a brief period, and I was a client at BCN in the old days...You always made me smile...along with tons of others...Smiles never leave us...joel

Dear Darrell--

Who knew that you could plan business strategy cosmically? You did! You always showed us the way...and you still do. Peace forever.

My Muffin,
I will always remember your great support to all you worked with, sitting on the front steps of 'BCN, hanging with you in the studio at 'ZLX (with those bottles in your bag!). You have a way of making everyone feel wonderful.

You are a great person. Love and peace to you, and GodBless. Much love, Jen

Muffin...so many memories of those years at BCN, so many connections, cosmic and otherwise that continue to enrich after all these years. 20 years ago we worked in the same building... What I remember most about you was your spirit... genuine, real, an uncorrupted heart, a soulful presence that was fueled by something pure, a light unencumbered by convention or anything else. It felt good to know you were part of this world. You've touched many souls while you where here in ways large and small. You made a difference. May you find comfort in this knowledge, may you find peace in the light that awaits you and may thelove of all those you hold dear accompany you on the next phase of your journey. Peace. ~Lou

Peace & love to you on the ultimate journey. Enjoyed hearing you on WBCN for many years.

Darrell ~ Don't know if you remember me as I worked on the BCN sales side from '79 to '87 . Your reports were always one of my favorite features. And I remember the standard outfit... cowboy boots with the jeans tucked in. You certainly brightened the place up in more ways than one. I was saddened to hear the news of your failing health. Who knows - maybe there's a miracle left in those stars. I wish you peace.
Steve Berger

Darrell...I was happy to call you a colleague, and I'm even happier to call you my friend. I wish you and your family peace.

Darrell- I was an intern for BOS when you were doing the Cosmic Muffin reports there (early 90's), and the fabulous Louise was kind enough to introduce me to you. Despite my lowly status, you always took time to chat, make observations and make us all smile. You once gave me a lucky charm for my wallet to ensure I never ran out of money. Still in there, and has worked now for almost 16 years. Thank you for everything. It's a wise person who rules the stars, it's a lucky one who leaves this mortal coil to dwell among them. Godspeed on the journey home!

i heard this morning that you left us darrell...you did charts for my girls and made my day when i had the chance to work with you at bcn...you could be happy on the worst of days...the world needs more darrells...peace to you...and best to ed,

jr

Peace oh cosmic one!

You showed me the way.

- A faithful listener

Dear Darrell, I remember sitting down with you to do my first chart ever. Despite my general skepticism I recall how your bigger than life energy and passion provided a perfect example of a wise man truly ruling the stars. You were a wonderful part of the BCN family and the much welcomed yin to a lot of yang. Despite the transitory nature of our personal relationships back in the days of protest, I often admired the committment you and Ed managed to maintain in yours. You are loved and held close by many and that is all any man can ask for in this life.
A new adventure awaits.
most,
zircon john

Darrell, we were the lucky ones, to work with you. You had style and wit. In a world of clones, you remained the original. God bless you for keeping us looking at the stars and laughing at ourselves.

Charles, you are my hero for doing this for the Muffin

XX

RIP Muffin

Darrell and I first met when we both started at The Big Mattress in 1973. Since then we’ve worked together at numerous other radio stations as well. We became good friends, often convening at Sarge’s or Legal Sea Foods for post recording session refreshments.

He was always good for a laugh, then generally another laugh or two, and after talking to him on the phone, if he didn’t curse you out, then things didn’t seem right.

I talked to him a few weeks ago, he was sounding pretty tired, but as we got off the phone he said: "and F**ck, you, Grouch.” Life was right in the universe.

He taught me a lot, including how to make a fantastic Sunday gravy.

He was a great cook, a devout Catholic and a devoted husband.

Godspeed, Darrell. May you enjoy eternal happiness in your new home.

Tom

P.S. It’s so nice to see so many old co-workers and friends make their thoughts known.

Muffin, You where always so cheerful. Now we are going to have to try and be that way without you. But I know you would want us to keep trying. Thanks for the example! You really enjoyed life and could always look on the bright side. Whenever we look at the stars will think of you...

An essential part of Boston's FM radio heyday, now heading for the light. Your insight and humor advised a generation. Rest in peace, Darrell.

Darrell,

We did met and talk a few times at the WBCN/Pru days. You always had that smile and made a person feel welcome. A star has gone out in the Bostn skyline with your passing. But, a greater star shines in the universe with your soul lighting the way for countless friends and fans..you will be missed...

BIG AL THE GAMBLER'S PAL

Darrell,
If Charles loved you this much and all these people loved you this much, those who knew you personally and those who felt that they knew you personally, well, one can't ask for a better legacy than that, can he? We should all be as fortunate as you, to look back on a full and complete life and know that you will live on in the hearts and minds of so many. Maybe that means that you are not really dead, after all. Just kind of .... stepped out of the room.

Ciao cuggino,ti ricordero'sempre, specialmente per tutti quei momenti trascorsi insieme con tutta la familia come la chiamavi tu,e adesso a chi vado a trovare il prossimo martedi?come faremo senza la nostra Reggina di Saugus? Ti portero' sempre nel cuore love Antonio

Truly a loss and you will be missed. You have impacted us in so many ways...from guiding us with your reports to teaching so many of us about peace, love and understanding.

Darrell, I will miss you and the life you brought to a room, the airwaves, and the world. Eddie, your listeners, fans, and many, many friends will remember you always as will I.

I, too, spent high school mornings next to the radio, basing my decision about school attendance on whether mercury was retrograde or the moon was void of course.

Several years ago, I had the fortune of spending a delightful couple of hours after a radio remote having a beer with Darrell and Ed. What a truly lovely couple. I apologize if this sounds political, but I just wanted to say-- that afternoon did more to form my opinion of the definition of "marriage" than all of the talking-head talking points I've heard in the years since. Although we were just shooting the breeze, and they weren't out to teach me anything, I still am grateful for the time spent and the gift of perspective.

Peace to you Muffin, and wishing comfort to your family.

Throughout our life, we shared so much together daily. I will hold you in my heart always.

Thank you, dearest brother, friend and mentor.

Darrell was solidly appreciative of days that rated a "five," and careful
about
rating any day a "ten:" true circumspection from a wise man who ruled the
stars and avoided being ruled by them.

DARRELL,
Although i met you briefly when you blessed me at my place of business, you made a mark on me that will last with me for the rest of my life. I grew up listen to wide range of music and your cosmic muffin was forever stamped on my brain. I thank you for all the wise thoughts and Antonio for what little time a had to share with you, it was trully a pleasure. GOD will bless you. Thank you

Ah.. the 70's ...! How many days I was late for work waiting for the daily number. And the number was always right on. If Darrell gave the evening an '8' it was going to be a great time .. a '2', it was better to just stay home. I am very sad at his passing, but he is with his stars and moons now... truly a 'Cosmic' Muffin.

Sad to see yet another piece of the "BCN past gone.. fun to recall those days, but sad to recall those who we've lost..

A fitting obit for a true legend ...

http://www.thedailyitemoflynn.com/news/view.bg?articleid=12705

As others have echoed, Darrell's forecast gave me direction during my bright college days at Northeastern U in Boston about whether to go to my 8:00 a.m. class, or just linger in the cafe and start out with my 9:30 a.m. class. He was a joy and inspiration to Boston (and later Portland, ME) radio. RIP Darrell! Over and out...

You are the cosmos now. Bless you, and thanks.

I am an astrologer in no small part being inspired by Darrall and his Cosmic Muffin Report. Darrall invented the daily astrological report helping to evolve astrology to a whole new level.
Two ultimate legacies - evolving an ancient science and inspiring new people into the field.
He leaves a significant and indelible mark on the 3000 year history of Astrology.
Thank you Darrall.
Astrologer
Marcus Priola

It was just last week when someone told me Mercury was in retrograde that I pulled out my great photo of Darrell and I in the hallways of WBCN and showed the person who tought me what it meant when Mercury went into retrograde.

Darrell was not only a great teacher, father, husband, partner but one of the most kind hearterd souls on the planet and I will remember him always, especially during a starry night. Bob Kranes

Darrell was the only astrologer I ever gave a moment of my time to. For those of us non-believers, he found a tongue-in-cheek way to reach us too and hold our attention, even make us look forward to hearing his daily reading. Another part of my past is gone. He'll be missed.

I've always said that if you meet five people in radio who don't stab you in the back you can consider yourself very, very lucky. Darrell was one of my five - and one of everybody else's, too.

Darrell, you made the best pot of gravy this side of heaven (sorry, Nona). I hope you brought your wooden spoon with you.

Of all the good folks I've worked with during my time at BCN, Darrell was perhaps the most unique...

As a professional, you gave me encouragement & insight into the weird world of radio... as a friend, you helped me, be me... as an astrologer, you just turned it out !

What a great soul... you'll be missed. Peace be with you, always

more sambuca for everyone, over and out.