The Hound's last hurrah

freddy the beard

Freddy Bentivegna
Silver Member
The Hungry Hound, aka, Riley "Jet Johnson," my pal, my protege, and Chicago bank pool legend, passed away last night in a nursing home. It ended a long battle with lung cancer that spread to the spine. Jet was 54 years old. Badly sick and bedridden the last few months, he nonetheless never gave up and still talked about getting well and beating people again.

He had the heart of a lion, feared no one and respected those that warranted respect.
Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. You can bet your ass that I will do a eulogy at my friend's wake.

Beard
 
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Very sad, and a great loss to our sport.

"Johnson Takes Down Daulton in DCC Bank Pool Ring Game"
http://azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=7295

jet012210.jpg

Looking forward to your eulogy, Freddy.

-Sean
 
A pic of the Hound

Here is a nice pic of Jet and his friend, Eddie Gobbo.

Beard
 

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That's very sad news. Freddy, please get a hold of me if anyone could gather some pics and video, I would be honored to put together a nice slideshow tribute if given a opportunity to do so.

He seemed to have the respect of everyone that knew him and I've never heard anyone say anything bad about the guy.

My condolences to his family and friends.

I'm playing a bunch of banks right now and bearing down on every shot just like you did, for a fellow brother banker.

Here's a pic of him (sorry for the quality, internet stream) of him right after winning the 2010 Derby City Classic Bank Ring Game, taking down 9 grand. Please also visit this link for some more photos of him at the event, courtesy of Steve Booth.

http://onepocket.smugmug.com/search/?searchWords=jet&searchType=InUser&NickName=onepocket&x=0&y=0
jet johnson.jpg
 
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Jet

Very sad news, my condolences go out to all family, and friends!
RIP- JET!
 
Sorry for your loss Freddy--never knew him but did hear of him--to many loss'es of good pool playing freinds over the past couple of years
 
my condolences Freddy, you told me all about him when i stayed with you, sorry for your loss and his family.
 
Unbelievable, it seems like only yesterday I watched him play some great Banks at DCC and take down the ring game. And now this news, it just doesn't seem possible. I'm sorry for Jet and his family including Freddy who has the biggest heart for pool players of anyone I ever met. God bless you Freddy and God bless Jet!
 
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