RIP - Lee Gostolo

Spud · Post by **Spud** » 12 Sep 2007, 02:29

Dave Hall wrote:This is the first time, I have ever participated in any boxing forum, but I feel I must make a contribution into this thread.

Lee Gostolo was my best friend so obviously I feel more qualified than most to talk about the likeable man from Sheffield.

Lee was 42, a big family man who absolutely adored is wife (Lisa) and son (Mitchell), everything he did in life was too benefit his family. Lee was a workaholic who held down a full-time job, managing four small leisure centres’ along with being the busiest whip in Britain working for 14 promoters. He also worked as a floor manager for Sky Sports, he had previously worked for the likes of Hennessy Sports, Matchroom, Maloney Promotions and Fight Academy before getting the Sky appointment.

This thread is much appreciated and Spuds comments are bang on, with everything he say’s and I’m sure Lee would be quite embarrassed with all this. He didn’t realise what impact he had made on the sport and how well liked he was.

Lee would help anyone in boxing, politics didn’t get in the way, it was all about promoting the sport of boxing, something a lot of people could learn from.

I’ve also taken on board what Ian McNeilly said and I will address this tomorrow at a meeting regarding the North of England Boxing Awards.

When Lee was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on the 19th July and people were talking about raising money for him. He used to say I’m only Lee Gostolo nobody’s bother about me, why would they bother about me. I told him, Lee you will be surprised with the feedback I’m getting from the boxing community.

What I will say is that every penny made from the awards will go to the Gostolo family, this is something that I had discussed with Lee and I gave him my word that his family will be looked after (Boxing looking after their own).

RIP “Top Man”

Hello Dave,

I noticed your phrase at the very end, one in which Lee used with people to pep them up if they were p issed off or needed motivating.

I have PM'd you.

Don't want to say anymore on here.

Regards

Spud

Mickey H · Post by **Mickey H** » 12 Sep 2007, 04:26

This just confirms that there is no justice in the world, Lee Gostolo was one of the most honest, professional and hardworking blokes I ever came across.

His family being deprived of such a good dad/husband is awful and my thoughts are with them right now. Whenever he whipped one of my shows I knew I could leave everything with him with out having to check up on things.

Lee Gostolo RIP and thank you for everything. You will be sorely missed by me and everyone else associated with the Mayfair Sporting Club and National Sporting Club.

Mickey Helliet.

bennie · Post by **bennie** » 12 Sep 2007, 05:06

Incidentally, when I mentioned the ITV whip, I wasn't referring to Ernie Draper, who is another of the nicest blokes you could wish to meet.
A true boxing man.

Dave Hall · Post by **Dave Hall** » 12 Sep 2007, 15:16

Lee's Funeral Details:

Saturday 22nd September 2007 - 10.15am
At Grenoside Crematorium, Skew Hall Lane, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8QX

No Flowers a collection will be taken with all money raised going to charity.

Dave Hall · Post by **Dave Hall** » 12 Sep 2007, 15:24

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:The surname is an unusual one - Gostolo - but one that his son and family can certainly carry around with pride.

Dave Hall, who is a records/rankings/stats man (and nice lad too) was a very good friend of Lee's, as was Andy Whittle.

Lee helped run the North of England boxing awards with Dave which are next scheduled to take place on Sunday 16th December at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.

Typical of him - always looking to recognise others. Lee was nominated (one of a whopping 22) in this year's 'Services to Boxing' category and I voted for him when I completed my form about a month ago.

I'm going to email Dave - who will be devastated - and suggest he re-names the category after Lee, though he deserves more recognition than this.

He'll certainly be missed.

I've had a meeting today regarding the North of England Boxing Awards and I can confirm that we are going to name the Services To Boxing Award the Lee Gostolo Memorial Trophy.

rhino222 · Post by **rhino222** » 12 Sep 2007, 15:45

thats great news dave, im sure lee would have been very humbled

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 12 Sep 2007, 16:13

Although of course know one wants it to be needed, it is great to see boxing rallying around to support one of "their own", and also other charities. allegedly charity nights get too little appreciation, you could see how moved Warren was by the Charity event last week.

It would be nice to see some boxing show raise some money for Lee's young family.

Spud · Post by **Spud** » 12 Sep 2007, 17:22

stujones wrote:It would be nice to see some boxing show raise some money for Lee's young family.

It is being sorted & organised.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 12 Sep 2007, 17:46

Spud wrote:
stujones wrote:It would be nice to see some boxing show raise some money for Lee's young family.
It is being sorted & organised.

Maybe Spud, or someone involved with the event (appologies if your not involved), could get the show taped and offer a video of it - money made from the copies being sent to Lee's family.

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 14 Sep 2007, 18:20

what a guy - RIP Lee. didnt really know you but i do know
that you'll be very much missed.

steel · Post by **steel** » 15 Sep 2007, 14:08

LEE was a really friendley person who never got political and was in and out of changing rooms all night ,he would say in a friendly way Ive just seen your oponent warm up youve nowt to worry about ,then hed go in your opponents and say the same to him,a did his job to perfection and you could see that he was enjoyin what he did.a great loss to boxing our thoughts are with his Family R.I.P LEE

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 16 Sep 2007, 06:03

i wonder if he said that when julius francis took on mike tyson. i'm sure if he'd been there he'd have said it with a wink

57philbox · Post by **57philbox** » 17 Sep 2007, 10:23

gentlemen please... lee was remembered with a minutes silence and warm applause at p.j.rowson's hall of fame fundraiser on saturday night, mike goodall doing a nice tribute

Dave Hall · Post by **Dave Hall** » 18 Sep 2007, 11:30

Just to let you know that promoters in the country have shown their respects last Friday at Kirkcaldy, Saturday @ Birmingham, Sunday @ Derby all had 10 bells for Lee. While In Sheffield at the Glyn Rhodes show the did one minute of applause for Lee.

The family have said they would prefer applause rather than a minutes silence.

I would like to thank John Ashton, Carl Greaves, Paul Speake & Ricky Hatton for auctioning a couple items and raising funds for Lee's family.

Tommy Gilmour and Barry Hearn have also sent a nice donation too.

Many thanks to all concerned.

SIMPLEY BEST · Post by **SIMPLEY BEST** » 21 Sep 2007, 08:46

JUST LIKE TO SAY (LEE GOSTOLO WAS A TOP MAN WITH ME HE HELP ME A LOT AT SHOWS I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKYOU) WHAT A FANTASTIC FRIEND & PROFESSIONAL PERSON. GOD BLESS & BEST WISHES TO THE FAMILY. R.I.P. TOP MAN..

Beejay · Post by **Beejay** » 22 Sep 2007, 07:11

I was Lees Manager at Interserve where he worked tirelessly for the kids and communities in Sheffield Schools at Fir Vale, Tapton, King Edwards and Ecclesfield.

I attended his funeral this morning along with 5-600 others which showed the utter love and repect so many people from all communities and walks of life had for Lee.

I will never forget Lees' cheery ten minutes in the morning before work and the effect his personality had on all who met him.
He will be sorely missed by all but remembered with love and affection.

Our hearts at Interserve go out to Lisa, Mitchell and the other members of his famiy.

Rest in Peace my friend.
John L (Matey)

theguru · Post by **theguru** » 22 Sep 2007, 07:34

Lee was cremated today in Sheffield ,it was a great tribute to Lee and the turnout was massive I would say about 300 people,it was so full the doors had to be left open for the overspill outside.
Apart from relatives,friends and associates there was a good turnout from the boxing fraternity,Ryan Rhodes,Daniel Thorpe,Paul Silky Jones,Glyn Rhodes,Dave Coldwell,Dean Powell,The Ingles,Wayne Windle,Adam Kelly,Chris Brown Skysports,Wayne Barker,MC Michael Pass,sky stats man Dave Hall,Ken Morton andd I am sure many more.It was a moving service especially when Lee's little boy Mitchell stood up an read a verse about his Dad to a raptorous round of applause the place was in tears.His Dad was a great fella.

R.I.P LEE GOSTELLO

Spud · Post by **Spud** » 22 Sep 2007, 09:34

Just got back.

What a moving occasion and what a turnout as well - when little Mitchell stood up to read his poem it brought tears to many eyes - what a brave lad to stand up in front of so many people.

Spoke to Lisa (Lee's Wife) afterwards and one of the things she was wary of was little Mitchell not being able to go to the boxing anymore, with Dennis Hobson's go ahead we are getting little Mitchell behind the scenes when Clinton fights on Saturday so he can do some of the stuff his Dad got up to - bless him he will be knackered by the end of the night.

Dave, Andy - know you are reading guys chin up and lets have a decent drink on Saturday evening - Lee would have been utterly shocked at today's turnout.

rhino222 · Post by **rhino222** » 22 Sep 2007, 10:21

great words and a great thread, im gutted i did not attend today but its my own sons birthday and it just did not feel appropriate.

one thing will come of it, every year from now, when its my lads happy day i will then think of lee......with a smile.

RIP

Smigga · Post by **Smigga** » 22 Sep 2007, 14:44

Goodnight and Godbless mate, pleasure to meet and work with you

Paul Smith - Liverpool

x

Hardhitters11 · Post by **Hardhitters11** » 24 Sep 2007, 12:16

Very sad to hear, But touching how much he was appreciated even if he didn't realise how much!

Best wishes to his family.

lsg · Post by **lsg** » 24 Sep 2007, 13:28

There is not much more I can add to the wonderful tributes in earlier posts other than to say that Lee Gostollo was one of the nicest men I have ever met either inside or outside of boxing.

I met Lee initially through his work with Sky and later employed him to work on our own promotions at Everton Park and Olympia in Liverpool. His knowledge of the job and his dissarming smile and charm made what is normally a frantic experience seem like a stroll. The boxers respected him and promoters loved him. He was truly one of the best I've known.

Lee would often call or text for a chat and would always ask about all the lads in the gym, he seemed to have a photographic memory for the boxers with whom he had worked and he always had time for everybody.

I feel lucky to have known and worked with him.

Absolutely gutted.

God Bless Lee R.I.P

Lee Maloney

lewis07 · Post by **lewis07** » 25 Sep 2007, 12:54

Like all the comments before, Lee Gostolo touched so many lives, for me Lee was a true friend, a family man who worked tirelessly for them, he would go miles out of his way to help anyone, asking nothing in return. His sense of humour was unique, the only thing he was bad at was plate spinning, what a funny sight that was!

Before Lee's illness he'd started work on a fund raiser for Weston Park Hospital Sheffield, Barnsley Hospice and Blue Bell Children's Hospice in Doncaster,
Lee's friends and colleagues are continuing with this fund raiser, which will culminate in holding a Charity Night featuring the fantastic Newcastle based 'Tony Liddle Band' which will be held at Hoyland Belmont WMC, Hoyland, Barnsley, on Wed 7th November 2007. Entrance by ticket £3.00.

All monies raised are to be donated in the memory of Lee.

Anyone wishing to attend this evening or assist in sponsorship of this event or to make a donation to any of these worthwhile charities please contact:-
Alison at Interserve Project Services on 0114 2402308
or email.

[email protected]
[email protected] for further details.

Many thanks.

Dave Hall · Post by **Dave Hall** » 26 Sep 2007, 09:12

LEE GOSTOLO BENEFIT (All proceeds go to Lisa Gostolo)

SUNDAY 16th DECEMBER 2007 - North of England Boxing Awards @ The Midland Hotel, Manchester.

Tickets: £1,000 (Table of 10) or £100 (Individual)

The Awards are as follows.
Boxer of the Season, Young Boxer, Best Newcomer, Manager: Promoter, Services to Boxing (The Lee Gostolo Memorial Trophy), Performance of the Season, Quickest Win, Busiest Boxer & Most Wins.

Entertainment will be include through the event, also an auction will take place.

If anyone is intested in supporting the event please get in touch we me at
[email protected]

IF ANYONE IS ORGANISING A FUNDRAISING EVENT IN AID OF LEE'S FAMILY PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME SO I CAN COORDINATE THINGS FOR THE FAMILY.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 26 Sep 2007, 11:24

It was nice for Steve Bunce to mention Lee in his BM column - However, it would have been nice if the editor would have doubled checked the spelling of his surname.

RIP - Lee Gostolo

Re: RIP - Lee Gostolo

Lee Gostolo

RIP Lee Gostolo

Lee Gostolo

RIP Lee - a friend and gentleman

lee Gostolo

RIP Lee Gostolo