Posted by frank garcia on the Park Slope Message Board:
i lived on 14 st bet 5 and 6 ave
i went to ps 51 and then to manuel training high school
i rember germains dept stop on 5 ave and 15 st
there were 3 bars on 9st 5ave
smittys
owned by a man called screamer smith
next to him was dinkys
owened by a retired cop from the 72 precent named eddy
next to him was the round town
at times they served free snacks
then there was a great stake bar called the dixie traven on 20st 5 ave owned by a man named toddo marino
as a young boy i also raised pigeons
hope to hear from some people that rember this
on the Park Slope Message Board
Born in 1939 and was the oldest of eight brothers and sisters. We lived at 570 10 st. between 7th and 8th ave. Some of the old gang still gets together once a month and yesterday, Freddy “The gun” Wiatre, Jerry Sullivan; ‘Sully’, Patty; ‘Batman’, Gelardi, Franco; ‘The Botch’, Belli, and myself; Bob ‘The Whale’, McAuley, drank up a storm in R&B’s then went to 14th and 7th ave to finish up. Talked about how much we missed Tommy, ‘Whitey’ Madden, Bobby ‘Fats’ Belsito, Noona Tayler and the whole group from Diamonds Bar & Grill from 9th street and 7th ave. If anyone has any photos of Diamonds, both inside and out, we’d love a copy. I’ll pay if needed. Love the Slope, Bobby, Whale.
Hi Frank
I remember Felix’s very well and I remember Connie too. I used to date her brother Sally !! I grew up on 21st between 4th& 5th, went to P.S.60 on 21st and 4th avenue. Later it was turned into the Seafarers.Went to PS146 on 18th. then on to Manuel Training, but that was way back over 60 years ago. Do you remember the LaRosa’s from 20th above 6th Avenu ? Well I married “Buckweat ” in 1950 in St.Johns Church.That’s 58 years ago !!! WOW . We live in Florida since 1955 but as far as we’re concerned Brooklyn, New York is still very dear and close to our hearts.and I allways tell my kids and grandchildren we had the great and happy young life there.You mentioned the feast, my Mother Fina used to make the best mussles and scungilli and we opened the cellar at our house and made a kind of Cafe and people came by the dozens !! What fun we had then.Hope to hear from you so I could tell you so much more .
Anyone on here attend p.s. 77 on 2nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues? I think I graduated back in 56 or 57 when Mr. Gize was the principal. I later attended JHS 51 graduating in 60. Who could ever forget the famous water-gun shootouts while class was in session – the whole senior class was armed to the teeth including both sexes. Some of the teachers even took our guns prior to class periods beginning. It was a safeguard because the principal had some teachers on patrol searching us for guns during actual class. Boy – if that was the worst thing we did – it’s pretty calm considering what goes down now in school.
Hello to all. I’m Susan Lentini. I lived on 22nd street between 4 & 5th ave until I was 16yr old. We made the big move up to 6th ave after that. My sisters are the twins, Annie and Louise. I graduated St John’s in 1963. I have been married for almost 38 years to my husband John. I have two grown daughters and a beautiful 4 yr old granddaughter. I live in Howell, NJ for the past 23yrs. It’s great to go down memory lane especially when your memory is not what it used to be. It’s great to see a good friend of mine from the past is on this site. Hello Carol Miele. How are you? Did you say you live in Manalpan? I’m about 20 minutes south of there. We should meet for lunch with my sisters. Does your daughter still model. Mine stopped when she went away to college. Its amazing to see how Brooklyn is changing. St John’s school is now condo’s that we can’t afford. A warm summers night like tonight reminds me of staying up late and sitting on “the stoop”. Maybe getting a pizza from Lenny’s and just talking. Remember Mike the’ice cream” man? To this day nobody beats D’amico’s ices. They were the best. I remember when they were filming the movie “Dog Day Afternoon with Al Pacino. We stood there for hours and watched. How about going to St Rocco’s for roller skating. It’s good to reminise. Well I’ll try and pick my brain and I’ll be back. Take care all. ‘
GARY,
I DID NOT FORGET ABOUT YOU I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE OF THE BISCUTTI GIRLS YET. WHEN I DO I WILL LET YOU KNOW. TERRY
COUSIN GLORIA,
ALL BOOKED FOR THE REUNION. WE BETTER GET NAME TAGS. LOL WE HAVE NOT SEEN EACH OTHER IN ABOUT 40 YEARS OR MORE. CAN NOT WAIT TO REUNITE WITH ALL MY DAD’S COUSINS WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME. LOVE COUSIN TERRY
P.S. I WISH JEANETTE WAS GOING.
Hi Terry,
So glad you are comming on the cruise. Too bad so many can’t get to make it but it will be good to see who do.
What a great idea to wear name tags, but I think even after all these years, we’ll know who the Curlys are. We’re a unique group. I mean that lovingly.
I’m dissapointed about Jeanette too. Haven’t seen her forever.
any way stay well and see you before you know it,but keep in touch .
Love To You, Cousin Gloria
Hi Bob,
Did you get the site? Stay Cool! In that Afr. hot weather up north!
Love ya
Sis
thanks Terry and I know Marie is checking things out also – She used to live at 287 21st. A young girl who gave me eternal hope to come home – an interesting love story.
GARY,
MAYBE YOU SHOULD WRITE A BOOK. IT SOUNDS LIKE A STORY YOU WOULD SEE ON LIFETIME. TERRY
HI,
HOW BITTERSWEET LAST NIGHT WAS. JEANIE OLIVA GAETA PASSED AWAY AND I WENT TO PAY MY RESPECT. I GREW UP WITH THE OLIVA FAMILY. JAMSIE WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS, ALTHOUGH AS MY BEST FRIEND HE WOULD CONVINCE ME TO CUT OUT OF SUMMER SCHOOL. ON ONE HAND IT WAS SO SAD. JEANIE WAS 52 YEARS OLD. ON THE OTHER HAND YOU MET UP WITH PEOPLE YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IN YEARS. I MET MY OLD CLASSMATE JOSEPH BLOSSFIELD. I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM SINCE WE LEFT 8TH GRADE IN ST. JOHN’S. JIMMY CATALANO WAS THERE. OH SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD. ANN PISCULLI PERROTTA AND HER FAMILY.
I JUST MISSED DIETZIE. I CANT PLACE HIM FOR ANYTHING FROM WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER. JAMSIE WHEN YOU GET ON THIS SITE YOU GIVE ME HOPE. YOU WERE ONE OUT OF MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE OUR AGE (DON’T LET THIS GO TO YOUR HEAD NOW) THAT LOOKS GREAT. YOU STILL LOOK LIKE YOU DID 30 YEARS AGO. I AM SO HAPPY WE GOT IN CONTACT LAST MONTH. IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE EVERYONE BUT SO SAD. JEANIE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL, HAPPY, LOVING PERSON. THE OLIVA’S ALL ARE LIKE THAT. THAT IS WHAT OUR PARENTS GAVE ALL OF US FROM GROWING UP IN THE “NEIGHBORHOOD.” LOVE TERRY
Hi EVERYONE!
I was so anxious to get started with a smile from ear to ear. Then, I read Terry’s message about Jeanie Oliva. In fact, she lived near me, Middletown, NJ. I did see her at the” back-to-school nights” a few years ao. I was very sad to read about this, and only 52 years old…..what happened?
Well, I remember so many things and people mentioned by all of the writers here. It’s wonderful to touch base and bring back the good-old-days! What else can I possibly add? I’ve been married to Frank (Bensonhurst) for almost 31 years and we have three sons, Nicholas 25, Andrew 23 and Michael 17. We’re very fortunate.
So glad my sister, Annie, hooked me up with this site. Would love to get details on the 21st reunion. I clicked on Marie’s website, but it was blank. Is this site for replies only? Hope to hear from you soon!
Oops! I meant the 21st Street reunion (not 21st). I may be mistaken……this may be meant for “cousins” only. Must be my “age!”
Hey Curly Cruisers! Nobody is more sad about missing the reunion than I am. Bobbie – we have had so many good times together and this would be the topping. I’m counting on you to fill me in about everything that goes on.
Glo – I’m still laughing about the time we stayed at your place when Holly was a little girl. What fun!!! I remember us all drinking around the pool (Cousin Cacky and Alex were there too) and everytime Holly floated by with the tube we would wave. The poor kid was shriveled by the time we got her out of the pool!!!! I remeber too when all you guys stayed at my apartment when your Mom passed away. Anna was on the couch with my dog on her head and she thought it was her wig!!!! Then she took her teeth out to brush them and Holly was so facinated she was trying to pull her own teeth out everytime I told her to brush her teeth!!! What laughs!! I also remember we were up until about 4 in the morning trying to think of the name of a Jack Lemon movie. We went to get hot bagels at 2 a.m. at the hot bagel store. I remember how much I missed all of you when you went back to Florida.
Terry – I always like hearing the stories you have to tell me when you used to visit my Mom on 7th Street. She always enjoyed seeing you and looked forward to your visits.
Unfortunately, this is one time I won’t be able to be there. Now is not a good time for me to go for a number of reasons. However, you are all in my mind and heart and I will be anxious to hear of all the laughs you have on the cruise. Please know I sincerely love all of you. Hopefully, we’ll get together again and I’ll be able to make it next time. Much love to all my dear cousins – Jeanette
LOUISE,
THE REUNION IS NOT ONLY FOR THE COUSINS. EMAIL ME IF YOU WANT THE DETAILS. [email protected]. HOW IS SUSAN. SO GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU. LOVE TERRY
Well, just like our neighborhood was all in the family back then, seems like this blog is also. My cousins Annie & Louise (the twins) and their sister Susan forwarded this site to me, and I’m not only thrilled to read all of your memories, but eager to share them with the rest of my family. I grew up with them in my grandmother Antoinette’s house on 22nd bet. 4th & 5th. Went to St. John’s until 3rd gr (Mrs. Maresca with the matching hat, shoes, bag, gloves) and then moved to SI. Living now in Howell, NJ just “down the block” from my cousin Sue. Marie P. wrote back in May sometime – I think that’s “Mary” from next door. Love to you, your sisters and your dad. Believe it or not became very good friends with someone from 21st between 3rd & 4th – Festina who I met when her daughter and mine were in pre-school together here in Howell. We weren’t friends when we lived a block away from each other (I wasn’t allowed below 4th Ave.), but the neighborhood is what we have in common now and we’ve been friends for the last 15 years. My grandfather was Carmine the barber who had a shop on 17th St. between 5th and 6th. Remember Vicky the crossing guard, Bob’s deli on 5th Ave & 23rd, Negri’s bar – patti and mary anne. Anyone know where Diane Pinto is? She and I were good friends in 3rd grade. My mom grew up in the same house on 22nd St. – we’re always sharing stories with my daughters about what a neighborhood was really like. Small world gets smaller – my daughter met a guy at college who is Rocco’s great nephew or grandson. When she mentioned his last name I thought it sounded familiar, and when she asked him if his family had a candy store on 5th avenue run by someone called “Rocco” he flipped. Remember the last thing I did with St. John’s before we moved was to be in a procession of some kind – Sr. “Luchent” begged my mother to let me be in it. I do remember Fr. Schlafani singing “Animal Crackers”. And will never forget my First Communion and what seemed like hours on our knees in the classroom practicing the ritual of the Mass and the Latin responses. I always thought “e cum spiri tu tuo” had something to do with my address 2-2-0. You’ve all affirmed my memories of Germaine’s, Santa, the churches, barbers, bakeries – remember getting pizza at Mike’s Bakery on 1/2 day Wednesdays – pretzels at school with chocolate milk on Wed.?! Getting a taste of boloney at Ricciardi’s pork store with the sawdust on the floor. I recall taking walks after Sunday dinner with my grandfather on a deserted 5th avenue. Remember grocery shopping with my mom lugging the three of us with the carriage and having the groceries delivered in boxes to our apartment. When we arrived home – the groceries were there. Mike the ice cream guy – Here goes phonetically – was “Shell – a – bo-bo-la” the fruit peddler “Watt-a-melon!!!” he’d yell. I remember the Gevell truck and shaved ice. Chocolate was my favorite D’Amico’s “lemon ice” – why would we call it “Italian ice”? Too chicken to ride King Kong, but loved the whip. Remember our sleigh rides at Prospect Park – after losing my breath off of Suicide hill had a problem with downhill sports since then …….Also remember the merry-go-round at the park too. Neighborhood names “Whitey” who was pretty well dressed and walked down the block and nodded and smiled at us each evening, Boopsie, Capabianca who I think was Blackie’s mother-in-law, and Bastey. Knickerbocker who I was afraid of. Recently saw Uncle Floyd who’s real name is Fulvio Vivino – he does a great stand up on italian neighborhoods like ours. If you’re planning a reunion he would be excellent. He performs at the Hoboken Italian feast and if you google him there’s probably a contact. Soooo funny. Do you remember Cresci’s fish store? Casa Storta? Tony with his bulldog. Remember the stray dogs (and the drunks) who we would hide from in our hallway – we’d peek out the mail slot till they passed and then go out again. We’d skate on the bumpy sidewalks – and share skates and sit on a phonebook on one skate if someone didn’t have a pair. Loved being on the stoop until it was cool enough to go back upstairs in the summer. We live in beautiful houses now – we get together with our extended families in large dining rooms that seat many guests. But there was something taken away from us when we made all this progress. Our parents moved us into better neighborhoods, into bigger houses and better schools – but there’s no heart in these developments these days. Thank you all for sharing your hearts. Thanks Annie, Louise and Susan for sharing this site.
OK herewe go I don’t know where to start. I went to Jeanie’s funeral last night and I saw Carol Meile. I cannot believe you where there Carol and I must say you are still as beautiful as ever. It felt so good seeing someone from the old neighborhood. My mother-in-law Anna loved your Mom and they were such good friends. They were always together. Thank you Santina for this website it is truly amazing Camille you are right. Camille you must tell me in advance if you are coming in from California and I will make it my business to get in touch with you and get to see you when you get in. Santina all the memories are thanks to you for this site. Franny Bruno when am I going to talk to Phyllis, I can’t wait we will talk for hours. We need to get a reunion going here girls. We all have so many ties together friendship wise. Jamesy is my heart and his whole family was mine and Deetzie’s adopted family. Deetzie can’t believe he saw Carol last night and we talked about old times all the way home. Tony Perrotta and his wife Roe, who by the way is my bestest friend in the whole world for the last 30 years came in for the funeral. He is Jamesy’s cousin. I am trying to place who Terry Angelo Sherman is? They all keep talking about her and it just does not ring a bell yet. It is driving me crazy. You guys talk about my girlfriend Toni’s x-husband Charlie Monteleone who lived on 6th Street. I lived on 6th Street. 318 6th Street between 4th & 5th Ave. I went to St. Thomas Aquinas and lived in Toni’s house forever hanging out with the Bove family. THE BEST GANG IN THE WORLD. I just don’t know what I will start if we start down that end of Park Slope with names. Like, Vinny LiPari from 7th Street. Fran Daniti who married Anthony Gallo from 6th Street. Elenore who married John Donato. Oh by the way someone before mentioned Anthony Nappi I hung around with him for years. He use to go out with a girl named Barbara Ann from 7th Street for years. We all went to confirturnity at St. Thomas Aquinas together. 6th Street was a great block also. We had some gang. We all hung out all night with everybody from 3rd Street to 12th Street. Terry how did you know Charlie Monteleone? I can see his sisters face and can’t remember her name I have to ask Toni. Deetzie is with Jamsey and Tony Perrotta right now they are hanging out in OTB together. We were in New Jersey today can’t believe how many of you moved out there, it is really a nice town. Anyone remember Nilda who use to live on 19th Street and grew up living in the apartment over the Oliva’s on 5th Avenue she was at the funeral today. I haven’t seen her in years. I have to go it was great to hear from all of you guys again and will be back in a couple of days. Camille be good and Santina have fun Saturday I can’t go my cousin Micheal is getting married July 26th on Saturday in New Jersey. It is a curse every time Toni is having a family reunion or something in her family is having something I already have plans and can’ t go. Toni Bove Monteleone is going to be 60 years old and her party is saturday. Santina you said she does not read this site. She better not or I just blew the surprise. Franny let Phyllis know I am trying to track her down. Carol is was great seeing you and hope we all gete together sometime this year. I am really going to try to get it together and plan it with my buddy Jamsey. Stay well everyone and have a great summer what’s left of it.
Hey Deborah, nice job on your trip down memory lane. You mentioned people I can still see today in my mind. Tell Diane about this site. Hi Terry Angelo. I’m good. Hope you and your family are doing well also. Talked to Louise tonight about your reunion in October. We aren’t able to attend but any other get togethers let us know and we would love to participate. Hey Carol M where are you?
HI EVERYONE, HAVEN’T BEEN ON IN A FEW DAYS AND THERE IS SO MUCH TO SAY. FIRST FRANK MAURIELLO, HOW ARE U. SO GLAD TO HEAR FROM US AND OF COURSE I REMEMBER U AND JEANIE. I ALSO REMEMBER YOUR MOM AND DAD. AND I CAN SEE THEM SO CLEARLY IN MY MIND. U ARE RIGHT MY DAD ALAWYS HAD A TOOTH PICK IN HIS MOUTH, HOW FUNNY U REMEMBERED THAT. JEANIE HOPE U ARE WELL, I REMEMBER U SO WELL AND ALSO HAVING A FEW SLEEP OVERS AT YOUR HOUSE WITH SUSAN. HOPE ALL IS WELL. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN ANTHONY 32 MARRIED AND HAS A BEAUTIFUL 2 YEAR OLD ANTHONY, ALSO EXPECTING ANOTHER BOY IN A FEW WEEK, LIVES IN FREEHOLD AND I LIVE IN MANALAPAN. ALSO HAVE A DAUGHTER CHRISTINE 26, LIVING AT HOME WITH ME FOR NOW. FRANK U TALKED ABOUT ST. ANNA’S CLUB, THAT WAS MY DAD’S FIRST HOME. ALL GENTLEMEN WERE IN THAT CLUB. THE FEAST WAS THE HIGHLIGT OF OUR SUMMERS. MY SISTER PAT SENDS HER REGARDS. SHE THINKS YOUR SISTER BERNADETTE USED TO BE ON THE FLOAT FOR ST. ANNA’S WITH MY SISTER MARIE. LET ME KNOW IF SHE IS RIGHT I DON’;T REMEMBER WHO WAS ON EXCEPT MY SISTER I DON’T THINK I REMEMBER THE OTHER GIRS.. WILL TALK TO U AGAIN SOON AND YOUR BLOG WAS SO NICE TO READ. LOUISE LENTINI HOW ARE U, SO HAPPY TO HEAR FROM U, GOD BLESS U AND YOUR 3 BOYS HOW GREAT. SUSAN, GLAD U FINALLY CAME ON, HOPE MOM IS WELL SEND HER MY LOVE. YES, I LIVE IN MANALAPAN, AND MY SON IN FREEHOLD. NO FAR FROM U AT ALL. WOULD LOVE TO MEET ONE DAY FOR LUNCH. NO CHRIS IS NOT MODELING ANYMORE, WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR HER TO GO ON HER ON TO THE CITY SHE DIDN’T. TO BUSY WITH COLLEGE, WORKING, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. BUT SHE ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCES SHE HAD WHILE DOING IT AS I’M SURE YOUR DAUGHTER DID. IS SHE THE DAUGHTER WHO HAD THE BABY. ISN’T IT GREAT BEING A GRANDMOTHER. IT’S SO NICE THAT U HAVE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH JEANNIE ALL THESE YEARS. THIS BLOG HAS BROUGHT BACK SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. WILL TALK TO U AGAIN SOON. LUCIA AND DIETZIE, IT WAS SO GREAT SEEING U BOTH LAST NITE. UNFORTUNATLY IT HAD TO BE AT JEANNIE OLIVIA’S WAKE. LUCIA, I COULD NOT PICUTRE WHO U WERE ON THIS BLOG AND THEN WHEN I SAW U, I FELT LIKE SUCH A DOPE. BUT I JUST COULDN’T PICTURE U BEFORE LAST NITE. IT WAS SO GREAT TALKING TO U AND DIETZIE ABOUT YEARS AGO. LIKE TERRY SAID IT WAS BITTER SWEET. I ONLY STARTED TALKING TO JAMSEY A FEW WEEKS AGO AFTER SO MANY YEARS. I WAS AMAZED AT THE LOVE EVERYONE HAD FOR JEANNIE, SHE WAS AN AMAZING PERSON. GOD BLESS HER BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS. I GUESS THE TIME WAS MEANT FOR JAMSEY TO GET IN TOUCH SO WE COULD HAVE MET LAST NITE AND AT LEAST I GOT TO SEE AND SAY FAREWELL TO BEAUTIFUL JEANNIE. I AM HEART BROKEN FOR THIS LOSS, SHE HAD SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR WITH TWO BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. BUT THIS IS LIFE AND GOD’S WILL. THIS BLOG IS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ALL OF US. I HOPE IN THE NEAR FUTURE WE COULD ALL GET TOGETHER SOMEWHERE CONVIENT FOR ALL OF US AND JUST CHAT, HUG AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. LOVE U ALL……………….
I am overwhelmed with emotion at this site. I’m sitting here at 6 oclock in the morning reading through this. I’m not up to writing memories right now, as we are coming off Jeanne’s funeral.
Have you ever seen such an out pouring of love in your life? I’m broken hearted as the rest of my family is. Jeanne was so good and she gave so much. I’m sure people on this site should remember her. But Lucia, thank you so much for this link… Carol, it was so good to see you and you do look as great as ever… I’ll say publicly that I was always madly in love with you when we were kids- didn’t we go out for like three days when we were seven ? Yes, Charlie Meile, always sat in his chair backwards and he always had a tooth pick in his mouth and I was always afraid of him for some reason. He seemed never to talk much either. Carol, Remember the expression ” Connie knows news before it happens” ? She always caught me playing hookey and told my mother everything, but she was my Mothers (Florie) greatest friend, she had coffee with my mother every morning at 647 4th avenue. Anyway, I thought I said I wasn’t in the mood for this. I think we should get together. Lucia
it was great to see you and Deetzie, Tony and Roe, and Carol it’s beyond words seeing you again. Like I told you, it’s a miracle. Thanks to Jamesy for getting a hold of you.
ANTHONY.
I WAS SO BUSY HUGGING JAMSIE ALL NIGHT THE I FORGOT TO COME AND SEE YOU. PAUL DID NOT REMEMBER ME BECAUSE HE WAS SMALL WHEN I GOT MARRIED AND LEFT HE NEIGHBORHOOD. THANKS AGAIN TO MICHAEL SCHIRALLI FOR SENDING MY SISTER THIS BLOG. IT WAS SO AMAZING HOW GOD WORKS. I JUST CONNECTED TO JAMSIE LAST MONTH THANKS TO JUDY OCCHIOGROSSO CATALANO. THIS BLOG JUST HAS CONNECTED SO MANY PEOPLE AFTER SO MANY YEARS. I REMEMBER YOUR FAMILY SO WELL. I REMEMBER YOUR DAD YELLING AT ME WHEN I CAME HOME FROM THE BEACH WITH ALMOST SUNSTROKE. EVERYONE’S PARENTS WERE ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THE KIDS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. WE ALL WERE AND ARE STILL BONDED TOGETHER FROM GROWING UP WHERE WE DID. I STILL CAN SEE AUNT CONNIE MIELE AND YOUR MOM ALWAYS TOGETHER. SUCH GOOD FRIENDS THAT TURNED INTO FAMILY. I CAN GO ON AND ON LIKE I ALWAYS DO. MY FAMILY SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE MY BLOG AND MY FRIENDS. I CANT HELP IT I LOVE READING EVERYONE’S STORIES. MY BEST TO YOU AND I WILL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. LOVE TERRY ANGELO
OMG – thank you to my cousin Annie Lentini Frustaci for emailing the site to my sister Debby A, who in turn emailed me. Grew up on 22nd Street (between 4th & 5th) next to the “Post”. Went to St. John’s in first grade and had Sister Charles – was best friends with the Arancio girls (Lisa, Mary, Joanne and Angie). Moved to SI in 1966 but spent the summers in Brooklyn with my grandmother Antoinette so I could play with the Arancios, go on King Kong, get D’Amico’s lemon ice, ice cream from Mike and go on the Avenue with my grandmother and get pizza at Lenny’s and the horsie ride in front of Joe’s Cut Rite! Living with my cousins the Lentini’s at 220 22nd Street was and always will be the fondest memory of my life! We played for hours with very few toys and when it rained….we played in the hall…..bank, school and store. Chinese school on the stoop, red light green light, rattlesnake (which was a schoolyard game), giant step? Going to Jeans with the Arancio’s and getting attached by the stray dogs!! Poopsie, a boy named Chickie and his cousin Dennis, Poopsie’s sons, Frankie, Dominick, Anthony and daughter Claudia. Bastie and Mary Aversano lived across the street with daughter, Gina. Elvira Renaldis lived next door – she worked in D’Amico’s with her sister Angie. Mike’s pizza on Wednesday and pretzels and chocolate milk at St. John’s. Vickie the cross guard at 21st Street and 5th Avenue. Going to Rosa’s with my mother and handing her bobby pins while she did my mother’s hair! Getting dressed up to go the Bank on 9th Street (which was like going to the Vatican). That horrible dentist (Dr. Volpi) on 4th Avenue between 22 and 23rd. Betty and Frank with the bulldog on 22nd Street. Jimmy and Mary Ciccaro (sons Nicky and Jamesie) and Mike and Betty. Jeannie Kilpackie (my cousin Susan’s best friend) and her mother who always stopped at our stoop to talk! OMG I’m gonna get fired – gotta go. “Maria P” I know you are “Mary”. Tell your sisters about the site. Love to all
OMG – how could I forget Santa at Germains? The REAL Santa and that gorgeous Fairy Princess? I remember seeing lines of baby carriages outside Germains with the babies still hooked in them!! Try doing that today!!!!
Terry Angelo – I know you don’t know me but my sister went to first grade with your brother Carl (we have the 8mm film of my sister’s birthday party). I remember always stopping to talk to your mother wiht my mother and grandmother on 5th Avenue. Probably would recognize you if I saw you. I am Annie, Louise and Susan Lentini’s cousin.
DIANE,
ARE YOU YOUNGER THAN CARL OR OLDER. I GRADUATED ST. JOHNS IN 1964. WHAT WAS YOUR LAST NAME. I WAS ALWAYS WITH MY MOM AND GRANDMA ON 5TH AVE. THEY ALWAYS WOULD DRAG ME TO GERMAINS FOR THE PENNY SALES. WE WOULD WAIT ON LINE A LONG LINE. I WISH I HAD THOSE KNOCK KNACKS NOW THEY ARE WORTH ALOT OF MONEY. I WAS ALWAYS IN MY DADS STORE WITH MY MOM ON 5TH. LOVE TERRY
HEY LENTINI GIRLS,
DOES ANYONE OF YOU GIRLS REMEMBER MARGARET,DONNA AND FLORENCE PALMA. THEY LIVED RIGHT NEAR YOU. DO YOU KNOW WHERE THEY ARE? THE LAST TIME I SAW MARGARET WAS ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS VERY ILL AND DOING RADIATION IN METHODIST. WE WERE SUCH GOOD FRIENDS. WE WENT TO SCHOOL FROM KIND. ALL THE WAY THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL. SHE WAS THE BEST.. REMEMBER HER MOTHER BELLA AND HER FATHER WHO WAS SO NICE AND SO QUIET. LOVE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH HER. LOVE TERRY
Hey Terry,
I am 2 years younger than Carl. My sister Debby Arnao was Carl’s age and also went to school with Billy Adami, Vickie Ascione, a girl named Minnie with long blond hair (lived on 22nd between 5th and 6th). My mother is “Mary” DelPezzo. She was born on 22nd Street. My grandfather Carmine had a barber shop on 17th Street. My grandmother’s name was Antoinette. She is Vera Lentini’s Aunt (their mother’s were sisters). I had a massive crush on your brother carl when I was 5!
Diane
Been reading all the posts and I’m familiar with a lot of the names people have been talking about. My Aunt Loretta Rumola and cousin Jimmy lived on the same block–22nd bet 5th and 6th–as the Lentini girls.
Donna Pisculli Rago is one of my oldest and dearest friends and Catherine Paladino Ischia is my cousin. They are from the “old neighborhood” — 21st bet 4th and 5th. They were at my son’s wedding on Saturday. Donna told me about her cousin Jeannie’s passing, and I extend my condolenses to the family.
Does anyone remember “Pepe” from 21st street? His name was Pepitone, don’t remember his first name and he lived at 214 21st. He married a woman with many children. He was a character.
Rocco, from the candystore, has been mentioned many times on this site. Yes, he was a little “crazy”, but he had a good heart. I remember when my dad died in 1994, he found out about it and raced to the funeral parlor to pay his respects, even though he was dying from cancer, too. We later found out he passed away a few months later. I will always remember and respect him for that.
Let’s keep the memories coming. It’s good for the soul.
Margaret – are you a Ricciardi from the Pork Store? We used to go in there all time and sit on the window sill while my mother was shopping and one of the “brothers” would give us the ends of the bolognie – which was such a huge treat (together with Mike’s bread). I remember hiding underneath my mother’s long winter coat and walking with her throughout the store so she couldn’t find me. What a panic. The whole store stopped what they were doing to look for me! I think I got a small beating but a piece of bolognie anyway!
Does anyone remember a big girl with red hair named Flossie? She lived on 22nd Street between 4th and 5th. She was very mean to my cousins (the Lentini’s) and she had a big mouth!
Terry- I’m sorry, I know your name but I can’t place your face. Tell me more about you so I can connect you to a memory.
Micheal Schiralli-is that Dee Dee Schiralli’s brother your talking about? Does anyone remember Dee Dee- is her mother still alive- I think Carol M told me she was. Here are the things I remember:
Felix’s resturant on 18th street and 5th on the 6th avenue side.. Connie was the waitress, and Chubby was the waiter. We drove them crazy-and Connie had no patience. If you didn’t order right away she walked away. St John’s, being an alter boy and dressing Father Sclafani, and the Monsigneur Sala in the rectory for 8am mass. My kness would knock from the fear of them. We all remember- “Prayer + Study = Success- I just got around to using this equation and it actually works! Sister Rose Margaret- Miss Maresca (3rd grade ) walking up and down the aisles snapping her fingers getting us to memorize the times tables- Sister Saint Jerome-the crusader of Jesus-I don’t remember my teachers for K- first grade or second grade- Miss Garcia was the 4th grade-I was in the 5th grade in 1963 when JFK was killed-I forgot what nun that was but she was nice-I was always in trouble and spent alot of time in those walk-in closets outside the class rooms. That’s where they put me everyday-They never really did break me though but they tried. Lenny’s Pizza, White Castle Meat Market next to Pop’s bizzare on the corner of 19th street. I was the delivery boy there. I used to love raking fresh saw dust on the floor-and scraping the butcher blocks and delivering stakes to the Dixie Tavern on 20th street and 5th. The owners were Jimmy Simone and Joe Kashuba a polish guy. Gretchlers’s hardware store, remember all the different size nails in the bins at the register?- Making Carpet guns, with a stick, rubber bands and clothes pins and using lineolium for the bullts, making a scooter with a wooden milk box a two by four and a split in half roller skate. What about a skate key. Saint Rocco’s (27th St and 4th) the roller rink on Thursday afternoons. The feast they had there. What about the Saint Anna’s club feast on 21st every year- Rocco’s candy store and the Sheriff, and his brother Sonny-We lived at 647 4th ave apt 12- my mother Florie, would hang out the window and oversee 4th ave everday- she rarely left the house. The macaroni store that Pork Store near 18th street I remember there was a step and you entered to the left and it was mobbed on Satuday’s – Chicky Boy Aversano, and his older brother Cookie Avarsano- Johnny Devilio and His younger brother Chris Devilio- Charlies Chinese Laundry on 4th avenue near 22nd street. Joe Longos pool room-The Paradise movie theater 25 cents and you didn’t have to leave after the movie was over- I would watch the Tarantula over and over again- and the silent Kings of Kings. I would stay all day- I loved watching the Crucifixion over and over again for some reason. The Testors, South Bklyn Boys, 23rd Street park. My father Tony and the Ice Cream parlor on 16th street. The owner was named Mark. My dads cheeseburgers, malteds, and egg creams, he made the greatest sandwiches- I can see him there making an egg cream while I licked my lips waiting on those stools-Sanfts the cool cloths store next to Parker and Megna- Buddy the son, and his Mother and Father- the Mother was named Glad I for got the fathers name. I worked there too. – Parker and Megna Pharmacy- working there through out my John Jay HS days- The 72nd Precinct. Prospect Hall and the bowling alley, being a pin boy. 19th street- stick ball- Mike the Ice Cream man twice a day! Ok this is too much but I’ll be back-So many memories.. what a gift this site is..
OMG- I just thought of Sissy Al, he lived directly across from Dee Dee Schiralli on 22nd street near 4th ave- and Joey Peppa- he was the president of the Testors-and he had something wrong with his voice. I remember he had a sister Carol Peppa and I recall his mother too. I don’t know if I have the spelling of the last name right. I have to break things down, because I have different memories and experiences for every family, every store, and every block, from 9th street to 27th street and from 3rd avenue to 7th avenue- not including the area around Prospect Park- that’s another set of memories.
Some things that just came to my mind.. The stables on 20th street- and the Chicken Market across from the Stables on 20th street-and of course Connie Mieli’s house between those two apartment buildings they come with a whole other set of notables living in those buildings. There was this lady and her son living there. I used to play with him, but his mother was a little hysterical sometimes and she would send me home.. Does anyone remember them? I have to get off I can’t take this anymore….LOL…
ANTHONY,
MY DAD WAS THE T.V. MAN FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD. HE HAD A STORE MICHAEL’S LAMP AND GIFTS. MY MOM KNEW YOUR MOM VERY WELL AND YOUR DAD. I AM THE OLDEST OF FOUR. MY SISTER MICHELE IS 53, CARL IS 50 AND THE BABY IS 45, LORI. I WAS BEST FRIENDS WITH GRACE COEN SINCE WE WERE LITTLE GIRLS. I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HER AND JAMSEY. I AM ALSO CAROL MIELE’S COUSIN. I REMEMBER YOU. I ALSO WENT TO SCHOOL WITH DEE DEE SCHRIALLI. ANNIE IS STILL LIVING ON 22ND STREET AND TALK TO HER OFTEN. I THINK SHE IS 84 YEARS YOUNG. MICHAEL KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH MY SISTER LORI. THEY ARE THE SAME AGE. SHE WENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR BROTHER JOHN UNTIL HE GOT SICK. LOVE TERRY
OH ANTHONY,
THE PEPPER’S I REMEMBER THEM, WE WROTE ABOUT CAROL SOMEWHERE ABOVE ON THIS BLOG. I THINK SANTINA WROTE AND I DID. I REMEMBER YOUR DAD WORKING IN THE ICECREAM PARLOR. OH SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. LOVE AGAIN,
DIANE,
THE BIG RED HEAD GIRL FROM 22ND STREET FLOSSIE IS JIMMY CATALANO’S SISTER AND JUDY OCCHIOGROSSO CATALANO’S SISTER IN LAW. (ABOVE) I DO NOT REMEMBER HER BEING MEAN, I THINK SHE HUNG OUT WITH MY COUSIN GERALDINE GAGLIARDI FROM 5TH AVENU BETWEEN21ST AND 22ND STREET. I JUST SAW HER RECENTLY IN FLORIDA AT JUD’S GRANDDAUGHTERS BAPTISM. SHE STILL LOOKS THE SAME. VERY QUIET. IN THOSE DAYS EVERYONE SEEMED TOUGH. MOSTLY THE PUBLIC SCHOOL KIDS. I HATE SAYING THAT NOW BECAUSE THAT IS MY BIGGEST BEEF WITH KIDS IN SCHOOL. SOME OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL KIDS TODAY ARE JUST S TOUGH. ANYWAY THAT IS WHO SHE IS. LOVE TERRY
Hi Lucia, I can’t go to Toni’s party and am very unhappy about it. I’m having a 65th birthday for my sis-in-law saturday. I’m having 30 people, hope it doesn’t rain. I don’t know if Toni goes on here or not she doesn’t write. I hope u didn’t blow it lol.
I think Someone mentioned chickie and his cousin Dennis- chickie is Camille’s brother and cousin Dennis.
Pepe (Pepitone) lived upstairs from Linda Branciforte He married Jackie & 5 kids, her mom was Mary. Branciforte’s and Pepitones were like one family, although not related. They all moved to Staten Island together.
Someone mentioned Festina from 21st Street and 3rd & 4th. her mom’s maiden name was DeLeo and my mom’s first cousin. I haven’t seen Festina in years.
Everyone lives in Jersey? We should meet in Wegmans. lol I love that store. I’m on the border of Howell in Jackson.
Anthony, you were never in my class? Name some people in your class. Were you in Terry’s. Terry and I were in 2 different 1st-to 6th grades. Sr.Carmelina was kindergarten
Sr. Moore Patricia was 1st grade.
I didn’t know Grace (Gay) died, of what? How long ago? Wasn’t she with Jamesy Oliva for years? Did they marry?
Diane, Flossie with red hair from 22nd St. was Judy O’s sis-in-law Fossy Catalano.
Jean K from 4th ave. next door to Dr Lipton, was my friend. I loved her house we use to sit in her Attic. Hang out, dance. We rehearsed for a play for school up there.
Does anyone one remember the Castaldo’s from over the Lorde Shoppe (I think)? I went to school with Roxeanne. Santina
santina,
i remember the castaldos. i ran into one of the younger sisters in shoprite years ago. i saw a photo a few years of a girl getting married out here in s.i. i thought she looked familiar and when i read the name it was rosalyn’s daughter. she looked exactly like her mother. i hung out with carol. she might be alittle older than us. maybe one or two years. anthony is younger than us i think jamsey is our age or one year older. you would think i did not have a life the way i am always on here. im addicted. i cook and i check, i clean and i check etc etc. gay died a few years ago and we did not even know. her brother michael also died. the only one left is brian the older brother. so sad. we were so close as kis and even as we got older. terry
Hello to the Lentini’s… Great to see you are all doing well…
The three of you were the cutest sisters ever!!! It’s been at least 36 years.
Anthony Oliva – do you remember me? Franny Bruno from 20th St.
Carol and I spent many Saturdays at your house on 4th Ave when we were kids.. I remember your entire family very well.
I am so sorry to hear about Jeannie. I am sorry I could not come to pay my respects to your family; I just got back from vacation today.
Anthony, please keep the FAITH and find PEACE in your HEART knowing you were all there for each other, throughout all these years. My heart goes out to you all. I’ve been in touch with Jamsey lately (thanks to Judy getting us all ‘back together’). On the lighter side, thanks for sharing your memories of our great neighborhood. I enjoyed reliving them again.
Hi Lucia – I will tell Phyllis to check the Site – so you can connect.
I also passed it on to Rosalie Barberie (Zesarie) – from 20th St.
Do you remember Roe? Annie Lentini – I believe you know her husband Joseph from your business. They are both from 20th St.
And finally….
My dear friend, Terry – I was one of those public school kids that you ‘dis’ above. Better watch it, Nancy and I will kick your butt 🙂
Love to all!!!
Terry now I know you!
Santina, I only remember the 5th grade, Catharine Palidino, Maria Avasano, Anthony Rizzo, was in my class, but I don’t remember which. Now, Sister Carmalina, I remember but I don’t recall her being my teacher.. You guys might have been a little older than me. My Grammar school days are a little fuzzy- Sister Carmalina, was she the one who threw holy water over everyone? Really tough.
No Grace and James never married but they were together forever. and yes she died a few years ago and her brother Mike as well.. I’m still in touch with Brian just spoke to him the other day to let him know Jeanne passed away-he lives in Montaulk, left 22nd street for a weekend and never came back, that was 30 years ago. He’s a great friend. Grace died of multiple medical problems. She was injured severly by a car hitting her bicycle and she had severe head trauma, after that she was never really the same.. Ask my brother for the other details. Terry your right that was very sad, Grace was a beautiful person. Now the Castaldos, Carol, Rosalind, Maria, and Joyce was the youngest. I was good friends with Rosalind, she married Anthony Rizzo. Did Vinnie Avasano from down 21st street, ever marry Maria? I think he did. What about the Orlandi’s they lived next to the Rizzo’s right next to the second school yard closer to 6th avenue did you know them? I know Robert, we hung out on the corner of 21st street for years, he became a Correction officer.. and Terry did you know the Negri’s not only Anthony Mommy and his Mother Carolyn, remember she used to call him that…lol… but Patty Negri and she had a Sister that lived over the gas company-
Do you know how Dee Dee is, she was my child hood sweet heart-
I left Cathrine Paladino for her. or maybe it was the other way around I don’t know. Is she ok? Your not kidding, what memories, can’t belive you remember my brother John, although that was a heart felt event like Jeanne’s passing. See both you in a day or to, it’s nice reminiscing with you.
Terry I will find out about the Palma girls from my mom. I think Florence moved far away. (I think Texas). Maybe Margaret is in Staten Island. I don’t know about Donna. I always remember their mom sitting out on their porch. Thanks Francesca (Franny ) Bruno for the shout-out. I could not place you until you referred to yourself as “Franny”. OMG. Santina, I am trying so hard to put a face to your name. What year did you graduate St. John’s. I also live in Howell. It’s a small world Someone mentioned Sister Rose Margaret. Was she the 8th grade nun? Tall. Was she the really nice one. I still have nightmares from some of those nuns. I remember once I got caught passing a note (that wasn’t even mine) and the nun took me into the hallway and made me put the note in my mouth and chew it. Stupid me I did it. Teachers would get fired for that today. Funny how some things you never forget.
ANTHONY,
SISTER CARMALINA WAS KINDERGARTEN, SISTER GEORGINA 7TH GRADE WAS THE NUT. THEY CALLED HER CANNONBALL SHE WAS FAT AND SHORT. SHE WOULD HIT YOU, LINE YOU UP AND SPRINKLE HOLY WATER ON US OR MAYBE THROW IT AT US. I DID NOT HAVE HER SHE WAS THE OTHER 7TH GRADE. I HAD SISTER ST. JEROME. DEEDEE DIED ABOUT 11YEARS AGO. ANNIE IS STILL ON 21ST STREET AS I SAID BEFORE. I DO NOT WANT PEOPLE TO THINK IM REPEATING MYSELF LIKE I DO WITH MY KIDS AND THEY HAVE TO TELL ME “YOU SAID THAT ALREADY” BOY I REMEMBER MY MOM DOING THAT. I SAW ROSEMARY ORLANDI ALOT WHRN MY SON WENT TO FARRELL H.S IN S.I. HER NEPHEW WENT THERE. THE BABY BROTHER HIS SON. THERE MOM BABE WOULD COME TO THE TRACK RACES. SHE WOULD MAKE ME CRY. SHE WOULD ALWAYS TALK ABOUT MY MOM AND HOW SHE MISSED HER. JUDY OCCHIOGROSSO CATALANO KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH PATTY MORELLO SHE IS MARRIED TO HIM.(OSEMRY ORLANDI) I THINK MARIE CIRILLO MARRIED AN AVERSANO IM NOT SURE. SHE IS RELATED TO THE DRITTOS FROM 6TH AVENUE. I WILL SEE MARGARET SOON AND I WILL ASK HER . THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES TERRY
FRANNY,
I LOVE YA. YOU WERE NOT ONE OF THOSE TOUGH GIRLS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL. LOOK HOW LIFE GOES. I WENT TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND I WOULD NEVER PUT MY KIDS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL. NOW MY SON MICHAEL WENT THROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOL EXCEPT FOR COLLEGE AND HE IS A PUBIC SCHOOL TEACHER. LOL I THINK NOW YOU GET A BETTER EDUCATION FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL BUT THAT IS MY OPINION. MISS YA AND LOVE YA MY DEAREST FRIEND TERRY
Diane,
I can’t believe you told everyone Flossie on 22nd street was mean to us!!!!! Kids can be mean sometimes but, I do remember having fun with her too. I love you Di for protecting us…….I have vivid memories of those hot summer long days waiting for the ice cream truck to pass by our block. Everyone would run home to get money to buy their ice cream. We would go inside the house and mom would give us three scoops on a cone with sprinkles and by the time we were outside again everyone would be finished. We couldn’t afford to buy from the truck and we hated that but, all the kids looked at us eating the big ice cream cone prepared by mom at home!!! I want to cry remembering those days. The winters were wonderful too!! When school closed because of a big snow storm, we would be out all day long…..enjoying every single moment….. doing what kids do…..I want one day of that! Does anyone remember Patty Negri. She lived on fifth ave. 22nd st. I think over a bar. My sister Louise & I were always with Patty.
Hello Francesca(Franny) Joe Barberie is currently in my salon at this very moment. It was Joe who introduced me to this wonderful site.
Iwish I could see you all!!
Anthony Oliva – I’m trying to place you! Of course your name is so familiar, anyway, I do want to say how sorry I am for your loss. Prayers to your family. Annie
Terry,
I spoke to my Mom last night and she said, “OMG, of course, Margie Angelo!” She asked for your parents and said they were related to Chubby and Marie Perrotta. I know Marie passed away as my cousin Vera was very distraught. Thanks for the Flossy info. I was very young and didn’t know the “teenagers” too well. We sent this site to my Mom and unfortunately she cannot access it on her archaic computer – she’s at my sister’s today and hopes to use her computer to look through for some old friends. Back in the day, my Mom hung out at Johnny Negri’s candy store! She is 73 years old and lived on 22nd Street most of her life.
Does anyone know: Is the Tony Orlandi the same person as Tony Orlano who was the son of the butcher on 21st Street and 5th Avenue? My friend Chickie (Anna Arena) went with him when she was in Junior High. She came from 19th Street near 3rd Avenue. She lived on the same block as Eugene and Bobby Amendola.
She is now married to Felix Ruiz (2nd marriage) and lives in Staten Island.
Santina: Do we know Jeanie Oliva and Annie Scerbo? I cannot place them but their names are familiar. Also I looked into an old phone book and I have Annie Scerbo’s telephone number. Yiks… I am really getting old and cannot remember who they are.
Hi Annie,
Sorry for my bold comment but you know my memory……I apologize to all who know Flossy well. Annie….I can’t get off this site! What a wonderful way to reconnect to the neighborhood. I remember you and Louise always being with Patty Negri. Debby went to school with her younger sister, Mary Ann. I remember going up to their apartment above the bar and playing dolls with Debby and Maryann. Their mother was really nice to me.
Give my love to the girls and Bruno. Hope you’re getting to enjoy the summer and glad to hear about LBI. Love you…..
Annie/Louise/Susan,
Do you remember those cute guys that lived across the street….Stanley and Bobby – they were Polish?
To those who make comments about others after all theses years should no better grow up. This Is one of the reasons why people move away to try and make a better life for them selfs and there familys. James Oliver sorry to here about your sister.From your friends little sister Flossie to old to be called that any more but this way you no who it is.
FLOSSIE,
you go girl. flossie you are still a pissa. it was great seeing you at the baptism in florida. do not take it to heart you probably did frighten the s– t out of us when we were young. geraldine was tough also. lol terry
when we were teenagers judy always protected me when there was a fight. i remember the testa’s coming up to fight the girls in our neighborhood.. everyone was yelling lets go taking their pierced earrings out and getting ready to fight. i on the other hand took my earrings out and prayed my mother would call me home i was so frightened. guess what my prayers were answered and i could not go fight. thank god i was not a fighter. my sister michele she wasn’t afraid of no one and still is not just like judy.
DIANE,
MY MOM AND DAD PASSED AWAY. MY DAD DIED IN 99 AND MY MOM 2000. IN BETWEEN MY HUSBAND ALSO PASSED AWAY. WHAT A YEAR. FATHER SALERNO DID ONE OF THE FUNERALS. DO YOU REMEMBER HIM FROM ST. JOHNS. AUNT MARIE PASSED ONE YEAR AGO MAY. I CAN NOT PLACE YOUR FAMILY. I EMAILED CARL MY BROTHER AND TOLD HIM TO READ THIS BLOG. HE HAS BEEN READING I DO NOT KNOW IF HE STILL IS.