Park Slope “When”


park slope, Brooklyn

Originally uploaded by mickey1.

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

2,508 Replies to “Park Slope “When””

  1. You guys are talking about being slapped in class. I’ll never forget my 7th grade teacher — Sr. Jeanne de Lourdes. Boy, was she a slapper. This one time this boy, Anthony Gagliardi, wouldn’t give her the answer she wanted, and she proceeded to slap him all around the room. Everytime she asked him the question, he answered and another slap. I remember his face being beet red from all the hitting!

    I also got a good slap in the face from her too. I was turned around talking to someone and when I turned around — bam — right in the face. I was stunned but never cried (tho’ I could have). I can’t believe our parents put up with it.

  2. Annie any relationship to Edward Frustaci. Right Sally Latina, I thought he also was a Lentini, Terry.

    I had Sr. St Jerome in 6th grade. Then had Sr Cornelius in the 2nd 6th grade. I graduated in 65, should have been 64. At that time to me it was more important to laugh all day, than to learn. I paid for it. But I think it’s where I should have been anyway. I started school at 4yrs old in Kindergarten. I remember being upset because other classmates were already six in first grade. Sr. Moore Patricia scared me, someone was talking so She said we were all going to stay after school. That scared me so I started crying. She put me in that little room between 1st grade and Principals office. She made the class leave, so I cried all over again. She said I couldn’t go till I stopped crying. I will never forget 1st grade.

  3. Anthony before I go on and on I can’t recall if I gave my condolences to you and your family. Forgive me. Anthony were you ALWAYS in the closet at school? That’s funny. Sr St Jerome got me also. Hair pulling because I did not know the answer to a math problem. I was mortified. I remember my neighbor John Guerrasio standing up and yelling at her to stop pulling my hair. She then preceded to beat the crap oiut of him. Lovely person. Debbie and I were laughing our as— off today seeing all the great names from our past. I’m enjoying it so much.

  4. This may sound hokey, but the reason Sister St. Jerome slapped me was that I had a string on my uniform skirt and when I stood up to curtsey and say, “Good afternoon, Sister” I felt the string and turned around to look at it and she called me to the front of the room and said, ” How dare you turn your back on me?” The next thing I knew was the back of her hand was on my face. I remember it distinctly.
    Child abuse indeed. I’ve been teaching for the past 22 years and if you so much as THINK something about a child, parents will sue. It is a totally different world.

  5. OK Maria here is one that was really unbelievable. We all got new uniforms in September, right. Well in the higher
    grades by the time June arrived some girls were as you would say “filling out”and what happened? They got in trouble and were publicly humiliated because their shirts were too tight. To bad, I wasn’t one of them. Can’t believe I remember this. I will say that there were some wonderful nuns who touched our lives (without hitting).

  6. SANTINA, REMEMBER SISTER JOSEPH DAVID. SHE LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. WE GOT SR. CORNELIUS. SHE WAS SO MEAN. BUT…….SHE PROMOTED ME EVEN AFTER I WAS ALWAYS IN TROUBLE TALKING. WHEN MY MOTHER CAME UP TO SCHOOL SHE SAID I WAS VACCINATED WITH A VICTROLA NEEDLE. VICTROLA I HAVE NOT HEARD THAT WORD IN YEARS. (I DONT EVEN KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT, I ASKED MY SON HE SAID WHAT!!!!) IF IT WAS YEARS LATER SHE WOULD HAVE SAID STEREO. I SAW SR. JOSEPH DAVID AFTER MANY YEARS WITH NO NUNS APPAREL. SHE WORKED WITH ROSALIE BARBERI AT ST. MARKS IN BKLYN. SHE WAS NOT AS NICE AS SHE WAS WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER. HOW I LOVED HER. WHEN SHE LEFT ME, GRACE COEN AND DAINE TAYLOR WENT TO SEE HER IN A REALLY BAD NEIGHBORHOOD. I CAN NOT BELIEVE MY MOTHER LET ME GO ON A BUS TO SEE HER. TERRY

  7. Louise: Wow the pink envelope, I can’t believe you remembered that. They were cruel. They would send me home if my I didn’t have the tuition as if it was my fault at 6 years old..

  8. Susan, and Maria- There was no reason you guys should have been hit at all- You all were so good all the time.. I asked for sometimes by being a clown but You, Maria and Louise, I’m so happy I don’t remember this. I think I had a severe case off Attention Deficit Disorder and I was completely misunderstood. It doesn’t matter now because I’m very successful.. lol- thank god.

    Wasn’t there someone in our class last name Crosby, and there was someone else as bad as me- An irish kid- oh I know James Heaney or something like that..someone mentioned a tall statuesque girl named barbara- what about her and wasn’t there a girl named evelyn in our class ?

  9. Susan, thank you for your kind words about Jeanne-Honestly I think this is helping me- the memories are coming back-I’m amazed. In my wildest dreams I would never think that I would be speaking to the Lentini twins and Maria Aversano- I can’t get over this. Are any of you in touch with Catherine Palidino ( Ischia) ? I am but not often- I don’t have her email but I’ll get it and try to get her on here.

  10. Gary Dil,

    I was in touch with Ellie Biscuitie. I gave her the e-mail address to this site. She said she will give it to her cousin.

    Hope she writes to you.

    Marie Crispino

  11. Anthony look what you started you have everyone going back to school days and child abuse. I love it. Although St. Thomas was just as bad. Sister Carmelita, I remember the 4th grade getting hit on my nuckles with the ruler sideways and my hand bleeding and then getting sent into the closet. All for squitting the ink from the ink well, (we had pens we filled up from an ink well before those cartridges came out with the ink in them already at a boy named Vinny DeFillpo because he put gum in my hair.

    DOES ANYONE KNOW STEVIE PRICE? HE WAS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION FOR THE SANITATION WORKERS BACK IN HIS DAY.

  12. Stantina you will remember Civi. Anyone remember Civitello who was the bartender in good old Negri’s bar on 5th Ave off 22nd Street. We all bounced from Negri’s to Charlie Brown’s on 17th Street all weekend long.

    What about the King of Clubs, that was a great place too, along with the Chantaclair and the Gallery and the best was the Gridiron.

  13. ANTHONY,

    I REMEMBER THE CROSBY’S. I KNEW JOEY CROSBY HE WAS MY AGE AND HE HAD A BROTHER SALLY CROSBY. THEY WERE WILD BOYS FROM 6TH AVENUE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY HAD YOUNGER BROTHERS. JOEY WAS WILD BUT A NICE GUY. I REMEMBER HE CALLED ME SQUIRREL AND CHARLIE SICIARGO BEAT THE HELL OUT OF HIM.. THAT WAS MY BOYFRIEND WHEN .
    I WAS A KID. NOW HE IS MARRIED TO MY BEST FRIEND DEBBIE BRODBECK. CHARLIE IS AROUND JAMSIE’S AGE. YOU PROBABLY DO NOT REMEMBER HIM. HIS FATHER DID BINGO WITH MY MOM, PHILIP SANTOLI’S DAD MR. KLAYPACK. I LOVED TUESDAYS , MY MOM WOULD COME HOME WITH THE LEFT OVER HOT DOGS. WE COULD NOT WAIT FOR HER TO FINISH WITH BINGO AND PRAY THERE WERE LEFT OVERS. THEY WERE SO DELICIOUS

    DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE HOT DOG LADY ON 6TH AVENUE AND 20TH STREET? SHE WAS CAROL ALAIA’S MOM. CAROL ALAIA WAS IN MY CLASS.
    TERRY

    I BETTER GET OFF HERE AND FINISH CLEANING. THIS IS ADDICTING

  14. ONE MORE THING. SANTNA I THINK WE DISCUSSED THE GRIDIRON..

    I LOVED THE GRIDIRON..A LOT OF US MET OUR HUSBANDS AT THE GRIDIRON..ME, GRACE COEN, FRANNY BRUNO, COUSIN CAROL MIELE, NANCY SAVARESE, PAULA RITTENHOUSE, JUDY OCCHIOGROSSO WOULD GO EVERY WEEKEND. AND.. JAMSIE. THOSE WERE SUCH FUN DAYS.

    WE WOULD GET PAID AND GO TO LADY FAIR AND SOMETHINGELSE FOR OUTFITS TO WEAR TO GO TO THE GRID.

    FRANNY….RMEMBER I KNOW YOU DO WE ALWAYS DISCUSS THIS……

    HE AINT HEAVY HE’S MY BROTHER, SHA NA NA NA HEY HEY, REFLECTIONS OF MY LIFE. WHEN I HEAR THESE SONGS I GE HIBBERGIBBIES IN MY BELLY.

  15. Margaret

    She slapped you in the face? You? I can’t imagine that, I remember you as being a very nice, soft spoken child who rarely (if ever) misbehaved. But then again, the nun you’re referring to was very quick with her hands, and I do remember “THE SLAP”. It wasn’t your generic catholic school slap down, it was more like a mental melt down. She lost control. It would be a shame if events like that became the nuns legacy, after all they did teach us how to read and write, and in my case that could not have been easy. As I remember grammar school, on a good day I was inattentive, more often then not I was disruptive. I rarely did my home work, and I don’t remember ever sitting quietly in my seat. Anything the nuns dished out to me, I deserved, and then some. I do have some good memories, like going to the 1964 World’s Fair, a field trip to see N.S. Savannah (the first nuclear merchant ship), and going to see “How the West Was Won” at the RKO Prospect. I also have fond memories of the eight grade, Sr Maureen, who came in like a lion and went out like lamb. On the first day of class she laid down the law, she grabbed me by ears ( which she announced to the class were dirty) and dragged me to the last seat in the last row. it was on the girls side of the room (that was punishment?). She told me she knew all about me, and if I caused any trouble I wouldn’t graduate . My last memory of those years was walking home from Marie P’s graduation party (I think it was at a social club on fifth ave). On the way home I got into a fight with a Puerto Rican kid that lived on my block (ironically enough his name was Jesus). I ruined the expensive graduation suit my mother bought at Martins Dept store, and caught hell from my parents. I only remember going back to St John’s once after that, it was to attend a Mass. I remember meeting “Sr J” afterwards, we had a brief conversation that started off cordially but quickly went downhill, I never went back, and I rarely thought about it until I stumbled across this site. Thanks for the memories. There are a lot of warm ones.

    Mickey (an old nickname that I haven’t heard or used since eight grade)

    PS Margaret, congratulations on your son’s wedding…heck… for that matter, congratulations on your wedding, and the children. The last time we spoke LBJ was the President, the Beatles were still performing and Elvis was not only still alive, he was still thin and good looking. Wow! We’re getting up there, better stop looking down (back) its scary!

  16. Terry, Lucia- Plese stop it! I’m supposed to be working now- LOL- Lucia I remember Civi- I’m dying here with these memories- the Gridiron where was that? and where was Charlie Browns I know I was in there all the time -and I remember the hot dog lady too! Negis bar was the best… Remember when Caroline always called her son “Anthony Mommy” that’s the title of my book that I’m going to write….

  17. Margaret R. – sorry – I think I confused you with a Rose R. that said she was the daughter of one of the Ricciardi Brothers. Did you know the Venturini’s on 21st Street. Also, I went to St. John’s with a girl named Phyllis with a real long last name (I think Polish) that started with a “P” – she had bushy long hair and I was in her house to do homework a couple of times.

    After reading “the police log” of the nuns at St. Johns…..I can remember my best friend (Lisa Arancio) going to the black board in Sister Charles’ class. We had to write the alphabet, capital and small letters. She had to write Bb and instead wrote Dd and immediately started crying because she knew she made a mistake. She was too afraid to go back to the friggin’ board. So, I was was supposed to write Dd and I wrote Bb so that my friend wouldn’t get in trouble!!! What an asshole! We both got yelled at, were hysterical and had to stay after school and write the whole f’ing alphabet.

    Sister Edwardine was the principal – she was 12 pounds and 100 years old in 1965! We had to put our head down and rest (I guess because we were all so exhausted from crying) and I sucked on my hand and made a mark. I was bored I guess. I remember Sister Charles used to walk up and down the aisles checking to see if we had a slip on and hankerchiefs in our pockets. She saw the mark on my hand and before I could explain that I had made the mark – I got whacked with the Ruler. I think I just stopped last week! What trauma.

    Sister Mary Magdalene was also smacking the boys and pulling their ears in the school yard during “playtime”. She never hit me but I was deathly afraid of her and Sister Lucian (who looked like a bulldog).

    I do remember my last day of school before I moved to SI, Sister Edwardine gave me a pair of rosary beads to give to my mother and Sister Charles walked me down to 5th Avenue and kissed me goodbye as did Vicky the crossing guard….. more crying….

  18. OH MY GOD,

    VICKY DELUCA THE CROSSING GUARD. ANTHONY THE GRID IRON WAS ON THIRD AVENUE IN THE 70’S NEXT TO THE BIG BINGO HALL. IT BECAME T.J. BENTLEYS YEARS LATER. UP ABOVE I FORGOT I THINK SANTINA OR MARIE SAID IT HAS A NEW NAME NOW WHERE THEY GO TO BRUNCH. I JUST FINISHED CLEANING AND I HAD TO CHECK IN. MY NEXT LIFE I AM GOING TO MARRY A RICH MAN AND HAVE CLEANING LADIES EVERY WEEK. TERRY

  19. Terry, of course I will ALWAYS remember the Gridiron – “those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end….” We had the best times there – First we’d take a Jean Nate shower (I think of you and Grace whenever I smell Jean Nate). Then we’d get all dressed in the trendiest outfits. After giving our parents ‘room-and-board,’ we spent our entire paycheck on cloths (or airline tickets to a weekend tan). Remember shopping in the ‘head shop’ – where we worked in NYC? We would buy great cloths and the original Musk there.

    After the Gridiron we’d go for Pizza down on 3rd Ave, or hop a cab back to Felix. I remember I’d stay at Grace’s if I wanted to be out a little later. She had a later curfew. (I’ll never forget my mother looking from behind the blinds, waiting for me to come home.) Wow, we were all ‘afraid’ of our mothers. I remember two days before I got married, getting in troule for coming home late.

    Yes, you all met your husbands at the Gridiron I didn’t “re-meet” Eddie Joe there. It was another club, up on 65th St. somewhere. Maybe the ‘cold food, hot beer’ joint – or possibly the place where they eventually filmed “Saturday Night Fever?”

    Grace and I were the last to get married, and we said it was because we refused to give into the ‘shag haircut’ and layer our hair, choosing to keep the one-length Cher-look. (You who ‘shagged’ got married first; no pun intended.) Our hair was longer than our skirts. Remember the TV Commercial deal 🙂
    you were to model hair, me – legs, and Carol…. whatever. We took such risks, but it was a safer world then.

    Re Gridiorn – I recall you calling me at work one day (I was still in High School working part-time at Chemical Bank on Pine St.) and you told me that the Gridiron burned down. I was so ‘devastated’ – we lived for that place. It was April 1 (probably around 1968 or 1969) – and it turned out to be an April Fool’s joke. After work, I would meet you at the cube in front of Marine Midland and we’d take the train home. Carol, remember walking home from the 17th St Station singing “Raindrops Keep ‘Falling From My Head?”

    What amazes me is how many of the folks on this blog hung-out at the Gridiron, probably during the same time we were there. I remember us being in our own world, hanging mostly in the back room, close to the bathroom. Thanks for the memory on this beautiful, sunny afternoon in Northwest NJ. Till we meet again, on Abbey Road…. Love You!

  20. FRANNY,

    UNTIL TODAY APRIL FOOLS IS MY FAVORITE DAY I STILL GET PEOPLE EVERY YEAR AND THEY CURSE ME OUT. I AM STILL A KID. INSIDE I AM STILL 16. LOL THE HEAD SHOP REMEMBER THE PURPLE JACKETS WE BOUGHT. THOSE WERE THE GREATEST LUNCH HOURS. HOW I REALLY THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO BE IN COMMERCIALS. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DO THE COMMERCIAL FOR THE HAIR ITEMS FOR GREAT BODY THAT I USED TO USE. YOU WITH THOSE GREAT LEGS. THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO DO LEG COMMERCIALS.. WHO KNOWS WHERE THE HELL WE WERE THEY COULD HAVE BEEN A PORNO COMPANY AND WE WERE SO NAIVE. MAMAS PIZZERIA I THINK WAS THE NAME OF THE PIZZA PLACE WE WOULD EAT BEFORE THE GRID IRON. THAT WAS THE PHOTO I LEFT AT THE WALL FOR PETER AULETTI WHEN I WENT TO D.C.. I ALWAYS SAY TO YOU AND MY KIDS THAT WAS THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE. I LOVED EVEY MINUTE WITH YOU AND THE GIRLS. LIKE I SAID BEFORE WHEN I HEAR THOSE SONGS I MENTIONED AND THOSE WERE THE DAYS MY FRIEND ESPECIALLY I THINK OF YOU AND I GET HIBBERGIBBIES IN MY STOMACH. LOL LOVE YOU AND MISSSSSSS YA TERRY

  21. Maria Aversano Eskew are you Marie Frevola and Frank Aversano’s daughter? If you are, your Mother and I were best friends growing up.I lived on 21st, between4th.& 5th. and Marie lived on 6th. ave. between 20th & 21st.She had 2 sisters and 2 brothers. My husband is Tommy LaRosa whom your parents know very well and we live in Florida. Terry Angelo is my cousin and she put me in touch with Fran Bruno to try to get in touch with Marie.
    I’ve been going on and on not sure if you are Maries daughter,
    but again,if you are please tell her I’d love to hear from her.

    Thanks

  22. The King of Clubs was on 60th St. 11th Ave or up there somewhere. The Milk Farm or Milk Jug was across the Avenue. Every time I hear “magic carpet ride”, I think of the King of Clubs.

    The Gridiron was on 3rd Ave between 71st and 72nd Street. Now it is Cafe Remy. My sister, Marie C. had her daughter’s baby shower there in June. I was there every Fri. and Saturday night with Jean B., Pat Meenan, & Toni Bove. we hung out right near the band stand and bar. I wouldn’t have seen anyone there anyway. I never wore my glasses, if you weren’t standing on my feet I couldn’t see you. I was blind as a bat. lol I know Richie Catalano and never remember ever seeing him there. And now I know he was there.

    When I hear “Celebrate” it brings me right back to the Gridiron. Was a fun time.

    Lucia I do remember Civi, but I only knew him by face.

    Camille where are you? You should be back from vacation.

    Terry I remember Sr. Joseph David vaguely. Her name sounds familiar.

  23. Hi Mare, did you see up above the brother of your friend that owned Lourde Shoppe. Read it.

  24. Did anyone go to Mitchell’s on 86th and 7th. Now it is Nathan’s. You used to order from your car and brought your food to your car and placed your tray on your door at the window. Or BurgerRama on 20th Street near Bishop Ford. Those days were fun. I have got to get off. Having 30 people tomorrow and still have lots of cleaning to do. Be back Sunday.

  25. OMG the Gridiron…..Loved Friday nights…..it was the best.
    My mother would tell us that if we leave our drinks, never go back to it!!!! I would always say the same to my girls.

    What about SuperStar?
    What was it called before that?

    We would go to Tiffany Diner after dancing all night.

    I must say, we weren’t afraid of our mother. She would wait up for us and sit at the kitchen table and ask us all about our evening and tell my father we came home on time, ha ha.

  26. Santina,
    I don’t think my husband is related to an Edward Frustaci.

  27. SANTINA,

    I JUST HAD A PAMPERED CHEF PARTY. HOW BORING…BUT THIS IS MY ADULT LIFE NOW. LOL MARGARET AND KAREN DRITTO CAME. WERE YOUR EARS RINGING. MARGARET WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW YOU MET WHEN YOU BOTH WERE AT ST. JOHNS FOOR THE WALK. IM STILL JEALOUS YOU HAVE A PENCIL SHARPENER AND I DONT.. SHE WAS SAYING HOW YO STILL CAN NOT GET HER EMAILS. ARE YOU COMING TO THE REUNION SEPTEMBER 21ST. YOU BETTER BE THERE WE (ME AND MARGARET ) CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE YOU. whoever you keep in touch with see if they are coming we have to get a head count by the end of august. love terry

  28. Regarding Mitchel’s drive in on 86th street – My Dad promised me a car of my choice if I returned from Nam back in 67. Well I did return, altho somewhat messed up and got a 68 Mustang fastback with all the trimmings. I used to drive thru Mitchell’s and I always got attention from the ladies. Guess it was the car. The cars that were popular were the GTO, Camaro and Firebird. Joey Wichi had a GTO, Robbie Doell with the Camaro and Eddie Cavine with the Firebird. My car was ONLY 2835 and I had a chance to see a Shelby Cobra Mustang – it was selling for 4400. Seems low right? But 4400 was about 1/2 salary back in 68. I read all the comments on this site – seems everyone remembers others. But alas – still no one remembers Dorothy Biscuiti from 21 street during the 60’s and 70’s.

  29. Ok yes of course the Gridiron in Bay Ridge- viggie and sid and ralphie marcella played there. Now I remember it so well.

  30. To Gloria Leone LaRosa,
    I am Frank and Marie Aversano’s daughter. My mother does not have a computer and she is ashamed to admit that she is , shall we say ,”Computer illiterate”.
    But she was so happy to read your blogs on my computer and wanted you to know that she and my dad are doing well (except for a few aches and pains, of course). They are living in Staten Island and as always and forever live for their grandchildren and great grandchildren. It’s what keeps them young. My mom remembers all the good times you had. She said you were always together as teenagers.
    She is standing right over me now and, is micromanaging what I’m writing.
    She sends her well wishes and love to you and Tommy.

  31. FOR THE RECORD:
    I will clarify – I was not afraid of my mother – other than “we got in trouble” if we came home late. I had a feeling my entry was minunderstood – so I am clarifying for MY benefit – and paying respect to my mom,

    Alexandria (known as Santa) Schiavo Bruno

    She was the traditional stay-at-home mom (and she’d try to make a few bucks sewing at our kitchen table). We had homemade breakfasts, lunchs and dinners. She kept our home immaculate (even washed the stoop and sidewalk). All our needs were met
    and exceeded because of her love and devotion to her family.

    Today, my sister and I still laugh at how she’d get up in the middle of the night just to bring us a glass of water. She lovingly cared for my dad who had many health issues throughout our lives, and she never complained. The only thing she can be accused of, is not taking care of herself because she was always taking care of us.

    When Grace Coen’s mother died in the early 70’s, my mother wanted her to move in with us. I recall a few Saturday nights when I was out on a ‘date’ – Grace would be at my house with my mom,
    learning how to sew and make ‘gravy.’ When my mom passed (too young at the age 52), I gave Grace her thimble – one of the most precious things that represented her and her simple life.

    So forgive my ‘rant’ – I would not be at peace with myself if I didn’t clarify. And I know that all of you who know Momma Bruno – will agree that she was a loving, giving woman – who treated and loved all of our friends like they were her own.

    Ciao… and I miss you mom!

  32. Gary

    Firstly, thank you for your service. I had two older brothers who served, one “in country” (69-70). Thankfully, he returned safely, and today is very active with both the Memorial in D.C. and the one in New Jersey (little known, but very interesting and worth the trip). I find that most people don’t realize how stressful military service is on the entire family. At the time my brother shipped out, I was an immature, troublesome teenager, and I had a strained relationship with my parents. That all changed in that one year. I grew up, and Dad grew gray. I hope you found some peace, and I certainly hope you find your Dorothy

    Mickey

  33. Francesca
    Your mother is smiling!!! God Bless You. There isn’t any reason for you to explain……Thank God we were all blessed with parents who cared!!! It’s good to have some fear. Today, I don’t think children
    are as fearful.

    During those formative years, our dad was stern but loving.
    We were afraid of him more than mom!

    Gary,

    Biscuiti……I remember the family. Doc Passaretti’s wife Palma has
    a brother named Frank Biscuiti who lives next door to St. John’s Church. I’m not sure if Dorothy is connected to this family.

  34. don’t feel so crazy now like don’t have a life. you people are just like me checking to see who wrote and you keep on writing. i love it. everytime my family sees me on the computer they laugh and say OH!!SHE IS ON HER BLOG AGAIN. it just makes me so happy to read all of this.

    FRANNY,

    I ALWAYS SAID AND YOU KNOW IT HOW GENTLE YOUR MOM WAS. NEVER HEARD HER YELL. ON THE OTHER HAND, MY MOM WE KNOW COULD CARE LESS WHO WAS AROUND AND SHE WOULD YELL AND PULL ME OFF THE BLOCK AND TAKE ME HOME. MY DAD NEVER YELLED. REMEMBER THE STORY ABOUT YOUR MOM GOING TO SCHOOL WITH MY DAD AND I BELIEVE THEY HAD A CRUSH ON EACH OTHER. I STILL SEE YOUR DAD WITH THE LOAF OF ITALIAN BREAD UNDER HIS ARM. ( I KNOW OR THINK I MENTIONED THIS BEFORE.) I WISH I HAD A PIECE OF MIKE’S BREAD NOW WITH SOME BUTTER. LOL remember my mom always waiting for us to come home fro the gridiron. how embarrassing. she would always be out the window in the winter with a blanket around her. i remember the first night i met david at the grid jamsie, me and a few of us i think came home in a cab and we were late maybe 5 minutes. my mom said your punished and jamsie oh!! MA come on. SHE SAID and i quote “DON’T MA ME AND YOU GET UP HERE.) GOD BLESS HER SHE WAS A CHARACTER. your mom would have said in front of us, FRANNY in her gentle way, you are late now come in. maybe she would have yelled at you inside NOT MARGIE ANGELO AND CONNIE MIELE (the gate watcher) MARGIE THE WINDOW MOM AND CONNIE THE GATE MOM. LOL LOVE YA TERRY

  35. GARY,

    I SAW FRANK BISCUITI LAST YEAR IN THE STATEN ISLAND MALL. HE WAS LEANING AGAINST THE PERFUME COUNTER. I LOOKED AT HIM AND SAID DON’T YOU COME FROM 21ST STREET NEXT TO THE CHURCH. HE SAID TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY I BELIEVE HE SAID HE WAS 88. HE SAID AND YOU ARE FROM 20TH STREET THE ANGELO GIRL. HE WAS IN BETTER SHAPE THAN ME. LOL LOVE TERRY

  36. Hi Annie –
    I know I didn’t have to explain mom… And I also know that we are all protective of our parents – so you can understand why I responded. We all had/have great parents who did/do the best they could, given the times.

    The story of how you and your sisters went home for your own ice cream when Mr. Softee came, warmed my heart. Those are the kind of things that are important, and made us who we are today. I loved that story and will never forget it.

    Love and God Bless!!!

  37. Hi All,

    Today is the feast of Saint Anne, so, “Happy Name Day, Annie” and to anyone who shares her name! Our mom always has a mass said on this day and tonight Annie & I will join her at St. John the Evangelist Church. Every time I visit St. John’s, the memories of my youth race back. I vividly remember my first holy communion, confirmation……..it was such a huge production (if you will) with parading in the street, St. Rocco’s band, bishops, etc. All the girls wore the exact same headpiece (veil) and the boys wore a nice arm band, something like a large white bow. Here, in NJ, there is much less pomp and circumstance nor anything worn around the arm for the boys. So, when my three sons made holy communion, I asked my next door neighbor, a friend of mine (formerly from Bensonhurst ) to borrow her son’s band so I could, at least, take professional pictures to signify their special day. Anyone from NJ who came to my home and saw the photos would ask, “What is that?” I guess you just don’t get it if you’re not from Brooklyn! Were we that different?

    I hope you all still refer to the phrase “coldcuts” instead of lunch meat that I first heard here. There were not many Italians here (Red Bank NJ) when I first arrived back in l985. It’s a different story now, but I would sit outside (no stoop) and watch my children play. My husband would ask why I didnt’ sit in the backyard. I told him you don’t see anything in the backyard! You can’t take Brooklyn out of me (nor my accent.) I work in the Howell school district of NJ and one student asked me, “WHERE do you come from”? Imagine, insulting the way I speak! I’m still proud of my roots.

    Got to go…….possible traffic to Brooklyn.

  38. Hi Francesca (Franny)

    I’m addicted to this now!!
    My husband is away in Europe for two weeks and, instead of completing my work for the week, I remain on the computer in my office with the door closed. See what happens when the boss is away…..
    Thank you for your kind words!
    I will never forget the ice cream story too!
    Love Annie
    I’m off the computer!!

  39. Hello Everyone,
    I am Maria Elena Passaretti. I graduated St. John the Evangelist in 1959. My Dad is Doc Passaretti. He is still alive, but at 91 he is declining. He lives across from Annie and Louise’s mom Vera.

    I lived at 270 21st Street, the first house up from St. John’s church.

    My cousin Eleanora Biscuti told me about this site. I am trying to catch up with all the posts.

    As I catch up, I will post my memories. But Germaines, the Sanders, Globe and Prospect movie theaters I remember well. It only cost a nickel to see a movie matinee at the Globe.

    Hope to post again soon

    Maria Elena

  40. LOUISE,

    MY COUSIN KAREN PERROTTA TRIMBOLI LIVES IN REDBANK. DO YOU REMEMBER HER AND HER SISTERS DIANE AND ANNETTE. I’M SURE YOU DO BECAUSE YOUR MOM WAS AT THE WAKE LAST YEAR FOR THEIR MOM. TERRY

  41. We went to the Gridiron from ’65 till around ’70. Bobby McAuley, Chucky Holland, patty Gelardi, Whitey Madden, Jimmy Ruggerio, Davy Cullin, G.G. George Grahem, Anthony Vigilanti (Vigi), Ray Cavaretta, Kenny Rielly and more from Diamonds Bar and Grill at 9th Street and 7th Ave. in Park Slope. Don’t know how we ever drove home but we always did….. to end up back in Diamonds till it closed. Bobby Whale McAuley

  42. Terry I hope to be at your reunion party in Sept. if everything goes well. Sept seems to far away. I would love to see you and Margar

  43. Dear Annie, this day just got away from me. Happy name day sister. It’s to late to call you now. Speak to you tomorrow. Love ya.

  44. Maria Elena P how are you? it’s Susan (the twins sister) remember me. Just kidding. I just asked my mom the the other day how your dad was doing. Send him my regards. Remember that fateful night I took a ride with you to the club in Redhook. Little did I know I would meet my future husband there. I almost didn’t go that night. Funny how things work out. Hope you’re feeling well. I was glad to see your name on this blog.

  45. Gary:

    Dorothy Biscuitie is Eleanor’s cousin. I have been in touch with her. She said she will let Dorothy know about this site. You are getting closer. . . . . . .

  46. Maria Elena, Hello, I thought the first house up from St John’s was the Orlandi house- was the Orlandi house the second house up from St John’s then. You’re older than I am but the Passaretti name stands out in my memory.

    What about Vinnie Perrotta who lived directly across from you. Does anyone know what happened to him?

  47. Hi Terry………….yes, I know your cousin, Karen. When they were looking to buy here, they were at my home because there was a house for sale next door to mine. Ask your cousin what a fiasco that turned out to be. We waited about 1 1/2 hours for the realtor to show and when we finally got inside, the owners left an extremely foul smelling garbage bag open in the kitchen (fish?) and then the alarm went off………..it goes on and on. Her husband walked right out……..we were all hysterical. Obviously, they bought elsewhere. Too bad, I rarely see her. Please tell her I was asking for her. I felt soooo bad when her mom died. My mother was close to Chubby and Marie. Unfortunately, my mom gives us news “AFTER” things happen, but we still love her!

    Hi Maria Elena,

    It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you or your dad. My mother said he’s not feeling very well. Please say hi for me. I’ll never forget the “adjustments” he gave and how good he was at distracting you just before the “crack of the neck.” I also have not forgotten all the fun visits Annie & I had with you in your apartment just across the street from us. You always included us. Hope to see you soon!

  48. Hi. Maria. I graduated St. Johns. 1960.Iam curious.Did you know a guy we called Champy.He lived 1 or 2 doors up from the church.He could really sing.I lived on 21st. between Sally ears and Stanley Kozinsky.I remember all the places you mentioned.Dont forget EINHORNS. Be Well. MICHAEL.

  49. MICHAEL,

    DO YOU REMEMBER DANNY. HE LIVED A FEW DOORS UP FROM THE CHURCH. HE WAS REAL HEAVY AND HE WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL. HE HAD AN OLDER SISTER. I THINK THEIR LAST NAME STARTED WITH A W. SOMETHING LIKE WAHL OR WALL. UNFORTUNATELY EVERYONE KNEW HIM AS FAT DANNY. HE HAD SOME VOICE. HE USED TO SING GLORIA. WHAT A VOICE. HE SANG THE GLORIA SONG THAT SAID GLORIA ITS NOT FOR ME TO SAY NOT GLORIA GLORIA THAT YOU YOUNG KIDS ARE THINKING OF. TERRY

  50. Terry-Thanks for remembering Fat Danny he was a legend. I don’t know his last name. I bet Jamesy knows. Didn’t Stanley Kozinski have a brother and didn’t Stanley’s father own the Junk Shop next to 647 4th Avenue where I grew up?

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