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. Denise and family — I am saddened by your loss – may God lead him to the altar above and let him rest by his hand. Rest in peace Frankie. Although I do not know you now we will meet someday in a better place.

  2. Yo cuz (Sally Ears) it’s about time you posted. Ralphie Marsella, I emailed you at the studio, please respond with your number. My work email should be on that message.

    Denise (and family) so very sorry about your son, stay strong.

  3. LUCILLE,
    I know your hubby’s name was not ricky but desi right.lol your life is just filled with many characters. ha ha. love ya terry

  4. Patti N & Anthony O

    Steve K is Stephen Kozar, Saint Johns, altar boy etc………We hung out together on 7th & 22nd street. My father did have the grocery store on 22nd street across from Mattie’s & I have a sister Cynthia. So many times I wondered where everyone wound up & was happy to find out about this web site through Ellen Mara & Doris Rios who were at my sister house for a get together a couple of weeks ago.

    Remember the Nutshell in the back of the History books @ St John’s. Well here it is;

    After grad school (early 80’s) I moved to the mid west on assignment in Overland Park Kansas (Dorothy Land actually I visited her house). It was quite different no one trusted anyone east of Chicago especially a New Yorker. Here I am the Brooklyn guy with cross on left hand, TS on shoulder remembering 23 rd street park & 22 & 7th wearing 3 piece pinstripe long cuffs, wing tips & grinning on the inside thinking if only they knew.

    Currently I live In NE Pa. I have four sons the third graduating college next year & youngest starting in 2 weeks. We are experiencing the empty nest syndrome. My wife is from the east end of LI. & was always curious about my growing up in Brooklyn. Astonishingly I told her the cross was a fraternity emblem. :0) she didn’t buy it!

    Janek K I remember playing handball, drinking wine, tattooing , James Kelly, Joe /Michael Kubis, etc……. some great times.

    Itcher I was friend with your brothers.

    Michael G. congratulations on your daughters wedding say hi to Marge /family for me. It’s been a long time. One more to put through college before I retire.

    Louise/Annie/Susan I am Cynthia’s brother & Louise’s class mate through St John’s as well as many others on the site.

    Maria E. How is Eddie Eskue ?

    Remember me now!

    Best regards to all,

  5. Hi Castaldo girls,

    Thanks for the clarification on the “bottlettes.”

    I definitely remember all of you! You addressed your mom with “Mother” and I was impressed. I tried it with mine, but it never sounded right (for me.) Do you recall “hanging out” with the Lentini girls? We visited your home and you came to ours. Hope you’re all doing great.

  6. Hello to everyone who as left their memories on this web site.

    Hi Rosa…remember me….Joyce Castaldo….OMG…how are you.
    Yes I was a bottlette for a period of time. I have great memories of 5th avenue. All the guys and girls from 21st street and 5th avenue.

    Now that was a hang out…
    I remember the Post Office had moved the mail box from 21st street and 5th avenue to 22nd street and 5th avenue.

    We used to sit on top of the mail box…I guess no one wanted to use it when we were sitting on it….HaHaHa

    I have fond memories of the guys throwing all the girls in the water when the pump on 21st street was on across from the Funeral Parlor.

    Of course all the girls was dressed for a saturday night all looking good and then…wham….in the water you went…..I had lots of fun with everyone.

    I lived over the Rocco’s candy store and my dad Jimmy (chief) that’s what Debbie DiBrienza used to call him was a long time member of St. Anna’s Club…..I can remember waking up on a Sunday morning and hearing the band from the Post on 22nd street playing and all the members from the club and the post marching.
    I love marching bands to this day because of that.

    I would love to hear from you all….take care….Joyce Castaldo

  7. Stephen K,

    I remember you! Glad to see you on the blog. My sister, Susan, was close friends with Cynthia and Doris. I live in Middletown, NJ and do not enjoy the convenience of walking a half block to the grocery store, like I did with yours! Sounds like you have a great family. I’m also in the all-boy club (I have three sons of my own.)

  8. Hi

    If there is a reunion….please let the Castaldo Girls know…we would love to attend. Please send the place date and time to [email protected] or [email protected].

    Hi Teri….wow….how are you….its been such a long time….I remember 5th avenue well…and your Dad’s store….it was there for ever. How are you and your children….I have two daughter and two grandaughters…I would love to hear from you…did or have you heard from any of the other girls that we grew up with.

    My condolences to the Olivia family, I remember them well.
    Also my condolences to Denise Cresci…I remember when her son Frankie was born.

    Hi also the the Lentini sister….How are you girls.

    Hope to hear from you soon….Carol Papacena (Castaldo)

  9. hi louise,

    how are you nice to hear from you, everyone is well thank god, yes “mother” lives in my house has her own apt. some things never change. yes hanging out that was the good years.

    my daughter lives in aberdeen, nj out there all the time she has one son 2 yrs and my younger daughter lives on si and has a 3 yr old girl this is great for us. write soon
    rosalind

  10. HI CASTALDOS,
    SO HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL. I EMAILED ONE OF YOU ABOUT THE REUNION. HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT.
    THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING I MAY HAVE TO CLOSE THE BLOCK OFF LIKE THEY DO IN BROOKLN. LOOKS LIKE A BIG TURN OT. LOL LOVE TERRY

  11. CAROL CASTALDO,
    It seems like yesterday we were all going on a bus to sunset park or St. Roccos. I was going out with Charlie Siciargo at the time who is now married to one of my best friends Debbie Brodbeck. So we may have never gotten married but we are all family now. We celebrate holidays with each other and we have been through many good times and bad together.
    Debbie is like a sister to me. They are coming on the 21st. love and miss you, terry

  12. Steve K, omg I couldn’t believe it when I saw your blog, I don’t know if you remember me, but I remember you, your sister, and of course your Mom & Dad. I lived on 23rd street between 6 & 7th avenue, we shopped in your Dad’s store forever, my Mom loved to buy meat from the store, I of course loved his penny candy, especially the hard caramels that I have been looking for since your family closed the store. How are your parents and your sister Cynthia? Wow your have 4 sons, bless you, talk to you soon.

    Maria Castaldo Hi It’s Pinky, how are you and your family doing? Please say hello to your Mom for me, it was so good to see you and your sisters on this site, I bet your kids are big now…hope to hear from you soon. Hi to all the Castaldos.

  13. hi terry

    this is rosalind glad to hear from you, you can also e mail me the info at [email protected] we all will try to make it. maria was going to talk to theresa g today.

    also hello to pinky from the castaldo maria will not be able to get on until the evening

    great to hear from all of you
    rosalind

  14. Castaldo girls,
    Hello from Annie. I believe you all live on Staten Island. Cannot believe our paths never crossed!!!
    Hope all well.

  15. Hello to all the Castaldo girls. It’s like someone hits me over the head everytime with a new memory. Louise remembers everything. I can still hear you girls referring to your mom as Mother.. Very sweet. Good to see your names on the site.

    Steven K. wow! how many years has it been? Sounds like your doing great and you have a beautiful family. Get Cynthia on this.

    Terry, I hope you have a big house. We’re growing everyday. More hands to help. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

  16. Hello to the Castaldo sisters. Especially Rosalind..so good to have you on the blog. thanks for the condolencses about Jeanne.. Not that I’m in competietion with the others on the blog.. but Joyce, Carol, and Rosalind, scrool up and see who mentioned the Castaldo sisters first…that’s right, Me… Also I was the one who resurrected Patty Negri….Now I’m working on Joey Guzzo… Terrry have we found him yet…

    Steven K, What memories I have of you… thanks so much for being here..

    The blog get more and more important everyday.. Don’t you think so?

  17. Does anyone remember Evelyn Popalardo? and Eileen Barber? Do those names ring a bell to anyone… I think they were from 29th street.

    Didn’t someone mention Joey Guzzo way up top? Do we know where he is?

  18. LOUISE IRAN INTO MARIA CASTALDO AT A MUTUAL FRIENDS HOUSE FOR A HOLIDAY I THINK. SDHE REMEMBERED ME BEFORE I DID. SHE HAD GIVEN ME HER CARD .DECIDED SHE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL SITE. SHE JUST CALLED ME TO THANK ME AND TOLD ME ABOUT VINCENT AVERSANO’ SON WHO PASSED DUE TO A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT. MY GOD ALL THIS TRAGEDY .MY HEART GOES OUT TO MY OLD FRIEND & NEIGHBOR VINNY AVERSANO & HIS FAMILY.

  19. ANTHONY I DO REMEMBER BOTH EVELYN & ELEEN WE WENT TO ST. JOHNS TOGETHER. AS FOR JOEY GUZZO(CUTE) I THINK SOMEONE SAID HE LIVES IN SAYERVILLE.N.J.

  20. Anthony,
    You have the most incredible memory!!
    I do remember Evelyn Popalardo and Eileen Barber.
    Evelyn lived on 29th St. and Eileen lived on 32nd (I think)
    I was never allowed to go that far away from home so if they didn’t
    come down to 19th St. I didn’t see them outside of school.
    After St. Johns, I never saw them. I have no idea where they went to highschool.

  21. Frank Guerrasio, (Hi Pink)(Hi Nilda)(Hi Tilly)
    I am Pinky’s older sister Carol,
    All this reminiscing led me to try to call your sister Gisele whom I have been close friends with for more than 25 years. The phone # I have is disconnected. Is she okay?
    I sent her this site and I hope she responds.
    Though most people won’t know me, I have totally enjoyed reading it everyday. (Thanks Nilda)
    It is an amazing gift to share such wonderful memories.

  22. hi anthony.

    how are you, dont know what happened to evelyn but i know eileen lives in brentwood long island and i believe she has 3 sons

    rosalind

  23. Joey Guzzo is Festina’s brother. sHE WAS on a few weeks ago and is coming to visit me next week. I’m sure she know’s where her brother is. I will ask her for you, Anthony.

    I think, I was the first one to mention the Castaldo’s. Carol was in my class. Only thing is I had the wrong first name and Anthony helped me out with the correct name. So I guess we’re tied for first place, Anthony lol.

    Terry maybe we can rent a church basement. I think you might be overwhelmed when you see the crowd. I think this is getting bigger than our neighborhood. LOL Santina

  24. Hi Anthony,

    I moved to 29th Street in 77 Evelyn P was my neighbor. And when I was young I hung out with Eileen B. My aunt owned the house I bought in 77, so I was raised on the block. Jerome Mammolito also lived there. Evelyn was not in a good way, all the time I lived there., I moved in 99. I remember her being so beautiful in school. She wasn’t, later on in years. She had a daughter, a nice kid. Santina

  25. Thanks Tony M for telling me about this site…It has been great reading all the posts from the neighborhood…Many names I don’t recognize, just a few but read of some I do know…I called Sally Ears last nite to make sure he got on this…I lived on 22nd between 5th and 6th….untill the late 60’s….

    To francesca…. I know you thru Carol from l8th street, also from Ruthie and Phyliss…….Carol was a very close friend of mine forever…our parents were friends…

    To the Lentini girls…omg….I was your neighbor, you were all babies back then, my Mom Lilly and Vera were friends on 22nd street…I had heard your Mom was still there….God Bless her….

    To Debbie Bonavita….my husband, Sal Fucci christened one of your sisters, but sorry I can’t for the life of me remember her name, it’s been so long…I knew your Mom and Dad……everything that has been mentioned about them is true….great people…Unfortunately Sal died 8 years ago…..

    I used to hang out on 21st and 6th….with Tony M… and the rest of the group, Raphie, Sid, Viggy, Michael, who is no longer with us, the Longo’s, Fran M…Terry Peliggi, what great times we all had back then…..I missed the reunion because Sal was sick, would have loved to see everyone again….
    I also graduated from St Johns in l960 and remember very well everyone being brought into the closet….one of the nuns was Sister Gerald Marie…and Sister Amato…..I am gong to look for my year book…..from back then…..
    I was also friends with the Negri’s and their cousin Marie Elena Guittari…I still keep in touch with her, just saw her a few months ago when her Uncle Vinny passed away…..we were like family….

    It has been great reading on this site, you are all bringing back so many happy memories, we had so little back then, but it was a such a happy time……we just didn’t know it then……..

  26. Forgot to mention Frank Guerassio, we lived right next door to you…Marie Elena has kept me up to date on all of you over the years….Armondo Paone, his brother Anthony and my husband were good friends for many years….I keep in touch with Anthony’s wife Camille, they are now living in California…….I am sure you know….I was also friends with the Palma’s last I heard Florence was out in Suffolk county, but not sure where,,, did try to locate her but never was able to find her….Please say hello to all your sisters for me… I did email Cathy a few times…….

    Frank Mauriello… I used to shop in your parents store all the time…I can still picuture your Mom and Dad…….

    I had a renunion party here at my house back in l981 with all of Sal’s friends that he grew up with….Jeannie and Eddie swinarski, Eva and John Errigo, Bobby B.. Louie M…Bernadette Manno and many more…….it was so much fun seeing everyone….

  27. Hi

    Wanted to say hi the the Oliver family….Anthony, James, Geraldine, Christine and Paulie my deepest condolences regarding your sisters passing.

    Hope to see all of you soon….Joyce Castaldo

  28. Ralphie M……I have pictures playing pool with you and Sid, I think it was in your basement ….not sure….I also remember when your Mom and Dad saved me one Saturday nite by D’Amico’s and took me home with them…..you guys were playing with the band up in Greenwood lake that weekend…….Frannie left me behind…lol…I remember the weekends you all played at the club, Henry”s???? that was so much fun….it would be great to hear the band again…I often think about that…Dose Alex still sing with you???? Bubbie…we called him, his family lived on my block….I think h is brother lives in Staten Island, across from a cousin of mine….I was surprised when I found that out…never got to see him though….

    After Aunt Ida sold the store, the Umbria’s had it…that’s when we were all there….so many people and so many great memories of it…

  29. Santina- Thanks for the update about EP and EB. I remember Evelyn was a beauty, tall brunette. Or was that EB.

    Maria Aversano- I still can’t get over the fact that we’re in touch.

    Did I tell you I thought you were the cutest girl in St Johns.

    I excellent recall about St John’s because that’s where I acquired my Post Trumatic Stress Disorder. People with PTSD usually remember every detail of how it happened. How many days do you think I spent in solitary confinement, in those walk in closets. I used to spend the morning session in the closet, go home for lunch and then I would have to go back in the closet for the rest of the day. Don’t they do the same thing in prisons today? You get let out for an hour then you’re back in lock up.

    Joyce I’m confused, didn’t your sister marry Anthony R ?
    Thank you for the nice words about Jeanne,

    Joyce how is your Mom. I remember her coming over to see my mother talking about the evil eye, all the time. She was amazing, I hope she’s doing ok.

    Santina, No I was the first to mention the Castaldo Sisters, it’s documented here.. Terry you will have to be the arbitrator here. You’re the Queen of this blog and you know every entry.

  30. hola to all: i have not been on for a few days; it is beautiful to see the positive responses of all.

    Denise and Lisa: My deepest condolences to both of you, i don’t know the feeling of loosing a child, and i pray to God that i don’t ever have to experience it. Your family will be in my prayers. I pray that God give u peace as you go thru the valley of the shadow of death. It’s just too sad. Peace be unto to your family.

    Michael Gagliardi: nice to read your words your family exempliefied love, please give my warmest regards to Margie. i pray that all is well.

    Itcher: i remember the name, i lived above the Oliva’s on 5th avenue, you hung out with Geraldine Oliva; i remember you visiting them

    Castaldo’s Women: what a pleasant surprise, i am glad to hear that you all are doing well. as for me, wendy and eddie thank God we are doing well. Wendy has a beautiful girl Victoria Rose. Please give my regards to your Moms.

    Anthony Oliva: The Popalardo’s lived next door to me on 23rd street; they moved to 29th street later on in years. When i had the store on 17th street, she came in a few times. she took a wrong turn in life and i believe she continued down that road. She was a beautiful baby and a beautiful teenager, but that road of destruction has taken a toll on her.

    Sally Ears: I remember the name, can’t place the face, i pray for your continued recovery.

    i am a firm believer that when God puts someone in your path, or you remember someone it’s because God wants you to pray for them. So i hope, those on this blog, don’t mind that i will be praying for all who write in.

    May God keep you safe.

  31. To: Anthony Oliva….yes he did marry my sister Roz….I live in their home…downstairs…it was a joke since my brother-in-law said no one had asked for him…I wanted to make him feel important…HaHaHa…..

    Itcher….if you read this…how are you….I heard one of your sons is in Harvard Law….how wonderful…best of luck to you and your family.

    Nilda….Hi how are you…I remember you…wow…such a long time ago.

  32. Anthony,

    Yes I remember Evelyn and her brother Andrew….I believe Andrew as passed.

    Don’t know where Evelyn is.

    Joyce

  33. hola:

    Terry Angelo Sherman: I just came in from Denise’s son funeral, sooo sad. in talking to Pinky, Carol from 23rd street, Joann from 22nd street, we decided that funerals should not be the only place where friends get together; so i just want to let you know that we are going to the Reunion. i will get your email from above and you could send me the the particulars. i am looking forward to the reunion, funerals are too, too sad. I saw some people I have not seen i a long long time, Joannie Red, Joann, Roseann (Caroline’s daughter) from 22nd street and one of the Minefos (spelling) just to name a few.

    joyce castaldo: If i remember correctly, you are the youngest of your sisters? I am fine, busy decluttering my apartment, i am donating everything i do not use to our 4th Annual Cancer Crusade, for our flee market. if i haven’t used it in 2 years, out it goes. So that means i am surrounded with boxes filled with “stuff” to be donated. i want a clutter free house, i am tired of dusting and cleaning. Now tell me what’s up in your life? Give my love to your mother.

    i am sorry to hear that Ã…ndrew Popalardo passed. i used to baby sit for them when they lived on 23rd street, that was my 1st baby sitting job. i remember their father was a wig sales man, a quiet man.

  34. Did anyone hang out on 6th avenue and 22nd street by Sally Arico house. Does any one know what happened to those people. Would love to have an update on them.

    Steve Kozar, Good to hear from you. I am working in the fulton fish market for the past 35 years. Married a girl from Little Italy, she saved my life. I have three children 32,29,24. My daughter is getting married next June. I live in staten Island and am very happy.

    Have great memories of playing handball and stick ball.

  35. hi to the costaldo girls. i remeber all of u and your mom. give her my love. i live in manalapan nj, have 2 kids anthony 32 and christine 27. two beautiful grandsons, anthony 2 and christian our newest 3 weeks. love them so much. hope to see u all at the reunion. my sister pat will be there also. anthony o. u are addicted to this blog god bless. u better be at the reunion no excuses. love to all.

  36. Denise I am so sorry to hear about your son! You are in my prayers!!!!!

    Pinky, I just read your blog with Gina’s number! i am so excited, I am going to call her tomrrow! It has been years since we have seen each other.

    Anthony, I nearly peed my pants reading your blog about the walk in closets at St. John’s! Very, very funny!

    OK all, my sister Terry left on a ten day cruise today. She was calling the Apple Store to see if she would be able to get service on her laptoop. she will not be able to stay away fromt this blog that long! They only give you 15 minutes on the cruise ship’s computer. she said that will not be enough time to read and then type.

    Can’t wait to see everyone in September!

  37. Janek, I am happy to hear you are doing so well. we are both very fortunate. i often think back and smile it was great growing up in Brooklyn. How is Henue doing? Have you ever heard from the Kubis?

    One day our paths will cross again until than congradulations on your daughters wedding!

    Does anyone know how Sid Cepeda is doing?

    Susan L. Spoto I remember you well. Cyn says Hi!

  38. HI Frank Guerrasio – my mother was Mary Dritto (and my aunt Irene Cirillo). I remember playing in your house with your sisters, Gissy and Minnie – how are they?? while our mothers (and aunt) sat and talked and drank coffee in the kitchen. I also remember the grapes in your yard and eating mint jelly for the first time! Please tell them I said hi and hope they remember me.

    To Denise Cresci and Vinny Aversano – my deepest condolences.

    Maria Castaldo – hi -it’s Karen Dritto. How are you? I haven’t seen you since my office moved to midtown 4 years ago. Send me an email at [email protected] so we can catch up. You still working downtown?

    To all the others on the site, hello!! If anyone is interested in the reunion at Terry Angelo Sherman’s house, please post your email addresses to this site or send them to me at [email protected] and I’ll email a copy of the invite to you.

    Have a good day everyone.

    Karen

  39. Hi All, I can’t believe this site….Hi Terry, Joyce, Karen and all. Its Judy Giordano/Banjany from 27th Street. I went to St. Johns and graduated in 1972. I loved reading all the stories about the old neighborhood. They brought back so many wonderful memories. Since I lived directly across the street from St. Rocco’s my fondest memories are of the St. Rocco’s bazaar. I can’t believe all the people that are writing in, it is so good to hear about all of you. Back in, I think it was 2001 when St. Johns had their reunion before the school closed, there were many of us from the graduating glass of 1972 in attendance, so we decided to try and get as many people as we could to have our own little reunion. We eventually got about 40 people and all got together in Staten Island, what a good time we had, we all felt like we were kids again. I now live in New Jersey.

    Thanks Joyce for sending me this site…..Judy Giordano/Banjany

  40. Okay I just saw this site. I am rolling on the floor of all the people I know.
    I grew up on 17th st between 4th and 5th ave.
    Yes I loved the old neighborhood. Still go to white eagle and speak to Karen Dritto every once in a while
    Would love to see everyone. Graduated in 72 from St. Johns

  41. My sister Debbie just told me about this site today. I can’t believe all the names and places I remember from growing up on 21st Street. I am daughter number 3 of Big Nick and Diana. I live in the Bronx, near Riverdale, with my husband and 13-year-old son who will be entering 8th grade at a Catholic School here in the area. I will always love Park Slope. I graduated from St. John’s in 1975. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me and/or my family.

  42. Hi Judy….Thanks for sending this site!! Hi Everyone! I love reading of these memories….you “forget how much you remember” LOL!!
    I remember Sepes Toy Store…I had a crush on a cute guy there…Tommy….so I used to go to the store to buy my little sister, (Cynthia Paladino who gradulated from St. Johns in 1977), toys every week just to see him. He eventually married my cousin and they lived happily ever after….I have fond memories of the St Roccos Bazaar too! We were talking about it recently….then I stumbled upon a little church, out here on Staten Island, that was having a bazaar, we went, but it wasn’t the same. Hey Judy…fyi…we all met at St Johns in October 2002, before they closed. It would be great to have another reunion…so…ALL OF YOU ON THIS SITE WHO ATTENDED OUR LAST REUNION ON STATEN ISLAND, LET’S TRY AGAIN….MAYBE WE CAN CONTACT SOME OTHERS WHO DIDN’T MAKE IT LAST TIME….Anyway…in the meantime…I’m enjoying this site…..Take Care……

  43. Hi Maria Castaldo….
    Do you remember, way back in 1986 (?)….You and I met up in…Methodist Hospital? I guess not such a fond memory, however, we wound up in the same room, and we recognized each other! What a small world! I remember, one morning, it was St. Paddy’s Day, my husband brought us GREEN BAGELS for breakfast, along with a Green Carnation….I wonder if you remember….
    Hope all is well with you and yours…..
    Debbie
    P.S….HELLO JOYCE…HOW’S THINGS? HOPE ALL IS WELL…….

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