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
DANNY When you talk to Carol, tell her to give Millie my number 828 712 0799 because the one I have was changed and I can’t find her number anywhere. Thanks, Janet
Laura Marsella, a blast from the past. Everyone is fine. Mom is 82 and Dad is 88 and still driving. Peter is married and lives on S.I. (Great Kills) It is amazing how many people have came in from the old block to this site.
Hi
Christina Oliver….(Twiggy)…how are u…..I spoke with your sister Gerri via email. I just wanted to say Hi to you…..I was young but you were younger when we lived on 5th avenue….I hope to see all of you at the reunion.
Terry Angelo Sherman…Hi again how are you…please don’t vomit on the computer, getting a hall or a post might be a good idea….well just a little input….see u at the reunion…
Hi Gina….it was good seeing you….see u soon ….by the way have you given Denise the web site yet…. Joyce
just a note…
Florie Castaldo sends her regards to everyone……
Christina Oliva Hagin
Debbie just forwarded me your email address. I will send you the recipe for my mother’s basta. I promise I won’t leave out any ingredients. I remember our singing days. We made a good duo. Do you remember how often she would tell you to take your shoes off before you came into the house because she had just cleaned the floors? Or that dish towel she always had draped over her shoulder? My mother was a classic.
Pat Gagliardi
How are you? Thank you for your kind words about my parents. I miss them so much. I can still see my grandfather sitting on the stoop wearing his Boston Red Sox cap. As Yankee fans, we let that one slide. Haven’t heard from my Aunt Adeline or cousins from 22nd street since Uncle Angelo passed in 1979 (sad). I did see my cousin Michele at my brother Nicholas’ wedding last September. She and Lois Ann are both grandmothers. I talk to Aunt Amelia and Uncle Joe as often as I can. Marie Anne and I trade emails. My Aunts, as my sister Debbie mentioned earlier, still live on 21st. They have been so lost since my mother passed in 2004.
How is your sister Claire? She was in the same class with my sister Edithann. I can remember her and several other “girls” from St. John’s 8th grade class coming over to our house for lunch (that’s when you were able to go home for lunch). She used to call my mother, Mrs. B.
hi every 1 this is joyces son vincent shes has been on this website for the past 2 weeks she loves heering from her old friends i can not belive how many good friends she has. this is all the four sisters can talk bout bye every 1
Danny Spoke to Carol for the past couple of hours, lol, can she talk !! It was great. Her’s was the only phone number I could find on line. Now I have Millie’s also and will call her later. Janet
Does anyone remember a black and white dog running the streets like he owned the neighborhood. Not viscious, very friendly, but going about his own business all the time.
Hi all. I was turned on to this site by my sister Patsy. I graduated St. John’s in 1969. Now live on a horse farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. but go to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn everyday to work. I have been sitting at my computer for quite a while reading the comments. Most of you are a little older than me in the beginning but then I skipped forward and some are a little younger. Couldn’t read all but what I did brought back many memories, mostly good. My condolences to all who lost loved ones, many of whom I knew. I remember Sister Alfred because she gave me the beating of my life in the hallway with Sister Margaret? who left the school in 1969 because she got married. To this day I blame my bald spot on the beating. I remember Fat Danny. His oldest sister I believe was named Florence. I remember the time he hid in St. Johns Church behind the monument and scared the living day lights out of Rocco. I remember Big Nick Bonavita who I believe was very involved in sports at St. Johns-baseball. I remember selling newspapers for Rocco at bingo. I remember the two school yards at St. Johns. I worked in my grandfather Dannys butcher next to Nats Tailor, worked in D’Amico’s for a short time but gave it up because I lost my appetite for cookies and that was not acceptable. I also worked for Johnny Mozzarella (now Luigis Pizza I believe) in between the Lombardo brothers who lived across the street and had a lock on that position. The Foti’s had a grocery store next to Michaels and had large wooden barrels with olives. Their travel Agency was across the street but it was actually there cousin’s business- I believed called Fazio Travel owned by Steve Milazzo & his brother whose name escapes me. Towbins Furniture actually moved to S.I. on Bay Street but I do not believe it is there anymore. Have to go for now as I am expecting company.
HI CHARLIE GLAD YOU’RE ABOARD. GREAT SITE. SEND MY LOVE TO ALL AT HOME. CALL YOU WEDNESDAY .
HI ALL PA IS GREAT WEATHER /BEAUTIFUL THIS WEBSITE IS LIKE OPENING “PANDORA’S BOX”.
PAT GAGS HOW R U. QUICK STORY/ YOU’RE DAD TAUGHT ME TO EAT AMERICAN CHEESE ON A TOASTED BAGEL ONE MORNING WAY BACK IN TIME. WHEN I HAD A SLEEPOVER AT UR HOUSE WITH CLAIRE. SEND HER MY REGARDS. I STILL EAT TAOSTED BAEGL W/CHEESE AND SO DOES THE REST OF MY FAMILY. 🙂
ELIZABETH JOY YES I REMEMBER RIDING THE TRAIN TO WORK AND SEING YOU. WOW, I THOUGHT MY MEMORY WAS GOOD. HOW R U? WRITE BACK 🙂
MARGARET RITTENHOUSE YES, MARK LANES I WORKED OCCASSIONALLY COVERING SHIFTSFOR PEOPLE ON VACTION, DAYS OFF,ETC. MY MAIN PLAYGROUND WAS MELODAY LANES (SAME OWNERS) I WORKD AT MELODY FOR 13 YEARS. WRITE BACK TELL TOMMY I SAID “HELLO”
JOYCE CASTALDO HOW R U ? GLAD TO SEE YOU ON THE BLOG. WHERE DO U LIVE NOW? TELL MOM I SEND MY LOVE TO HER 🙂
That was mongo,s dog, His name was pepper. He lived on 19th street, it was ayellow house. The family lived near Russell.Izzy lived across the street his father owned the dinette shop on 5thavenue and 20thstreet.
TO COUSIN TERRY SHERMAN HOPE YOU HAD FUN ON THE CRUISE. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU. RENTING A HALL MAY BE A GOOD IDEA. THIS REUNION IS PROBABLY ABOUT 125 PEOPLE OR SO. WE CAN ALL CHIP IN AND PAY FOR HALL, STILL BRING OUR OWN FOOD OR CATER, WHICHEVER IS PREFERRED AND PARKING. WRITE BACK W/LATEST INFO IF ANYTHING CHANGES:)
PAUL OLIVA WHERE DOES JAMSEY LIVE IN BAY RIDGE. I TOO LIVE IN BAY RIDGE. ?
I remember Mongo…his family lived on 21st I thought. Okay maybe they moved…yeah I think they moved from that old guy Angelo…he use to make wine in the basment. Michael Tombasco was the grandson if I remember correctly…age and all, I think Michael went to school with Mongo’s sister.
HI AUNT CAROL XXOO
FRANNY BRUNO YOU MENTION A GARY B ON THIS BLOG. WAS HE THE GUY WHO DELIVERED OUR SELTZER AND STUFF ROM THE TRUCK. HE HAD A BROTHER ELI (WHO WAS VERY HOT LOOKING, AND I THINK MY AUNT CAROL MIGHT HAVE DATED HIM FOR A SHORT TIME) I REMEMBER ANSWERING TH PHONE 1 NIGHT AND IT WAS ELI, AND HE THOUGHT I WAS MY AUNT CAROL CUZ OUR VOICES ARE SIMILIAR. anyway, IF THIS IS THE SAME GARY HE WAS MY BOSS FOR 13 YEARS WHEN I WORKED AT MELODAY LANES BOWLING ON 37TH ST, HIS LAST NAME IS BESHARA. HE WAS A TOUGH COOKIE TO WORK FOR, BUT HIM AND I GOT ALONG REALLY WELL. WHEN HE FIRST CAME IN AS OWNER, HE SAID TO ME U LOOK FAMILIAR.WE STARTED TO TALK AND SURE ENOUGHT THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD CAME INTO CONVERSATION AND WE REALIZED HOW WE KNEW EACH OTHER. HE REMEMBERED MY AUNT CAROL AND YOU. SAID YOU 2 WERE SUCH BEAUTIFUL GIRLS. WELL, HE DID VERY WELL FOR HIMSELF AND OWNS MELODY STILL AND A COUNTRY CLUB AND GOLF COURSE SOMEWHERE IN NJ. SMALL WORLD 🙂
Patsy Miele Kirk – Remember Grace and Joe Brady. They now live in Florida. They have two boys. Kevin and Steven. Kevin is in college and Steven is a senior in high school. Grace used to live on 20th street between 6th and 7th avenues. I am doing very well. I was living in Texas for 19 years and moved back East to PA a little over a year ago. I get to visit Brooklyn more often now. Where in Bay Ridge do you live? E-mail when you can.
Lizzie
Clotilda, thanx. Aunt Lillian called me. She said you came by, I appreciate it. She said maybe the ringer on the phone is to low, I think they just don’t hear it!! She said “Tilly came by, she’s a doll, I always liked her”. Lol Thanks again.
Nilda….Aunt Rosie isn’t feeling too good right now but Aunt Lillian said when she feels better they would love for you to come by. I’ll keep you posted.
COUSIN GERALDINE GAGLIARDI,
IT WAS GREAT TALKING TO YOU AFTER ALL THESE YEARS. SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES F YOU AS I SAID TODAY. I HOPE WE CAN MEET REAL SOON IN PERSON. I LOVE YA COUSIN TERRY
******YES ANOTHER COUSIN ON THIS SITE FOR ME. LOL
HI ELIZABETH. I DO REMEMBER GRACE AND JOE BRADY. SAY :HI FOR ME. DON’T KNOW IF THEY WILL REMEMBER ME. I LIVE ON 74TH STREET IN BAY RIDGE NICE AREA. I HAVE BEEN A RIDGEITE FOR ALMOST 21 YEARS NOW. DO U STILL WORK? I STILL WORK FULL TIME. NOT READY TO RETIRE YET. R U GOING TO THE RE UNION?
KEEP IN TOUCH TALK SOON 🙂
Hello Everyone,
A week away seems like a lifetime…
AnthonyO. – yes, I was talking about your cousin Debbie Pisculli, I have not seen her in years. Recently I ran into Dawn O’Donnell, with her mom and sister in the SI mall. We could not stop talking about the “old” neighborhood and people we have run into over the years. Her mom still lives in Bklyn. Dawn was relocating to Canada, I think. Not sure if you remember but we used to hang out together, Jeanne, Dawn, Janet Guccione, Dawn, Sonia Prima (from 19th St), Debbie P.
Also in our class was Karen D., Josephine Clemente, Eileen Giordano (married Joey Dujmeick (not sure of the spelling), Barbara Nowack, Theresa Casertano, Ruth Salpietro (I think she married RoseAnn Marino’s brother), Gerald and Loretta Faulkner (twins from 21St), Robert Brooks (lived downstairs from the twins)
How are the Lockwood brothers. Have they been on? Gerard and Paul?
I must find my old pics from St. Johns!!!!
Do you remember Sr. St. Joseph from Kindergarten (class of ’61)??? or Sr. Lucian from 2nd grade – great nuns – taught us a lot and unlike most of the nuns – they were kind!
Do you remember our kindergarten show in the auditorium, I played Aunt Jemima – I have the pictures and still laugh when I see myself. I will have to go through my pictures before the reunion and bring some along.
What about the May Crowning – each year they picked someone from the Communion class to crown the Blessed Mother.
Years back, Billy Canna and John Yazzo would organize a reunion of the group that hung out by Atlas bank. St John’s graduates of ’69 and ’70. Have not hear from him since 9/11. He contacted me to let me know everyone was fine. Lost contact with him.
Hi Meile Family,
It has been a while, Patsy I remember you very well, nice to see you on line…sharing good times.
Hi Charlie,
How are you? I have not seen you in years…I followed my sisters to SI 14 years ago. Still miss Bklyn but not the parking – lol. I have grown to like the feel of grass growning under my feet!!! Sr. Alfred, my God who could forget her. What about Sr. St. William playing stick ball on 21st St – running in her “Penquin” outfit – what a sight – lol !!! What about the Talent shows or the “Teen Club” run by Fr. Straniese.
You have a younger sister Angela, how is she? Give her my regards.
Pinky, have not hear back from you? Hope all is well with your brother Charlie. We were good friends. Give him my regards.
Jackie Price…how are your brothers – Danny and Steven? Your mom and dad? One of my son’s works for the DS and loves it!
Fran LaGreca (Hamouch) – How are you? What a surprise? Have not spoken to you in years? How old are your children now? Mine are all grown up – Thank God and doing well. How is Jack Spatola – is he still the Principle? Do you see Martha and Randy? How is Annette? Any of the old group still around? Remember Debbie – she passed away but she had a son living with her parents? How is he? Are her parents still in the neighborhood?
Remember dressing up for Halloween and roaming PS 172 halls giving candy to all the kids – lots of fun! I remember sitting in my kitchen on 5th Ave. making 800 candy bags with the other PTA mom’s for the event.
Glad I had this time to write in between babysitting for my niece’s son (Roz and Anthony’s grandson – they took the night off and my husband and I filled in)!
Roz, not to worry, gave him a bath and he is in bed already! Carol, Joyce your up next – lol.
DEBBIE BONAVITA- no problem im just glad she is o.k., when she came to the door i told her nothings wrong but your niece is trying to get in touch with you,beleive it or not she was laughing she started me to laugh, i think its because she was relieved when i told her nothings wrong but i did tell her to check the ringer she must have shut it by accident lol, take care debbie
HELLO TO MARIA CASTALDO. HOW R U? YOU HAVE 3 OR 4 BOYS? I REMEMER AT LEAST 3. WOW LONG TIME! I AM SO GLAD MY BROTHER CHARLIE GOT ON. HE IS GOING TO LOVE THIS SITE. R U GOING TO THE REUNION. I WILL SEE YOUTHERE HOPEFULLY.
HI TO CAROL CASTALDO PAPACENA. HOW ARE TARA AND RENEE DOING.? HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU. I AM SO GLAD TO SEE YOU AND YOUR SISTERS ON. THE REUNION IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING ELSE. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL THERE 🙂
Hey Terry,
It was great talking to you too. We really need to catch up! Let me know when you are going to the airport for your cruise. John & me will pick you up & take you to the ship.
This site is great, I have been reading it for hours & boy am I getting a blast from the past.
Hi to the Horan Girls…. Love you Janet…
My Cuz – Carol Miele I would love to see you and your sisters again. Miss you all! Call me 727-771-1719
Hey Patsy (another cuz) – How are you. Miss you too… it’s been so long… my number is above, call.
To the Olivia family – I send my heart felt condolences for the passing of your sister Jeannie – I remember her well. She was a beautiful person. God Bless…..
To all on this site – Hello to all (even if I can’t remember you all). Have a blast on this site. I know I have a lot of reading to catch up on. lol Keep it going……
Geri
Ok, the blog is out of control, there’s a whold new set of friends connecting. It keep growing..
Patsy Miele: Jamesy lives on 95th street between 4th and 5th
Maria Castaldo, what an astounding memory you have. My cousin Debbie lives on Staten Island, she was at Jeanne’s wake, she brought her daughter, who I never met. You would be amazed at the genetics.. She’s doing ok. Her two sisters are fine as well Donna and Joann. My aunt Anna, is doing very well too.
Terry, Welcome back. Everyone missed you.
HI GERALDINE HOW R U ? MY DAUGHTER NATALIE FOUND STACEY ON MY SPACE AWHILE AGO. THEY KEPT IN TOUCH FOR A LITTLE WHILE. WHERE DO U LIVE NOW. TELL JOHNNY I SAID HELLO. GERI, DO U REMEMBER BACK SOMETIMES IN THE EARLY 80’S U MADE ME A CHEF’S HEAD FOR MY KITCHEN ON 20TH STREET IN CERAMICS? I STILL HAVE THAT CHEF’S HEAD HANGING ON THE WALL IN MY BAY RIDGE HOUSE. YOU SIGNED THE BACK, AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT NOT A SCTARCH ON IT. I TREAUSRE IT. I ALSO STILL HAVE THE TEDDY BEAR MIRROR U MADE ME WHEN NATALIE WAS BORN HAVE IT PACKED AWAY HOPEFULLY FOR A GRANDCHILD. (GOD WILLING).
GERI WRITE BACK SOON LOVE YA 🙂
PAUL OLIVA THANX, FOR THE INFO ON JAMSEY. IS HE COMING TO THE RE UNION> HOPE SO:)
WELL, GOODNIGHT “BLOG HOGS”, TIL TOMORROW
SAY A PRAYER FOR “OUR ANGELS WITHOUT WINGS, FOR THESE ARE OUR FRIENDS” 🙂
Patsy – How funny are you… I do remember the chief… lol & the mirror too….. I can’t believe you still have them, it must have been a 100 years ago…
I live in Florida… We have been here for about 3 years. I retired from AT&T in 2004. Do you remember I lived in Marlboro, NJ for 20 years. My brother Johnny still lives in NJ. He will be coming down to FL with his family for Christmas. I can’t wait. I often think about Brooklyn & believe me there is no place in the world like it. Stacey is still living in MN… Brrrrrrr too cold for these old bones… Take care & hope to hear from all my cousins soon…
Love Geri
Hi Charlie M.
How are you?…I remember one halloween night when you caught me and poured molasses all over my head…between the eggs and the syrup….my hair was like silk….haha….glad to see you here…Joyce C.
CHARLIE, SO GLAD U ARE ON THIS SITE IMEANT TO TELL U ABOUT IT THE OTHER DAY. BUT I DID TELL PATSY TO TELL U. IT WAS GOOD HEARING FROM U AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SATURDAY. WILL CALL U IN FEW DAYS ANYWAY. PATSY HOPE U ARE ENJOYING PA. ELIZABETH JOY I REMEMBER U AND YOUR FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT SHELIA. PAT GAGLIARDI HOW ARE U YES I REMEMBER ALWAYS SEEING EACH OTHER AT THE PURITAN DINNER. HOW IS YOUR BEAUTIFUL RED HEAD DAUGHTER WHO NOW HAS BLACK HAIR. LOL. CHRISTINE IS FINE SHE WORKS FOR GEOX IT IS AN ITAILIAN SHOE COMPANY . SHE IS DOING GREAT . MY SON ANTHONY JUST HAD HIS SECOND BABY. ANTHONY IS 2 AND CHRISTIAN IS A LITTLE OVER 3 WEEKS OLD. ISN’T THIS SITE GREAT. I REMEMBER YOUR MOM AND DAD. THEY WERE GREAT PEOPLE. I ALWAYS HAD TO DRIVE MY MOM TO YOUR HOUSE NO MATTER WHO I WAS DATING, WE WOULD DRIVE HER THERE. HOPE TO SEE U AT THE REUNION. TELL CLAIRE AND THE BOYS HELLO FOR ME. OH, PATSY YES I DID GO OUT WITH ELI, GARY ‘S BROTHER . HE WAS REALLY CUTE. AND CHARLIE, DO U KEEP IN TOUCH WITH VINNY AVERSANO ANYMORE, I FEEL SO BAD, EARLIER IN THIS BLOG SOMEONE SAID THAT HE LOST HIS SON. JACKIE PRICE DO U REMEMBER ME, I AM MATTHEW MIELE’S SISTER CAROL, U USED TO GO OUT WITH HELEN MARIANNI WHO IS MATTHEWS SISTER IN LAW, HIS WIFE JOANS SISTER. JOAN PASSED AWAY ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO. WE ALL MISS HER SO MUCH. TERRY, DID U TALK TO COUSIN GERRY LET ME KNOW. OR IS SHE ON THIS SITE AND I MISSED HER BLOG. IF U DID I WOULD LOVE TO GET HER PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL, U CAN GIVE IT TO HER FOR ME. I LOST TOUCH WITH STACY, SHE IS NOT ON LINE ANYMORE HOPE SHE IS OK. I REALLY THINK WE SHOULD GET A HALL. THERE IS ONE ON CLARK AVE. IN RICHMOND TOWN I KNOW A FEW PEOPLE WHO HAD PARTIES THERE. I THINK U HAVE TO BRING IN YOUR OWN CATERING. IF U NEED HELP ORGANIZING LET ME KNOW. SO FAR ME, PAT AND PATSY ARE COMING HOPEFULLY CHARLIE WILL AND MAYBE STEPHANIE. TALK TO U DURING THE WEEK GLAD UR BACK THE PICS WERE GREAT. LOVE U. BOBBY ANN GLAD TO HEAR U WILL BE CALLING MARIE, IT WILL MAKE HER SO HAPPY. TAKE CARE.
Charlie
The nun who left in 1969 to get married was Sr. Robert ( the pretty one).
The best was Sr. Alfred she would take her shoes off and smell the class out.
Fran La Greca I spent the day with Aunt Marie , Gina, Amanda and Gianna. We had a great day call me 718-227-0348
Hi Terry,
I would be interested in coming to the reunion and I’ll give you a call. I would be willing to contribute for a hall if you need to get one.
Marilyn
Clotilda
Iam sure it was my mom, she was the only one who worked the roller skating who had girls. The ladies who worked the skating was my mom Anna, Tessie Condello, Regina Deitrich, Mary Gambino, Catherine Radonic and Sue Mommolito. And of course Andy with his ring of many many keys. all the kids would go by and pull on the cord and let go so the keys would hit him. LOL.
Those were great times
I’m going to give my sisters the site . Michele and Kathy.
Take Care
Good Night All.
OH MY GOD GERI, HOW ARE U. I JUST CAME ON THE BLOG AGAIN AND SAW YOUR NAME MISSED U BEFORE WAS IN A RUSH. THIS BLOG IS SO ADDICTIVE. SO GLAD U ARE ON. HOW IS STACY I USED TO HEAR FROM HER ONCE IN AWHILE I THOUGHT SHE WAS BACK IN CALIFORNIA. WHAT PART OF FLA ARE U IN. GUESS WHAT I AM IN MANALAPAN, NJ CAN U BELIEVE IT. MARLBORO IS RIGHT HERE AND I OFTEN THINK I WISH I KNEW WHERE GERRY USED TO LIVE. I MISS U AND AM SO SORRY WE LOST TOUCH. TELL JOHNNY AND STACY I SAID HELLO. CHRIS IS 27 AND STILL SINGLE. ANTHONY IS MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN ANTHONY 2 AND CHRISTIAN 3 WEEKS. MY EMAIL IS [email protected] PLEASE EMAIL ME SO WE CAN CATCH UP. REALLY MISS U.
GERI, WENT BACK ON THE BLOG AND AGAIN MISSED YOUR FIRST MESSAGE, IWROTE DOWN YOUR NUMBER AND WILL CALL U. CAN’T WAIT TO TELL PAT AND ROSEANN YOU ARE IN TOUCH. MY NUMBER IS 347-268-7735. LOVE U. STILL GIVE ME YOUR EMAIL SO WE CAN TALK AND EXCHANGE SOME PICS. I STILL SEND STACEY PICTURES BUT SHE NEVER ANSWERS ME. MAYBE SHE CHANGED EMAILS LET ME KNOW.
GERRI SORRY, IS JOHN STILL IN FREEHOLD BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE ANTHONY LIVES LET ME KNOW.
Hi Carol,
I am living in Palm Harbor, FL.. It is on the West Coast. Johnny is still in the Freehold area. He just moved to a new house in a great retirement community on the border of Freehold & Jackson NJ. Just him, his wife & their son. I know he would love to hear from all of his cousins: here is his # 732-625-1290. What a surprise it would be if you or your sisters gave him a call. My number is 727-771-1719. Call me so we can catch up. Give Roseann & Pat all my love. I miss you guys lots. Your Cuz Geri… XOX
Carol- Say hello to the kids too & congrats to Anthony on his new arrival. Love Ya All! Geri
Anthony Rizzo – You mentioned you are a little curious on why I was asking about your cousin Dorothy Biscuiti. I met your cousin while attending school many years ago – we saw each other prior to me going to Viet-nam. Her letters became my beacon of light to bring me home hopefully someday. She was my spirit. On the day I came home she broke it off with me. I was devastated. My hopes and dreams shattered in an instant. The next several weeks were filled with depression and hurt. I went south with full intention of terminating my lifeform. Before I left though I called Dorothy’s Mom and she prescribed words of wisdom that to this day I remember and put into use for my own children. Ann Biscuiti literally saved me and for that I will always be grateful. I kept in contact with Mrs. Biscuiti for many years but about 6-7 years ago I lost contact with her. Then about 1 1/2 years ago I was in the area and new tenants were inhabitaing the building where they lived. So I hope you understand why I have inquired about Ann and Dorothy. I will never forget either of them as they both hold a special place in my heart. The people of Park Slope are once again uniting with one another and that is wonderful in and of itself. We are only dancing on this earth for a short while. Respectfully, Gary D.
5:43 in the morning and I am on this site. I don’t know if I should thank you or curse you Patsy. I have not seen Vinny Aversano in many years although last I heard he lived in Marlboro, N.J. I am real sorry to hear about his son. I have 4 sons, including a NYC police officer, and I could not imagine the pain he and his wife Lori must be feeling. I remember going over his house after school for snacks and to study. Yes, Vinny did study. His mother Nancy was the best and his father Jo Jo, who was a long shoreman (remember those?) was a super guy.
Maria Castaldo how are you? Last saw you about 15 years ago.
Joyce Castaldo, if I remember correctly, you were pretty pissed at me for that molasses incident. I like to think it was because you had a secret crush on me. LOL. I believe you used to always be with Michele LaRosa, sister to Karen LaRosa.
Karen LaRosa, saw a message from you above. How are you? Do you still see Linda Romeo or her brother Sal Romeo from 5th Avenue.
Aunt Carol, I am definitely planning on going to cousin Terri’s for the reunion. If this thing is getting too big, I would be more than willing to offer my place (a horse farm) in Cream Ridge, N.J. (about 2 miles from Great Adventure and 50 minutes from S.I.) which could accomodate everyone rain or shine as we have indoor arena’s.
What was the name of the then cool clothing store on 5th Avenue aroung 16th Street? Was it Male Attitude? I remember finally convincing my grandmother Connie to allow me to buy 2 pairs of bell bottom pants and platform shows there. For some reason I seem to remember James Oliva working there or not.
You are right, the nun was Sister Robert. That is why I am on right now because I woke up and remembered. She once lined up 6 of us with a yard stick. Vinny Aversano and I were last in line. She struck everyon over their knuckles with it. When she got to the 4th person, the yard stick broke. Vinny and I thought we lucked out. She went into the coat closet (remember those?) and came out with a brand new, much stiffer yard stick. Hurt that much more. Why do all my memories of the nuns revolve around getting hit?
Hi to Fran LaGreca. I remember delivering meat to your house on 24th Street. Your father Bugsy who worked security at Madison Square Garden got me a job there as a vendor. Saw many great events and concerts because of that job. He was a good guy. For that job you had to “shape up” every day. He always made sure I got picked to work, whether it was selling soda, hot dogs, sovenirs or beer when I turned 18.
Alot of you remember St. Anna’s Club which was between Nick the Barber and my grandfather Danny’s butcher, but how about the old Pontiac Club on 21st Street? I believe it was on the ground floor of Ralph & Bobby Parisi’s house. It was mostly the sons of the older guys from St. Anna’s – my father Augie Miele, Eugene Creci, I believe Sonny Gagliardi, Mr. Castaldo (sorry Maria, can’t remember your dad’s first name but I came picture him like it was yesterday). Eventually the club closed and they all became part of St. Anna’s.
I remember living on 21st Street when I was young in the apt. house where they constructed the band stand. Years later there was a guy there named Pepe (first name Al I believe) who was a cousin of Joe Pepitone from N.Y. Yankees. He coached us in little league. I remember he had a Ford Thunderbird Convertible and we would pile in and go for a ride with the top down.
I am remembering things, good and bad, that I haven’t thought about in years. A big part of me wishes I could go back to those simpler and more carefree times. All the old times with Joey Tombasco, Vinny Aversano, Eugene Cresci, Robert Lombardo and others. Stickball on 21st Street, off the point on the side of D’Amico’s, softball, football & roller hockey in the seafarer’s lot. Rocco’s candy store for egg creams, Haimie’s candy store (Jack & Edna) for penny candy and comic books. The kids today don’t know (and unfortunately mostly don’t care) what they are missing.
John Guzzo, how are you? What of your cousin Joe DeLeo? I believe you had a cousin Maria DeLeo a few years older than us? I thought she was beautiful and had a hugh crush on her when I was 9. I also seem to remember she had a boyfriend back then who was killed in a fight in a school yard on 29th street? Basically right out of West Side Story.
I haven’t heard any mention of the Spinnato family from 18th Street? There was the oldest brother who would be more the age of my aunt Carol Miele and who I think was part of the SBB (South Brooklyn Boys) which I remember seeing painted all over the walls of the handball court in the park on 23rd Street, then there were Joey & Anthony (Anthony I believe was in my grade at St. John’s) and I remember at least 1 sister. There were also cousins of their’s, Victor & Michael, in my grade at St. John’s and another cousin, Alfred (last name not Spinnato) who graduated in 1970.
Charles: The clothing store on 5th Avenenue and 16th was Sanft’s, and I was the one who worked there for a while. The owner was Murry and the wife’s name was Glad , Buddy Sanft was the son and he managed the store. I don’t seem to remember you, but I do remember Patsy very well. Danny the butcher, and of course your Grandmother. She was a fixture in the all of the Oliva families lives, each one of us, loved her, were amazed by her, amused by her and respected her. Even though she always ratted me out when she caught me playing hookey. She was an amazing lady. Do you or Patsy have any photos of her? Can you bring them to the reunion.
Suggestion:
If we do Charles’s horse farm, We should move the reunion to a Saturday.
Charlie Miele
I can’t believe you remember the Pontiac club you were to young.
And yes it was under Bobby and Ralphie house 223-21st. My Grandmother lived at 225-21street. When I would sleep over my Grandmother house we would bang on the walls then go out the kitchen windows and talk all night. Do you know St. Anna’s on 5th ave. is not the original club it was on 21st street. the club moved twice before they bought the building on 5th ave. My father and all my mothers cousins were members of the pontiac club. My father-in-law name was Jimmy he hung out with your father Augie. Speaking of Vinny Aversano. Vinny use to go out with my sister-in-law Maria. Friday nigth my whole family went to a wedding in New Jersey and we saw Vinny for ther first time in about 30Years. Vinny was the bestman in my weddingand is my daughter Nicole’s godfather. Talked to him for awhile aalot of old memiores as a kid. he’s trying to deal with the lose of his son not to good very hard.
Charlie that message was from me not Roz. I also remmenber when you played Football with us in Staten Island. Steve Price was our coach Anthony’s brother Jamsie played with us . All the guys from Charlie Browns also played.
Charlie Miele! Wow, how are you doing? I do remember you delivering for your Grandpa. Saturdays. Yup, I remember always getting “dolled-up” waiting for you to deliver. I completely forgot about that. I had such a crush on you but would never say anything. My father had a fit when my mother told him about it so he said,’In this neighborhood, somehow everyone is related.’ So when it came time to get married I got one from way, way out of the neighborhood. Hahha. My ex is Lebanese. I showed him! Thank God it all turned out well!
Three boys and one is a cop. Imagine, the last time I saw you, you were moving into the office on 74?? street. At the time I think you had one son, correct?I remember you bringing your trophies up the steps. It seems like last week. I can’t imagine what year that was.
Gosh, it was really good hearing from you!
Maria C- Sure Spatola is still principal of 172. Still the same old guy. Still runs the school with an iron fist. Jackie Mammolito is a princiapl in Saten Island. Annette Hendrickson is now the budget manager of 172, she was ill for awhile but is doing much better and looking fabulous. Our kids hang out on weekends. As far as my kids, I am feeling really old writing this — Lili is almost 32, Allen (Duke) is 25, Mike is 19 and Sam is 17. Imagine? Thank God my kids are doing well, that is all I ask. I am a School Secretary in PS 27 in Red Hook,near the projects. My job is quite interesting to say the least, it is quite a shock from 172.
Tilly- I just saw your name! A big Hello to you. See you on 5th.
Ann Marie- I will call you tonight, I have to attend an engagement party this afternoon. My number is 718-788-1575.
Oh Ann Marie- did you see what I wrote? Lili will be 32 in a few weeks! OUCH. Yesterday, I told her you were on this site and she told me to let you know that ‘She will forever be your flower girl’.
Sorry this thing is so long, first of all, the coffee kicked in and I am like a speed demon. Secondly, the Monk Parrots are swooping down the yards of 29 street and I can’t go on my porch. Hopefully, the day will get better.
Have a great day everyone!
Good morning To Everyone. HI Charlie Meile.I hope you remember me i am one of anthony Rizzo’s sister in laws. I remember you as a little boy,omg Im getting so old. last night i had rizzo & my sister roz explaining that carol meile was your aunt & pat was ur sister. I gess its bacause were all so much older. in answer to ur question about the spinnato’s Henry was the oldest, he is my age, which is 58,guy who is about ant rizzo’s age, the twins were anthony & joseph, i dont remember any others. anthony lives on winchester ave off hylan blvd . his daughter got married yesterday, my friend knows them. i gave her this site for him to look for us. sorry to say anthony passed away. bye
hi again charlie my dads name was Jimmy.