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. camille — in one of your posts you mentioned Michael Rumola. Well, that’s my cousin. He’s living in NJ. He’s a retired police captain. He and his wife are having a house built in NC.

    Some of my classmates from St. John’s were: Debbie Ascione, Marie Panza, Marie Cirillo, Lorraine Garite, Helene Lilly, Brian McMahon, Dennis Smith, Anthony Milone, Frank Marino, Mary Perrotti. I often wonder what ever happened to them. We all graduated in 1967.

  2. MARGARET,

    I THINK MICHAEL RUMOLA WAS IN MY CLASS IS HE AROUND 56 57 YRS OLD. YOU MUST BE YOUNGER, YOU ARE MARIE CIRILLO IS KAREN D. COUSIN. SHE WROTE SOMEWHERE ABOVE. I AM GOOD FRIENDS WITH MARGARET DRITTO THAT IS HER COUSIN. SHE LIVES IN LONG ISLAND. ASCIONE I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH AN ASCIONE PROBABLY THE OLDER SISTER. LILLY MY MOM, THE DRITTOS AND CIRILLOS WERE GOOD FRIENDS WITH MRS LILLY. SHE USED TO GIVE ME PERMS OH MY GOD I DO NOT KNOW HOW I STILL HAVE HAIR. I COULD STILL SMELL THE CHEMICALS SHE PUT ON MY HEAD. ANN LILLY THAT WAS HER NAME. FORGOT ABOUT HER. JOHN SLEWZUSKY’S MOM WAS BEST FRIENDS WITH ANN LILLY. ANYBODY REMEMBER JOHN SLEWZUSKY. I JUST REALIZED YOU WROTE 1967 YOU ARE YOUNGER I GRADUATED IN 64 TERRY

  3. Terry, I think the Dritto girls went to Bishop Kearney, as I did. Marie Cirillo went to St. Joseph’s downtown, I think. I remember Helene Lilly lived on 7th Avenue, 21 or 20 street. There was Annie Ascione, who died quite young, she was older than I, and I think there was a brother, along with Debbie. And yes, my cousin Michael is around 57. Isn’t funny how we all know of each other.

    I know I asked this before but just wondering if anyone remembers the Rittenhouses, Dick, Tom, Robert, Billy, Steven, Paulette and Joanne — all my in-laws. Some of them started out in St. John’s, then went to PS 172, PS10 and John Jay HS.

  4. Hey Lori, Yeah I kinda miss NY. I miss walkin on 5th Ave gettin a slice of pizza and just keep walkin. Seein everyone out and about even after dark. I preferred Luigis for pizza but when they were closed on Sundays I would grab a slice from Lennys. I don’t think it’s possible to put any pictures on this site but if anyone figures out a way please share it. For those that attended St. Johns the website I mentioned above ‘Classmates.com’ has a listing of all the people that signed up there that graduated and it even has some pictures, but I also mentioned that the site is REAL slow. Check it out, see if anyone you know is there, I am.

  5. Hello … I’m the “Franny Bruno” that Terry Angelo (Sherman) and Carol Miele (Vallaro) refer to in some of their writings.. dancing at the Gridiron with Terry (and Grace Coen), and hiding from Carol’s mother as we snuck to 23rd St. Park or hung out on the corner while we were supposed to be
    at St Thomas’ Confraternity (wearing our white go-go boots).

    I grew up at 230 20th St., one house off of 5th Ave – below the corner laundramatt. Our house backed up to Jack Fotti’s Itailian Deli (where I voted for Miss Reingold and learned to love Devil Dogs). Eventually, Mike’s Italian Bread store moved to that end of the Avenue and we got our bread passed through the back window.

    20th Street between 4th & 5th, was one of the best streets:
    It was one of the very few streets that still had cobblestone. And the wonderful diversity of people and places – a ‘used’ car lot, Dominic’s Fruit Stand, A shoe-maker, a dress factory, a junk shop, and the chicken market – right next door (Norman used to kill the chickens). Then the ‘old lot’ where we played for many hours.. And the Seafarers actually lived on base there (Carol, remember we would sneak up to their ‘barracks’ – gosh today that would be dangerous). They also had the Port-o-Call Bar on the corner of 4th Ave and the gym where they had boxing matches. We/20th St. had a horse stable and blacksmith that still made shoes for horses. We watched them on Saturdays. Tobin’s furniture store had their delivery trucks loaded right across from my house. Remember Uncle Paulie (he lived on 21st) who worked at Tobins w/Danny for many years. My dad (Tony Bruno) hung out there and Mike’s Italian Bakery for many years. The RicardiFamily had a Fruit/Vegtable Truck that they would take on the road.

    My grandmother lived across the street in a six family house with two of the other apartments taken by my Aunt Mary’s – and the diverse cultures within this building were amazing… And all co-existed peacefully with trust.

    I lived next door to Mr & Mrs Torres (who turned out to be Gerry Santolli’s grandparents – she is writting on this site). We realized that when we ‘met’
    on another Brooklyn site. The Torres had a fig tree in their yard and I remember eating their figs every season.

    And who can forget how Totto Marino protected the neighborhood. Every 4th of July he’d have a great firework display. We always felt safe sitting on the stoop, because everyone looked out for each other. We grew up knowing the neighborhood bookies, and how to read the numbers in the Daily News that we bought at Hymes (SP?) Candy Store – which was eventually owned by someone named Jack, and a wife, a mother (I think). I remember spending lots of time in the back of the candy store – do you remember the cigarette-smelly telephone booths???? Where you can talk to your friends and boyfriends without your parents listening… Pre-cell-phone days.. 🙂

    Carol and I worked in J.P. Morisi’s Macaroni Store on 18th St and 5th Ave.
    The secret is out: We would eat the cheese in the walk-in freezer. And the little Italian ladies would yell at us because we didn’t speak Italian.
    I also worked in DeLuca’s Soda Factory 4th Ave and 18th St. doing billing.

    And I worked in one of the dress factories on 20th St, below 4th Ave.
    As I think about it – that would be considered child-labor today. I
    worked with Nancy Auletti (maiden name Savarese). He husband
    Peter died in Viet Nam. Wow I had a lot of jobs – and this was all
    before I was 16…. No wonder I’m burnt out…

    During that time My ‘growing-up’ boyfriend for many years was Danny Lorenzo (23rd Street and 6th Ave.) Does anyone know him? I’ve heard that he died – hope that is not true. I have many pictures of him from Viet Nam that I would like to pass on to his wife Annette, or his children. Anyone know them?

    I went to PS 146 and my childhood friend during grammer school and JH10, was Lucille DeCanio (she lived on 20th St just above 5th Ave).
    Right past the Chinese Laundry. (Remember the starchy smell and how
    they stayed behind a screened window or something like that?)
    Anyone know who/where Lucille is?

    At JH10, my friends who I am still in touch with – are Debbie Walters (Garden Apartments and Rocco’s Candy Store) and Liz Joy (I know many of you have written about Sheila, Donnie Surato- Liz’s family). Debbie, Liz and I stayed friends through Bay Ridge HS, which we graduated in 1970.

    I was with/married to Eddie Joe Eskew for 25 Years… (He lived in Garden Apts – St. Rocco’s Drumer). Some of you may know the family. I saw some references to Casa Storta Restaurant (good old Uncle Tony) – Eddie Joe and I got married there in 1975. I still think about Uncle Tony’s great food!!!!

    I love Brooklyn and always say I would never change anything about growing up there. In my private libray which consists of my “Italy” books, and growing up Italian books, my I Love Lucy and Dean Martin collections – I have a Brooklyn section with many books, videos, and special pictures. And while I left Brooklyn quite a few years ago – I’m still ‘Brooklyn’

    I’m living in the ‘country’ in NJ now and still get back to Brooklyn to see my sister (Phyllis Bruno Scotto). I made the transition to here by stoping to live in Staten Is. for a few years, and then spending some time in Central NJ. Now I am in Northwest NJ, and when I sell this house, I will be heading to Florida (can’t believe I’m saying that). I will join the Judy Catalano’s and some of you who I see made a move South. My husband
    Frank and I will be moving to Venice, FL.

    In closing – I’ll say that some of my fondest earlier memories of growing up in our great neighborhood:

    – Germaines at Christmas time, seeing Santa Claus and getting a present after we walked through the wooden maze that kept us in line; the smell of Christmas trees on 5th Ave and Prospect Ave (where they were sold)
    – Singing Christmas songs at the bank on 9th St
    – Eating the hot Italian Bread on the way home
    – Having the beautiful Statue of Liberty to look at whenever we wanted; just had to walk to 17th St and look out over the highway
    -Charlotte Russes (SP?) and Egg Cremes – no one in NJ knows what they are. (Any one remember Manhattan Specials (espresso soda drink). Had my first one in Lenny’s Pizza and still buy them when I find them today
    -Sunset Pool (and even Greenwood Cemetary)
    – Prospect Park- paddle boats and Carosel
    – Hitchhiking with Carol and Terry during the transit strike
    – The 4th Ave Local/BMT

    I heard a while back that Pop’s Bizzare (19th St and 5th Ave) the fire trap
    store, was still opened. And Alice was still there. Remember she had a mother and brother that worked there.

    — I can go on and on…

    I still call fire hydrants ‘johnny pumps’ and people think I’m nuts. I was told …. “you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the girl” – and I WONT LET THEM. Also, recently someone asked me when I left Brooklyn and I replied “YOU NEVER LEAVE BROOKLYN!”

    Sending you many Blessings,
    Francesca Saracino (aka Franny Bruno)

  6. I knew Paulette Rittenhouse. I knew a Michael Maresca, There were brothers I’m not sure if their were Michael Caretti and vincent Caretti. I don’t think that sounds right. I think they lived in the garden apartments on 23rd St. Well one was getting left back, so the mother made the other brother be left behind. I think I would be pissed if I wasn’t failing and I was left back because my brother was left back. Does any one remember this story?

  7. SANTINA,

    I HUNG OUT WITH PAULA RITTENHOUSE WHEN WE WENT TO THE RID IRON WITH FRANNY BRUNO AND NANCY AULETTI/SAVARESE FRO 6T AVE. MICHAEL MARESCA’S BROTHER IS ALWAYS AT THE CAR SHOW IN S.I WITH ALL THE OLD CARS FROM THE 60’S. HE DOES NOT HAVE ACOMPUTER BUT HE DID SAY HIS BROTHER AGE 73 DIED ASH WEDNESDAY AND ANOTHER BROTHER DIED LAST YEAR. IS MICHAEL MARRIED TO EILEEN HUGHES FROM I THINK 18TH STREET OR 17TH STREET 6TH 7TH AVE. I REMEMBER WHEN PAULA HAD HER FIRST CHILD. WE WERE YOUNG. GERRY SANTOLI WOULD KNOW ABOUT THE GARDEN APTS. HER HUSBAND PHIL SANTOLI LIVED THERE. HIS PARENTS WHO ARE ABOUT 80 NOW STILL LIVE THERE. I SEE HER I WILL ASK HER. TERRY

  8. MARGARET,

    ANNA ASCIONE THE MOTHER OR DAUGHTER AROUND MY AGE DIED. WAIT I THINK I REMEMBER SOMETHING LIKE THAT WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER SHE DIED RIGHT? I GOTTA GET OFF AND DO SOMTHING GOOD IN MY LIFE LIKE GO TO CHURCH. LOL TERRY

  9. FRANNY BRUNO,

    WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? YOU EMAILED ME THAT YOU WERE WRITING ARE YOU STILL WRITING HA HA I LOVE YA TERRY

  10. Good morning- to all of you SOUTH BROOKLYN FRINDS

    AFTER READING ALL OF THESE GREAT STORIES IT BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES AND TAKES ME RIGHT BACK TO MY OLD NEIGHBORHOOD.. I HAVE PUT TOGETHER WHAT I WOULD CALL IS
    SOUTH BROOKLYN BUILD A BLOCK AND I HOPE YOU WILL ALL JOIN IN AND ADD YOUR BLOCK AND FRIENDS THAT YOU GREW UP WITH. HOPEFULLY WE WILL HAVE OUR OLD NEIGHBORHOOD BACK- NOT ONLY IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS BUT ON PAPER ALSO.. I HOPE THIS WILL BE AS MUCH FUN FOR YOU AS ITS FOR ME WELL HERE GOES

    MY BLOCK 6TH SREET BETWEEN 6TH & 7TH AVENUE
    413 BURNS PATSY
    419 SOFFOS VASO-
    421 ARCURI ALFRED-CHARLIE BETTY/CHARLIE
    423 PARISI SAL-JOE-ANTHONY FLO/TONY
    425 MULIA STEVEN – MICHAEL – MARIANN MINNIE/PREP
    429 DAVIDSON
    431 SILVA JOSEPH -LINDA-ROBERT-DONNA EVELYN/TOM
    431 ORSINI GEN-VINNY NETTIE/ DICK
    431 BRIGANTE MARGRET-JOE

    PLEASE GO TO BROWNSTONEGRL@AOL TO ADD YOUR BLOCK
    I WILL PUT THE BLOCKS TOGETHER/ HOPE TO SEE YO THERE.

  11. Hello Letizia, Lori and Terri!
    Pat sent me this site, and I think its great ! It’s brought back so many memories. Some happy…some sad. (August 8th) The best day of the summer growing up on 20th street. The best pool parties ever!! Letiz…your absolutely right! The building next to mine is atrocious! Believe it or not, they’re all sold. Terry…I remember alot of things you spoke about, but some are not too clear. That’s probably because I’M ONLY 46!!! (lol). If you guys get a chance, go to youtube and type in my name…check out what i’ve been up to. Trying to launch a reality show on the web called, “Wannabe a wiseguy”. Spred the word..we could use the hits. Site is not ready yet..but coming soon. Its really funny! Oh and BTW Lori… your brother never did “BUY” those Valentine’s Days hearts….he kinda accidently took them home, year after year, after year,after year….lol. Sorry I used this site to plug “Wannabe”..but ya know guys… somethings never change!!!
    Love you all!

  12. Hi Linda and all…. Names of friends on 20th St between 4th & 5th Ave.

    – “Franny Bruno” (me)

    – My sister is Phyllis Bruno
    (she dated Anthony Anacreante in the old days) does anyone remember the funeral home on 21st & 5th Ave.) He was georgous and always stood outside. (Carol, remember at grandma’s funeral my dad ‘yelled’ at you for not answering him – he thought you were me)

    – Barbara Duva (married Anthony Nappi from 27th st..or 11th st)
    – The Colbert boys (they were tough kids, lived in the house that was
    set-back on the street, along with Barbara Duva’s family
    – Chris Cavalleri (next door to Dominick’s vegtable store)
    – Henry (they called him Moose) (lived on top of the shoemaker)
    – Rosalie Zesare (married Joe Barberie from 20th St) and her sister Dolores Zesare (My sister and I are still best friends with them,
    55 years later.) They lived next door to the clothing factory
    – Carol Miele (my forever friend) and her sisters and brothers (Little house in between two large apartment bldgs.)
    – Monica (Cookie) Azevedo and her sister Nina (married one of the Albano brothers)
    – Joey Schiavo (my cousin who passed away too young)
    – Larry Farrinacio (they came from Italy, lots of good looking brothers). He dated Kathy Galatelli from 17th St for many years).
    – Nicky Riccardi (red head, father had a produce truck)
    – Charlie Siciargo (SP?) Terry’s long-time friend; he would come to visit his grandmother – and we ‘played’ as kids – she lived across the street
    (same w/Gerry Santoli whose grandparents lived next door)

    That’s all I can think of right now – remember earlier I said our block
    was taken over by chicken markets, horse stables, junk shops, etc.
    So we had less people.

    I’ll add this list to Brownstonegrl.aol first chance I get.

    Ciao,
    Francesca
    (Note: Anytime I hear someone call me Franny, I say –
    Oh, that’s someone from my Brooklyn-past)

  13. Hey Guys,

    Just got back from brunch in”THE SLOPE” with my family. Went to 5th Avenue and Garfield and Carroll Streets. Ate in Aunt Suzies and they had all old photos hanging up of their family. School photos from 1940 something and 1955 from St. Frances de Chantel. It is like the west village there. I took some shots but i do not know how to get them on here. I remember when no one wanted to live there and would not even walk the streets. NOW…MY GOD. Today was the 7th avenue fair called Seventh Heaven. Wanted to walk the fair but with this knee surgery i could not. My college kid is going to help me when he has time to put some photos up. It is bitter sweet to go there. Happy to remember and sad that time has passed so quickly but just wonderful memories of third street park with my mom as a child. We would walk from 20th st. to 3rd street to see my godfather and then play in the park. so many good memories. terry

  14. Marie,

    I was talking to Charlie Siciargo last nite are you related to johnny red, nicky red the boys from 20th street below 5th. They had a sisetr marie and there was a chickie. Charlie said the marie he knew from work did the checks and she was related to johnny the guy who owns the deli on 5th now. Terry (work was the Seafarers)

  15. Terry Hi, Marie C. is my sister. She did the checks at seafarers. Chickie (Anna) Arena is her close friend. We are not related to Johnny from the deli. In fact my friend Rose (Riccardi) Di Palma is related to him, that’s her cousin. Michael Maresca, I knew from school, didn’t see or know anything about him afterwards. Was just thinking of some people from school and his name came up. Santina

  16. This is my second attemp to ‘submit’ …. Terry can you see me now???? I know my message showed last night, after I submitted… but now??? I see a follow-up message included above, which I sent this morning,of list of friends from 20th St.

    So here it goes AGAIN:

    Hello … I’m the “Franny Bruno” that Terry Angelo (Sherman) and Carol Miele (Vallaro) refer to in some of their writings.. dancing at the Gridiron with Terry (and Grace Coen), and hiding from Carol’s mother as we snuck to 23rd St. Park or hung out on the corner while we were supposed to be
    at St Thomas’ Confraternity (wearing our white go-go boots).

    I grew up at 230 20th St., one house off of 5th Ave – below the corner laundramatt. Our house backed up to Jack Fotti’s Itailian Deli (where I voted for Miss Reingold and learned to love Devil Dogs). Eventually, Mike’s Italian Bread store moved to that end of the Avenue and we got our bread passed through the back window.

    20th Street between 4th & 5th, was one of the best streets:
    It was one of the very few streets that still had cobblestone. And the wonderful diversity of people and places – a ‘used’ car lot, Dominic’s Fruit Stand, A shoe-maker, a dress factory, a junk shop, and the chicken market – right next door (Norman used to kill the chickens). Then the ‘old lot’ where we played for many hours.. And the Seafarers actually lived on base there (Carol, remember we would sneak up to their ‘barracks’ – gosh today that would be dangerous). They also had the Port-o-Call Bar on the corner of 4th Ave and the gym where they had boxing matches. We/20th St. had a horse stable and blacksmith that still made shoes for horses. We watched them on Saturdays. Tobin’s furniture store had their delivery trucks loaded right across from my house. Remember Uncle Paulie (he lived on 21st) who worked at Tobins w/Danny for many years. My dad (Tony Bruno) hung out there and Mike’s Italian Bakery for many years. The RicardiFamily had a Fruit/Vegtable Truck that they would take on the road.

    My grandmother lived across the street in a six family house with two of the other apartments taken by my Aunt Mary’s – and the diverse cultures within this building were amazing… And all co-existed peacefully with trust.

    I lived next door to Mr & Mrs Torres (who turned out to be Gerry Santolli’s grandparents – she is writting on this site). We realized that when we ‘met’
    on another Brooklyn site. The Torres had a fig tree in their yard and I remember eating their figs every season.

    And who can forget how Totto Marino protected the neighborhood. Every 4th of July he’d have a great firework display. We always felt safe sitting on the stoop, because everyone looked out for each other. We grew up knowing the neighborhood bookies, and how to read the numbers in the Daily News that we bought at Hymes (SP?) Candy Store – which was eventually owned by someone named Jack, and a wife, a mother (I think). I remember spending lots of time in the back of the candy store – do you remember the cigarette-smelly telephone booths???? Where you can talk to your friends and boyfriends without your parents listening… Pre-cell-phone days.. 🙂

    Carol and I worked in J.P. Morisi’s Macaroni Store on 18th St and 5th Ave.
    The secret is out: We would eat the cheese in the walk-in freezer. And the little Italian ladies would yell at us because we didn’t speak Italian.
    I also worked in DeLuca’s Soda Factory 4th Ave and 18th St. doing billing.

    And I worked in one of the dress factories on 20th St, below 4th Ave.
    As I think about it – that would be considered child-labor today. I
    worked with Nancy Auletti (maiden name Savarese). He husband
    Peter died in Viet Nam. Wow I had a lot of jobs – and this was all
    before I was 16…. No wonder I’m burnt out…

    During that time My ‘growing-up’ boyfriend for many years was Danny Lorenzo (23rd Street and 6th Ave.) Does anyone know him? I’ve heard that he died – hope that is not true. I have many pictures of him from Viet Nam that I would like to pass on to his wife Annette, or his children. Anyone know them?

    I went to PS 146 and my childhood friend during grammer school and JH10, was Lucille DeCanio (she lived on 20th St just above 5th Ave).
    Right past the Chinese Laundry. (Remember the starchy smell and how
    they stayed behind a screened window or something like that?)
    Anyone know who/where Lucille is?

    At JH10, my friends who I am still in touch with – are Debbie Walters (Garden Apartments and Rocco’s Candy Store) and Liz Joy (I know many of you have written about Sheila, Donnie Surato- Liz’s family). Debbie, Liz and I stayed friends through Bay Ridge HS, which we graduated in 1970.

    I was with/married to Eddie Joe Eskew for 25 Years… (He lived in Garden Apts – St. Rocco’s Drumer). Some of you may know the family. I saw some references to Casa Storta Restaurant (good old Uncle Tony) – Eddie Joe and I got married there in 1975. I still think about Uncle Tony’s great food!!!!

    I love Brooklyn and always say I would never change anything about growing up there. In my private libray which consists of my “Italy” books, and growing up Italian books, my I Love Lucy and Dean Martin collections – I have a Brooklyn section with many books, videos, and special pictures. And while I left Brooklyn quite a few years ago – I’m still ‘Brooklyn’

    I’m living in the ‘country’ in NJ now and still get back to Brooklyn to see my sister (Phyllis Bruno Scotto). I made the transition to here by stoping to live in Staten Is. for a few years, and then spending some time in Central NJ. Now I am in Northwest NJ, and when I sell this house, I will be heading to Florida (can’t believe I’m saying that). I will join the Judy Catalano’s and some of you who I see made a move South. My husband
    Frank and I will be moving to Venice, FL.

    In closing – I’ll say that some of my fondest earlier memories of growing up in our great neighborhood:

    – Germaines at Christmas time, seeing Santa Claus and getting a present after we walked through the wooden maze that kept us in line; the smell of Christmas trees on 5th Ave and Prospect Ave (where they were sold)
    – Singing Christmas songs at the bank on 9th St
    – Eating the hot Italian Bread on the way home
    – Having the beautiful Statue of Liberty to look at whenever we wanted; just had to walk to 17th St and look out over the highway
    -Charlotte Russes (SP?) and Egg Cremes – no one in NJ knows what they are. (Any one remember Manhattan Specials (espresso soda drink). Had my first one in Lenny’s Pizza and still buy them when I find them today
    -Sunset Pool (and even Greenwood Cemetary)
    – Prospect Park- paddle boats and Carosel
    – Hitchhiking with Carol and Terry during the transit strike
    – The 4th Ave Local/BMT

    I heard a while back that Pop’s Bizzare (19th St and 5th Ave) the fire trap
    store, was still opened. And Alice was still there. Remember she had a mother and brother that worked there.

    — I can go on and on…

    I still call fire hydrants ‘johnny pumps’ and people think I’m nuts. I was told …. “you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the girl” – and I WONT LET THEM. Also, recently someone asked me when I left Brooklyn and I replied “YOU NEVER LEAVE BROOKLYN!”

    Sending you many Blessings,
    Francesca Saracino (aka Franny Bruno)

  17. CAN ANYONE SEE NOTES FROM FRANCESCA SARACINO (BRUNO)

    SHE WROTE IN RIGHT AFTER SANTINA AND NONE OF US CAN SEE IT. SHE SEES IT BUT WE DO NOT. PLEASE LET US KNOW THANKS TERRY

  18. Franny,

    That was so beautiful and very well said, ofcourse me and Terry could have never put it those words. Are you sure you want to move to Florida, it aint Brooklyn! LOL

  19. FRANNY,

    SO PISSED OFF. JUST WROTE YOU AND MY COMPUTER DISCONNECTED ME. IT IS LIKE I CAN NOT GET TO YOU ON THIS SITE. WHAT YOU WROTE TOUCHED MY HEART. JUDY SPEAK FOR YOURSELF….I PUT MY WORDS TOGETHER JUST FINE. LOL I CANT BELIEVE YOU SAID YOU CAN TAKE THE GIRL OUT OF BROOKLYN BUT YOU CANT TAKE BROOKLYN OUT OF THE GIRL. MY KIDS ALWAYS LAUGH WHEN I TELL THEM THAT. I TOLD THEM I WAS WRITING A BOOK &THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY TITLE. I WILL RE WRITE WHAT I WROTE LATER. LOVE TE TE

  20. MICHAEL MAZZEO,

    REAL FUNNY!!!WHEN WE WERE YOUNG THE AGE DIFFERENCE WAS BIG NOW FORGET ABOUT IT. HOW IS YOUR BROTHER. DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE PELLEGRINOS? I WAS GOOD FRIENDS WITH MARIO AND HIS OLDER SISTER WORKED WITH MY SON YEARS AGO AT PS229 IN BROOKLYN. DID YOU SAY YOU ARE ALREADY ON YOUTUBE. I AM GOING TO CHECK IT OUT. I REMEMBER YOU WERE IN A COMMERCIAL I THINK IN ISRAEL. GLAD YOU CAME ON THE SITE. I HAPPENED TO SCROLL BACK LOOKING FOR MY FRIEND FRANNY AND I SAW YOU LOVE TERRY

  21. FRANNY,

    ONE MORE THING…….REMEMBER WHEN I WENT TO ROSALIE’S WEDDING WITH NICKY RED. I EVEN REMEMBER WHAT I HAD ON. WHAT YEAR WAS THAT? IT HAD TO BE LIKE 1970. HE DIED YOUNG. LOVE TETE

  22. Hi Terry – yes I remember Rosalie’s wedding. I went with Danny Lorenzo. Can’t remember how you ended up with Nicky Red.

    This site finally accepted my comments and now I see a duplication. That was so weird how I could see my entry and you and Judy could not.

    TO ALL:
    I promise to be more concise in the future (not my strength), plus – the topic (Brooklyn) is something I truly care about – so I got carried away.

    Another great memory: Coney Island (and Brighten Beach)

    – We’d walk alot and take a few trains (remember the EL) – to get to the beach. We carried our beach chairs and ENTIRE homemade ITALIAN MEAL (especially on Sundays)

    – After we baked all day on the beach using baby oil & iodine, along with sun magnifiers – we’d head to the rides (always loved the Haunted House)

    – Then a stop at Nathans for great hot dogs or shrimp boats, and a banana ice cream cone. When at Brighten Beach, cherry cheese kinishes were mandatory

    In the late 1950’s the RKO Theater on 9th St (an upgrade to the Avon Theater down the street) – had Saturday noon matinees. I remember mom made us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (in those days, think it
    was acceptable to bring food to theater). We watched the orignal “Godzilla” “House on a Haunted Hill” – and great Susan Hayward movies like “I Want to Live”. (Some of you are saying who the heck is Susan Hayward?) I may be one of your ‘older’ bloggers. Remember the 3-D Glasses we got for “Bloody Sunday” and other silly movies.

    Ciao,
    Francesca

  23. FRANNY,

    REMEMBER THE GUY ON THE BEACH WITH THE BEIGE PANTS, GREASY BAGS WITH KNISHES,ORANGE DRINKS AND THE GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM WITH THE CANDY IN THE MIDDLE. HOW ABOUT THE SILVER MONEY THING HE HAD ON HIS WAIST. HE WOULD CLICK IT TO GET THE CHANGE OUT.
    WE WOULD HAVE THE BEST TANS. MY ROOF WITH THE SUNVISORS AND OUR HOMEMADE LOTION LIKE YOU SAID. I REMEMBER WHEN I GOT SUN POISONING AND JAMSIE OLIVA’S FATHE WORKED IN THE PHARMACY. HE YELLED AT ME AND SAID I COULD DIE FROM SUNSTROKE. THE NEXT MORNING MY LIPS WERE GIGANTIC AND MY EYES. OH GOD, I LOOKED LIKE A MONSTER. MY MOTHER WAS SCREAMING AT ME. THOSE WERE THE DAYS MY FRIEND. I LOVE YA

    NICKY RED…WE RAN INTO ROSALIE AND SHE SAID WHY DONT YOU COME TO MY WEDDING AS NICKY REDS GUEST AND THATS HOW I GOT TO GO. SHE REALLY WANTED TO INVITE DAVE THEY WERE FRIENDS FROM ST. JOHNS WITH KATHY GALLETELI. SHE HAD TOO MANY PEOPLE.

  24. Hey Maritsa!

    I thin I want to school with you… MYs Kosta K… Mis Halpin 1A, Miss Stollen 2- A Miss Raz- 3 A Mrs Rothenburg 4 – A. I moved to Queens in 68.

    I remember you as pretty, petite and a good artiest… Be I was a bit of a class clown. If you remember me email me and we’ll exchange vague memories.

    Louie Manno

    From 15th Street and 3 rd Ave
    [email protected]

  25. Hi all,

    I haven’t seen any notes about the Lordes Shop. Bernadette Moriello was the daughter. She went to St. Johns. She was married in St. John’s just before me – both of us by Fr. Sclafani. She became a teacher at Manuel Training High school (now-John Jay) and my kid brother (7 yrs younger than me was one of her students).

    Does anyone remember any of the nuns from St. Johns. I can only remember – Sr Rose Raphael, Sr. Mora Patricia, Sr Vincent Loretta – she was a real Saint!, and then there was the “monster” – Sr Mary Magdalyn (this one was a real nut and would hit the kids on the knuckles with a squared off ruller while the kid made a fist — she also put brown soap in a boy’s mouth (I think it was Dimples or Chickie Avasano). The boy had to see a doctor his tongue swelled so badly. I think the mother pulled off her veil and gave her a (well deserved) beating for it. They aren’t all so “saintly”. I also remember a young handsome father “Rocco” everyone fell in love with him. After a couple of years at St. John’s he was transferred out to Long Island somewhere.

  26. HEY MARIE,

    I MENTIONED THE LOURDES SHOP WAY UP THERE SOMEPLACE. MY MOTHER ALWAYS WENT IN THERE WITH US. I STILL REMEMBER WHAT SHE LOOKED LIKE. I THINK YOU ARE OLDER BUT I DID HAVE SISTER MOORE PATRICIA IN FIRST GRADE. SISTER JOSEPH DAVID, MRS. FAZIO, MRS MARESCA WITH THE RED RED HAIR. SISTER CARMELITA (SP) SISTER SAINT JEROME, I GRADUATED 1964. I WROTE ABOVE THAT I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH THROUGH OTHERS WITH FATHER SALERNO. WA HE THERE WHEN YOU WERE ALSO FATHER STRAINESE THAT WAS THEIR FIRST PARISH IN THE 60’S. I WORKED FOR SALERNO IN ST. FRANCES CABRINI LIKE 10 YEARS AGO HE WAS THE PASTOR AND MY BOSS. HOW LIFE COME FULL CIRCLE. HE WAS A BABY WHEN HE CAME TP ST. JOHNS. TERRY

  27. Terry, I don’t remember year I graduated but I think it was 1956-7. I would have to check my graduation picture. I do not remember Sr Joseph David, Mrs. Fazio and Maresca – I remember but neither was ever my teacher. Mrs. Maresca was a good friend to my Aunt Lucy and my cousin was a student of hers also. He adored her and would visit her in Brooklyn every time he came in. He lives in Florida now. He was in the US Air Force during Vietnam War and still works for the Airforce. They gave him a house and autos in Florida years ago. I don’t know exactly what he does. Maybe you know him. Gaspare Dolce (Chuck). His father drove a bread truck and made deliveries in the neighborhood.

  28. Marie – I think I can remember all of the nuns and teachers I had. Sr. Mora Patricia -1st grade; Sr. Mary Eunice – 2nd; Mrs. Maresca – 3rd; Mrs. D___ (cannot remember her name; Sr. Mary Assumption – 5th; Sr. Cornelia – 6th; Sr. Georgina Louise (she called me a bold, brazen snip nose); and Sr. ______ (8th grade) (Santina, help me here!). Sr. Rose Margaret was the principal when I started.

    Santina,
    Uncle Rocky died before Uncle Albert. Aunt Carol is 92 and holding her own. Maria is doing well, lives on SI. She has two grandkids (her son Billy’s kids) and her son Danny is getting married in September. I hope to go to the wedding. Billy, Sr. is retired. You are right about the Carretti’s. Roseanne was in our class at St. John’s; she was short and stocky. Can’t remember her last name.

    Margaret R., please say hi to Michael R for me.

    Terry Angelo, you mentioned Joey Ciapetta. He was in my class at St. John’s — a really nice guy! Years ago, I would occasionally run into him on 5th Avenue when I would visit my parents.

    Whoever asked about the hard, pepper bisquits from D’Amicos, I think they were called frizallas (something like that). So good!

    Marie, I remember the Aversanos — Dimples, Chickie (married to Annette DiLeo), Rose and Michael.

  29. camille,

    did you go to st. johns with joey or robert. joey was in my class, robert was a few years older. they both were in bands. i mentioned the pepper bisquits in the window of the bakery. the bakery with the slope going don. now annette dileo. i know johnny dileo and his brother. they are much younger. their mother was ann damico from 20th st. between 5th and sixth ave. closer to 5th. she married a dileo and they are no longer married. he left her and married oddo’s daughter the diner on 5th. and her brother was married to doos daughter. such wonderful boys she raised and all on her own. she lives in florida now. now i had sr. corneilus after sr. joseph david left right in the middle of the year. sr. georgina cannonball they called her was the other 7th grade i think. she was crazy. i forgot about them. i dont know how !!!!I AM SURPRISED I AM NOT IN THERAPY FROM THOSE NUNS. I ALWAYS WAS IN TROUBLE BECAUSE I TALKED ALOT. ALWAYS HA U IN CONDUCT. LOL TERRY

  30. i have to go back and take typing lessons. man i should read what i write before i submit. i put doos daughter its oddos daughter. how the hell did i pass typing in bayridge hs. lol

  31. Hi Terry,

    Joey Ciapetta was in my class for a number of years. I graduated St. John’s in 65. I don’t think I know the DiLeo’s you’re talking about. I think Annette lived on 21st between 3rd & 4th.

  32. Taralles is the name of the pepper bisquit, I had them yesterday.

    Camille I can’t remember who the 8th grade teacher was. Joey Ciapetta use to be called Sid, Sr. Saint Jerome kept me back in 6th. I remember the nuns saying we have a head like a Sive (sp?)

    I remember waiting for Sr. Cornelius to come in the room, we knew we had her and we were worried because she had a reputation of being a wicked witch. San

  33. SANTINA,

    THERE WAS BIG SIS AND LITTLE SID. JOEY WAS LITTLE SIS. ROBERT WAS OLDER HE WAS IN THE BAND THE BEATEN PATH AT THE GRID IRON YEARS AGO. THEIR MOTHER WAS TINA SHORT AND SO NICE. THEY OWNED THE CORNER CANDYSTORE FOR AWHILE WHEN WE WERE YOUNG. CORNER OF 21ST STREET AND 6TH AVENUE. MAYBE HE GOT LEFT BACK AND THATS WHY WE SIS NOT GRADUATE TOGETHER. TERRY

  34. Santina,

    My mother in law use to make the Taralles. Hard as rocks – you had to dip them in wine, milk or coffee to soften them — or break your teeth.
    Did you get Maria Green’s invitation for July 12th Pool Party. I don’t know if I am going. Fran will have new baby by then.
    When is the carnavale by you? Also–my sister in law Jean was hospitalized and got emergency surgery– water around her heart. She is in her 80s but they said she is doing better and will be out of ICU this week.
    How is Maryann’s Mom doing?? Hope she is ok.

  35. I don’t know if any of you remember, but every 4th of July, my Uncle Pete would blow the whole street (21st 3&4 Ave) up for three days. He would ignite those arial bombs every 15 minutes. Made me crazy. I still hate them — and guess what? — Macy’s 4th of July Fire Works in Manhattan (near the FDR Drive) are done right on my corner. I can watch them from my window. When my husband was alive we would leave the city for the day to get away from the noise and crowds coming in to see them.

  36. I remember Uncle Pete, Catherine’s dad. By the way, do you still keep in touch with her?

  37. My uncle Pete was Diane’s dad. He passed away 2005. My aunt Lucy is still alive and will be 90. I see my cousine Katherine about once a month.
    She had diabetes and broke her ankle and need help cleaning. I go there to help out and she pays me. She even took me on a cruise with her to the Bahamas. Had a great time. I’ll send you some pictures.

  38. Marie, yes, send pictures. Wow, I remember Aunt Lucy. Who was her husband? Cant remember. What about her son? Was his name Peter? Or, am I getting the families confused?

  39. Camille,
    My mom’s sister Mary had Katherine, Peter, Antonia and Angela. And in the other family My mom’s brother Pete (fireworks) and Aunt Lucy, had Diane and Peter, Tommy, Billy, Gaspare, Gerald.

    Mare,
    Diane My friend, makes Taralles and I bought them in the store recently. They are not as hard as you explained your mom-in-law made. They are on the hard side but not where you break your teeth.

    Yes I am going to Maria’s pool party.The Carnival starts on July 9th ends the 12th. Michael is coming on the 11th. If you don’t come you have to take a chance the 50/50 was $27,000 to the winner last year. San

  40. Terry, I knew Nancy Saverese. I think also in my class. Little Sid was the one I knew.

    I’m surprised I never saw you at the Grid Iron. I was there Fri and Saturday. Were you there when the fight broke out? The bouncer + others were beating up my friend Bobby Kelly. Don’t know why. My friend and I jumped on the stage with the Beaten Path. Then they asked us to get down, they wanted to play. one of our friendss Peachie (small Man, big voice when he spoke you listened, but a Nice guy) He said stay where you are and me and my friend stayed. Then fight was over. I never stayed in the other room, I Stayed right by the band. If you were in othter room, I would’t see you. San

  41. San,
    I remember Antonia, Peter and, of course, Catherine. Remember our summer jobs at Papagallo’s in the city? One year we worked during the teachers’ strike. So funn!!!

  42. Judy, How are the Catalano’s Flossy, Danny, Larry forgot the brothers name before Richie? I heard Jimmy had a stroke. Hope he’s ok. Is Mrs. C still alive? Use to sit and talk to them on their stoop when I was younger. I used to hang out with Richie. San

  43. Papagallo shoes. that was fun. I still see Katherine, I email her alot.

  44. SANTINA,

    AS SOON AS MY SON GETS A CHANCE HE IS GOING TO SCAN PHOTOS AND GET THEM ON HERE. I DO NOT REMEMBER THE FIGHT. I HAVE SOME SHOTS OF THE GRID. YOU CAN SEE WHAT WE ALL LOOKED LIKE THEN. NOW….HUM…WE PROBABLY WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE EACH OTHER IT HAS BEEN SO LONG. ME, FRANNY AND CAROL WERE THERE EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.. WE WOULD GO DOWN TOWN TO SHOP FOR OUTFITS TO WEAR FOR THE GRID. WE HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES. ONE TIME ON A SUNDAY WE HAD AN EGG RACE IN THE GRID WITH LITTLE BIKES. ME AND JUDY CATALANO WERE ON ONE. WE HAD TO RIDE THE 3 WHEELER AND HER ON MY BACK AND NOT DROP THE EGG. AS USUAL JUDY WOULD BE LAUGHING AND PEEING HER PANTS LIKE SHE STILL DOES.LOL SUCH GOOD TIMES. TERRY

  45. Santina,
    I showed Rich the website, he said that he knew you. Richie is doing fine I tell him that you ask for him. My mother-inlaw passed away about 10 years ago. Flossy is good she is living down here in Florida, and so Is Danny. My brother-in-law Larry is still in Bayridge 73rd. Street he is doing okay,my other brother-in-law’s Billy and then Louie, then after Richie is Jimmy..

    Judy

  46. San,
    Catalanos are Flossy, Jimmy (Froggy), Richie, Louie, Billy, Sissy, and another girl (can’t remember), Larry and Danny. Mrs. C passed away awhile ago. I am sad about Froggy too! I haven’t heard a thing about Louie.

  47. Hi Judy,
    Say hi to all the Catalanos for me too!! I lived on 22nd and was friend to all of them. I still see Billy — he is married to my cousin, Maria.

  48. Terry I remember what you looked like, in fact, I remember what your mom looked like. You were the other class I was with Margret Dritto from Kindergarten to 6th grade, then you guys kept going. We are all the same age. Does anyone remember Carl Skuza, I think I remember hearing that he died. Is that true?
    You would think I have nothing to do, I’m always on. I wish some more friends would write. I sent this site to everyone. I know they r reading. we need more memories.

    Santina

  49. Hello MICHELE SUARATO –
    I’ve been reading through the comments and saw yours:

    Michele Suarato said,
    June 8, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
    Hey, I am Donnie Suarato and Pat Nicoletti’s daughter

    Michele – Please tell your dad I said HELLO. I knew him for many years, MANY years ago. He’ll remember me by the/my last name as Eskew, and from “On-Target Fashions” days.. you might have to pick him up off the floor after you say OnTarget.

    (Also, as I mentioned in my initial intro/comments earlier this week, I grew up on 20th St. right off 5th Ave – maiden name Bruno)

    Ciao!

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