Hicksville High School Hicksville, New York
| The Editors: | |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Bob Casale '61 | Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden '60 |
| Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll '56 | Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61 |
To contact the editors, email
Alumni Participates In World Series of Poker in Las Vegas
Walter "Butch" Allan, Hicksville High School alumni, class of 1960, traveled recently to Las Vegas and was a participant in a World Series of Poker Tournament (WSOP). Butch is a seasoned veteran of poker and can "hold" his own in most local contests of skill. The WSOP is a totally different environment with virtually every great poker player participating for cash prizes. Some of the stipends of these contests reaches into the millions of dollars.
Butch was feeling kinda funky and decided to test his skills with some big name people.
His initial comment to me was, "there is some good news, some bad news and some really great news to report regarding my WSOP trip to Las Vegas"
"First, the good news...had a chance to meet and see some of the TV Poker Stars such as T.J. Tran, Phil Ivy, Gus Hansen, Patty Duke and brother Howard Duke and, of course, the notorious Phil Helmuth. There were lots more, too many to mention!"
"The bad news," he said, "was that I busted out in the first two hours of the tournament."
The great news, Butch reiterated to me, was that he won some bucks in smaller tournaments that featured those who did not fare well in the big contest.
"All in all, it was great fun," Butch said.
A wonderful issue!! Thanks so much for all the work you do.
Two quick questions: does HixNews have a PayPal account? If so, I'd be glad to send in a donation for your hard work. Also, my family lived at 199 Seventh Street, just off Division Avenue, in Hicksville, a stone's throw from the High School and Administration Building. Is there any possibility of seeing what the old homestead looks like now? I was heartbroken to hear the next owners took down the beautiful big old oak tree on our front lawn... that beautiful tree shaded my bedroom window for years and made looking at full moons through the branches a magical experience!My mother, Stella, who will be 87 in December, would love to see it I'm sure, as well as my brother Jim Thompson, Class of '61.
Oh, and my husband and I will celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary on July 12.
Pat (Thompson) and Richard Dumas, 7/12/80, Red Lion, PA.
Many, many thanks!
Pat Dumas, HHS '75
Intuitive Reader
Tel:
http://patdumas.com
Hi Bob,
I really enjoy getting the newsletter. I don't see many entries from the class of '50. I am Joe Bausk and a member of that class. I would just like to say that the phrase "The British are coming" is incorrect; the real phrase is "The REGULARS are coming." At the time of the revolution most of the people here were British. I live in Massachusetts and I am involved in Rev. War reenacting.
How about some of you '50 classmates get involved in the news letter? My email is
Joe Bausk
I noticed that June Olsen was wondering who is volunteering. Though I did drop her a line, I'm answering her inquiry here also.
I don't volunteer at any facility but I do make Linus blankets that are donated to various hospitals, group homes and shelters, etc. I turn out about 10 to 15 child sized quilts a year and a couple of larger ones for teens.
If there's anyone out there who would be interested in doing something like that, you can reach them at http://www.projectlinus.org.
Pat McCarthy Schwalbach '56
Thanks for a great job with the newsletters. I look forward to seeing them every month.
I recently came across this photo from my high school "rock-n-roll" days. This was my first "real" RR band called the Dynamics. We played around town in churches (Redeemer Lutheran?), Temples and basements.
From left to right: Jim Rosica, Ken Arnold, Vic Olsen, me, John Barcelona
I have been in touch with Jim and John. [Cunningham]
I know that Vic is somewhere in South Florida but I haven't been able to get in touch with him.
Anyone know where Ken is?
Rick Weick, '65 (FL)
Hi to the HixNews people. This email is being written by Arthur Isaksen ('59) to ask if you have the email for Ann Grunewald? I read in the latest HixNews that she is looking for Connie Santacroce. Connie and I dated through high school and part of college. We went to several proms together. I learned at our 40th reunion, in Oct. 1999, that Connie died of cancer about 1995. This is a sad email but it may help Ann. I thank you in advance. Arthur Isaksen.
I remember Mike Cucci from print shop. He was always chewing on those pills that turned his mouth white. I was the guy doing the pictures and was always in the darkroom. I'm still in the dark!
My wife and I are moving to North Carolina. We both have had it with the d*%# taxes.
Good to know you are still with us, Mike. Do you know where Pete Gillette is hiding? Tom would like to know too.
Herb Pearce, '62 (L.I. for now)
I meant to write this after reading the June newsletter but sometimes life gets in the way. I was appalled to see the reprint of the Newsday article about Roz Goldmacher without seeing any comment or reb from Roz. I asked her why she didn't comment and she told me that she had no idea that it was reprinted and that the editors had not asked her permission (which was not need but would have been appropriate towards a Hix grad) nor had they asked her to comment. Yes, I know Roz but it was obvious that the writer had no clue what they were writing about and didn't understand that a not-for-profit entity was not always a charity. I believe that the newsletter owes an apology to Roz.
Lynne Lombardi, '71
Hey, I have a question for you. When I sang in the choir at the Junior High, the auditorium had some very cool murals painted on the walls. I don't know if they are still there but I seem to recall there was an interesting story about who painted them. I thought they had been painted during The Depression. Can you offer any insight?
Also, would you please remove my current "people looking for people" listing and replace it with the following?
Ron Smith (73) is still looking for Peggy Levins (69-70), Bonnie Fuchs (73), Denise Bonsang (73) and Paul Cecery (sp?) (73).
I too had to relocate (to Colorado) with the family in 1969 for my Dad's job and lost all contact with some very special people besides never getting to see my old home. Would love to see some pictures around the property, if at all possible; 53 Pewter Lane, corner lot.
Ron Smith, '73 also writing for his brothers Kenneth and Richard
MIKE PETROCELLI
JOE LABRADORPlease add a note that Mike Petrocelli, class of 1986, died on June 26th from a heart attack after fellow classmate and best friend, Joe Labrador, donated one of his kidneys. He will be missed by all, especially me.
Joe had been staying with Mike in Hicksville but is now staying in a hotel until after his doctor's appointment for the follow-up of the kidney donation.
Donations are being accepted for Joseph Labrador for all he has done. Checks can be forwarded to me. I moved to NC on July 5th.
Christy Lichtman-Lechzier, Class of '86 Chairperson
9000 Wagon Trail
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Hi You All,
Finally had a look at your wonderful website. All I can say is bravo! Sure was fun strolling down memory lane, reading stories, seeing our old hallowed institution etc., etc. Particularly enjoyed Judy Marcus Shriver's donation on immigrants. Being so far away in Bavaria, Germany I am thankful for some old classmates who have kept me informed over the years.
Special thanks go to Barbara Sarluco born Hoosack for telling me about your website, Tom and LeeAnn Decillis for their warmth and hospitality and our everlasting friendship, Bill Haverkamp and George Valentino, two great guys who make all the memories real and Anton Mure for getting us all together at his brilliant reunions. Gee I could go on and on. You have made one expatriate very happy. After 30 years over here I still say I'm going home for my vacation when I make my yearly trip to good old Hicksville. I will certainly pass on your info to my 5 siblings. Happy 4th of July!!!
Warm wishes,
Loretta Tyler- Matysiak from the Tyler Clan
1968 Graduate
Would love to hear from other '68 grads.
Hi,
My email address is
Shelly (Heyman) Baron, '61
I had the opportunity to spend a few days in New Mexico and catch up with Judy DeVincenitis Morgan. We had not seen each other since the 25-year class reunion of 1959 graduates. She resides in Santa Fe, where she is showing her wonderful paintings in a gallery there. She is an award winning artist. Email her at
I am in Boynton Beach, Florida working as a Real Estate Broker. Email me at
What a fun time we had talking about the parties, boys and sometimes wild things we did.
Linda Frimmer Whitlock, '58
Linda and JudyFor those of you who remember Mid Island Shopping Plaza and wonder what's there now, you might add the following to the list of links:
http://www.broadwaymall.com/Storedetails.aspx?StoreID=1471
There does not appear to be a single original store left.
Ken Marcus, '67
[Does anyone know when the second floor was added? Ed.]
Dear Editors,
Just read Barbara Sarluco's account of the Ringling Bros. circus in Hicksville, around 1955 or so. I, too, remember it well. We were so excited when the circus came to town. My dad took us; my brother, Jim, my mom and myself to the train station at 4 or 5 AM to watch the circus unload. Then they paraded down Old Country Rd., elephants and all...what a great scene!
Belated birthday wishes to Bob Brennan. He sat behind me in geometry class and, due in part to his antics, I never did learn geometry. My name is Judy (DeVincentis) Morgan, class of 1958. Please do publish my email:
Many thanks for doing such a wonderful job with the newsletter. It has allowed me to get in touch with many old friends; Linda Frimmer, Vicki Penner, Richie Sneckenberg.
If, it's not too much trouble, could you photograph my old house at 121 Dartmouth Dr.?
Thanks again, Judy
Bob Uhlich, '67 wrote:
I went to Hicksville yesterday (7/8/07) to see my brother and father, who is visiting. Hicksville has changed. The old Alibi restaurant is now a Thai restaurant. I went by the old Plainfield Cemetery (off Old Country Rd.) where Charlie Wilson and I used to go on Saturday mornings and hang out on our bikes getting water for people who were visiting graves. We went for "movie money." If we were lucky, we'd make maybe 50 cents for the day.
Dear Bob,
Yes, our dad's worked at the Army Pictorial Center in Astoria for many years. In fact, I am heading to Pompano Beach, FL this week to visit my dad who is 95. He still lives in his condo, has a girlfriend who is 86, and enjoys his life to the fullest. My sister, Doris lives in Pompano also and sees him quite often. Many of the Glenbrook neighborhood, Hicksville neighbors settled in the FT. Lauderdale, Pompano, Boca area.
Bio update:
After HHS class of '65, went to Russell Sage College, graduated in '69, taught 6th grade in Ronkonkoma for a year, married a college boyfriend from RPI, Rick Lawrence, an architect, and moved to Manchester, CT in '70. I taught 5th grade in CT, Rick is President of his own architectural firm, The Lawrence Associates, and had 2 children. Our daughter, Jess, was born in '75, graduated from Ithaca College in '97, lives in Portland, OR and is an Health Educational Consultant. Her husband, Jered, a graphic artist, is a Senior Designer for Brand Jordan Division of Nike. Our son, David, was born in '78, graduated from Bowdoin College in '00, lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil and works for AgCert as project coordinator for South America. He is single and loves the expat life.
Rick and I travel internationally quite often and to Fl to visit our parents a few times a year. We still live in Manchester, CT and have a weekend house in Charlestown, RI
I am in touch with Diane Bassett Brown, Terry Madden Best, Paula Madden Mulhearn, Sandi Notov Katz and my Senior Prom date, Nick Carrera all from the class of '65. Nick and his wife Sue Messinger (HHS '66) live in NM, and travel to Fl and LI each year.
I have Sr. class trip pictures, graduation pictures, and misc. sorority party pictures but I don't know how to use the scanner....
So if anyone is looking for me, you can give them my email, phone #, or address.
Elin Fischman Lawrence Class of 1965
860 643 4560
139 Wyneding Hill Road
Manchester, CT 06040
Keep up the good work on HixNews.
Regards, Elin
Hello,
I just came across this wonderful web site and would LOVE to get on your mailing list! I graduated from Hicksville HS in 1979 - maiden name, Sprufera.
Date of birth - April 24th. 
Currently living in Euless, Texas (a town between Dallas and Fort Worth). My spouse is Brent - anniversary 6/20/97.
I would love to see a photo of the house I grew up in: 17 Prose Street, just outside the mall.
Thanks so much,
Barbara (Sprufera) Ruggles, '79
Hi,
I just found a book at the local library called: Billy Joel: the biography, by Mark Bego, June 2007. Billy was given his high school diploma June 24th, 1992.
Diane (Burke) McGinn, '60
Hi all,
Hope all goes well with Bob [Wesley].
I do have some memories of growing up in Hicksville. The first time I performed on stage, I was ten-years-old and going to Lee Avenue School. I sang "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" to the whole auditorium and my knees were knocking, but I got through it. I am singing now and you can see my website: http://www.putfile.com/annfisher. I was a finalist in the New York State Senior Idol two years in a row and have been singing all over the Island for the Idols and the Senior MS New York State Pageant shows. I also do my own shows for senior clubs, cruise ships, libraries, etc. It's been a lot of fun and I hope to do more in the future.
Hoping all of you are well and I will try to find some pictures of my young years in Hicksville. I lived across the street from the Jr. High School and remember all my friends from school and the neighborhood.
God love you all,
Ann Fisher (Antoinette Colascione), '61
Hi Barbara,
I remember when the circus came to town! I lived in the development behind that open lot (at the time) on Amherst Lane. I moved there when I was ten, which was in 1952. I remember my brother and I walking over to watch all the goings on. It was wonderful. We saw when the trucks came with all the equipment and the animals. They did lend a fragrance to the area for a while. We watched as they did the rigging and lifted the big top. It was like magic. It was a very exciting time and one I've never forgotten. We were too young to look for jobs, but we certainly spent as much time hanging around as our parents would let us. I also remember attending the big top presentation and touring the side show and enjoying every minute. As an adult I went to the circus in Manhattan with my children, but it couldn't compare to the experience in my "back yard" when I was ten. Thanks for reviving this memory.
Valerie (Palmer) Towsley, '60
Response to Barbara Hoosack Sarluco - July HixNews
Hi,
I have not written for a while; Joyce Thorburn Jurgensen, class of 1967. I never attended the Jr. High School. I moved here and started Hicksville High. Luckily, I had a popular older brother and I was accepted into his "crowd." I lived in Hicksville for 45 years, and just recently moved further east. I still work in the Hicksville/Plainview/Bethpage/Jericho/etc. area. I am a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker for 18 years. It is amazing how many old classmates and their parents I run into. Recently, I sold Arlene Glazier Correll's ('67) parents' home. My list goes on and on. I love selling in Hicksville; I can tell the buyers about the school district (my kids went there too) or where to get the best bagels, or about Peppercorn's Restaurant. Let me know if I can help you or any of your relatives.
Joyce
Hi,
Just a note to let you know that I was elected to this year's HHS Hall of Fame. Unfortunately my husband and I had made plans to fly to Atlanta on graduation day and I was unable to attend the ceremonies. Surprisingly I've not seen anything in the local papers either.
Val Zalewski Pakaluk, Class of 1951
Hi editors. First I want to say that the last issue of the news was exceptional. I think that was because so many of the alumni are writing! It makes for a very interesting paper.
One of the new people we heard from was a guy by the name of Joe Platania. Over the years I often wondered how he was and what happened to him. Now I know. Joe and I had a "date" the day President Kennedy was killed. As it turned out, neither one of us was in the dating mood" that night or even that week. We were shocked and saddened, as was the whole country, of the Presidents shortened life. We never pursued "dating" again, for what ever reason. I guess we went on to better and bigger things! Anyway, I am happy to hear he is alive and well in Maryland, or was it Delaware? And that he made it through the Vietnam War in one piece; so many didn't.
Judy Marcus Shivers, 1964
Preparing and enjoying the Mango
The mango is a juicy fruit which has a texture that is similar to the peach.
As with most fruits, there are many varieties, and the taste can change
Accordingly. With the mango, large is not always better! Most of the large mangos found in the typical supermarket are not worth the trouble to prepare, as the flesh tends to occasionally be pulpy with off tastes. The best tasting mangos in my opinion are the smaller mangos from Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam and the Philippines. Mexico also does produce the smaller Asian mangos along with the larger sized ones. If there is an Oriental grocer nearby, that would be a good source for good mangos! Ask the owner where their mangos come from. He can also tell you the qualities of his mangos.
A mango should be ripe, but not overripe, as the taste goes downhill rapidly. A ripe mango is a golden color, firm but with a slight give under light thumb pressure. In Southeast Asia, many locals will also eat the green mango with a sprinkling of salt, for a tart refreshing break from the heat.
A word of caution; many people are mildly allergic to the outside skin of the mango, and so biting the skin should be avoided. Symptoms are a mild reddening around the lips which disappears after a few hours.
The mango has a single large flat seed which runs the length of the mango.
1- To start, hold the mango by the flat side, lengthwise and with the narrow part on the cutting surface, as shown in Fig 1.
With a sharp knife, start the cut about 1/4 inch off of the center line of the mango, the object being to cut as close along the seed as possible! (Also see picture 2 for the result.)
2- Once you have a feel for the seed shape and location, repeat the cut on the other side of the seed. You should now have two halves and the center with the seed as shown in Fig 2.
3- Now take the knife and carefully cut the skin off of the seed section, and make two longitudinal cuts in each mango half, as shown in Fig 3. Cut down to the skin, but do not cut through it!
4- You will now have two scored halves and the skinless seed section as in figure 4. Discard the skin that was cut off of the seed pod.
5-Now make a series of cuts across both halves of the mango, approx. 3/4 inch apart, as shown in Fig. 5. Once again, cut down to the skin but do not cut through it.
6- Now take each mango half and invert the skin by pressing in the middle of the skin so that the cut sections stand up as in Fig. 6.
The mango is now ready to eat! Pick up the seed section and using your teeth, scrape the flesh off of the seed pod. The mango halves can be eaten with a spoon or by biting off the chunks of mango flesh. The flesh should be as juicy as a ripe peach, with the sweetness of a mango! Do not eat the skin! Enjoy!
Written by Bob Gillette
Birthdays
- 1: Susan (Voelbel) Dalton, 1965 (TN); Tom Pilko, 1960 (PA)
- 2: Bob Ward, 1966 (FL); Eric Malter, 1970 (NY)
- 3: Jim Cutropia, 1963 (NM)
- 4: Margaret (Wangenheim) Manjarrez. 1964 (IN); Bob Steedman, 1958 (AZ)
- 6: Elin (Fischman) Lawrence, 1965 (CT)
- 5: Lorraine (Miltonberg) Dalaimo, 1960
- 7: Bonnie Brigandi, 1974 (FL)
- 8: David Gaudio, 1977; Bill Walden, 1965 (L.I.); Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll, 1956 (FL)
- 9: Diane (Scarola) Bayne, 1975 (NY)
- 11: Tom Haller 1956 (FL); Dennis Listort, 1964 (NY); Eileen (Ofenloch) Pelcher, 1973; John Sherin, 1956 (HX)
- 12: Bob Briell, 1965 (OH/NC); Phil Anselmo, 1958 (SC); Mark Leon, 1965 (CA)
- 15: Bob Jones, 1969 (NY); Patti Hickey Rees, 1975 (Australia); Laura White (CA)
- 17: Roy E. Meier, 1954 (NH); Anthony Acito, 1958 (GA)
- 18: Janet D (Stietz) Masi, 1963; Torrilee (Christianson) Hill, 1978
- 19: Jeff Feierstein, 1969 (L.I.); Maureen (Hanifan) Olsen, 1966 (FL)
- 20: Glen Olsen, 1965 (FL)
- 21: Barbara (Barnett) Edwards, 1964 W.T.Clark HS
- 23: Ronnie (Gilson) Birk, 1961 (L.I.); John Ceravino, 1964 (L.I.)
- 24: Dorothy (Kunz/Ennis) Drago, 1950 (L.I.); Michael Endsley, 1972 (L.I.)
- 25: Mike Anselmo, 1959 (FL); Rochell (Heyman) Baron, 1961; Frank Smith, 1961 (MA); Veronica (Gilson) Birk, 1961 (LI)
- 28: Marianne (Sluder) Jones, 1970 (NY)
- 30: Carolyn (Bartlett) Richman, 1976 (FL)
Anniversaries
- 8/? /1988 - Rob and Nancy McCotter, (HX)
- 8/3/1969 - Les and Karen (Malter) Coles, (FL)
- 8/7/1976 - Beverly (Fetz) and John White (NC)
- 8/7/???? - Janet & Gerry Dizinno (TX)
- 8/8/1970 - Edward and Mariann Coleman (L.I.)
- 8/12/1967 - Steve and Diane (Boseling) Baum (PA)
- 8/12/1972 - Gary and Joanne Nadell (TX)
- 8/12/1978 - Steve and Lorena Markowski (VA)
- 8/17/1947 - Bea (Eisemann) and George Baldwin (FL)
- 8/19/1978 - Bill and Pat Jakabek (RI)
- 8/22/1965 - Linda (Zuckerman) and Jerry Rausch (L.I. and FL)
- 8/22/1970 - Santo and Jeanne Carfora (WI)
- 8/25/1979 - Danny and Kathy Mangialomini (L.I.)
- 8/29/1970 - Nancy (Carter) and Jim Bosse, (CO)
- 8/30/1974 - Marianne (Sluder) and Bob Jones (NY)
- 8/31/1996 - Charlie and Charla Henningsen, (NY)
New Readers and Returns
New Readers
- Diane (Scarola) Bayne, '75 (NY)
- Bob Dwyer, '73 (HX)
- Vicki (Berk) Maas, '72
- Christine (Moore) Newins, '63
- Barbara (Sprufera) Ruggles, '79 (TX)
- Gary Kiriewsky, '67
Returns
Aside from 2 names, which were deleted, the only other returns were people we're sure of. One of the returns was an announcement sent to one of the editors. Some did not give a reason for the return and several said something about not being able to connect to ISP. Therefore, in the future we shall only list the names of people whose mail has been returned and not the actual email address.
UPDATE: after the announcements about Webby, the following were returned:
- Erik Boos
- John Connelly
- David Berger—mailbox full
- Karl Milenkovic
Semi-Annual Report
January 1, 2007 thru June 30, 2007
- Web site average hits per month = 65,710
- Average visitors per month = 4,427
- 862 names on our list; by decades:
- 1930's = 6
- 1940's = 17
- 1950's = 173
- 1960's = 433
- 1970's = 171
- 1980's = 33
- 1990's = 2
- No year given = 25
- Friends = 14
- Teachers = 2
RESIDENCES:
- Hicksville = 37
- Long Island = 87
- New York State = 36
- Florida = 124
- No State Given = 403
- CA, VA, AZ, NC and GA each have over 10 alumni living there.
Honoring our Veterans
Jim and I (John) were both in the service during the Viet Nam War. I was in the USAF and Jim was in the ARMY. I enlisted in the USAF in 1961 and Jim was drafted in 1962.
I was an in-flight mechanic, after completing my training at Shepherd AF Base. I served four years with the Air Force Systems Command. Jim was assigned to radio school after he completed ARMY NCO Academy. His musical background, however, was needed and he was assigned to cemetery duty as bugler at Arlington National Cemetery.
Thank you for asking.
John G. Cunningham, '58
John Andrew Thorburn (Parrot) did not attend Hicksville High, but he might as well have...considering the number of times he was asked for a hall pass. The late Joe Guerra ('66) was his best friend. He ate lunch with everyone and generally hung out, the Charcoal Grill Diner or the pool hall etc. He was the one who told Billy Joel he needs to look for a job because he will never make it in the music business. Everybody who knew Parrot loved Parrot.
Parrot enlisted in the Army in 1964. He went into 101st Airborne and then into Green Berets. He was stationed in Germany. He returned home after 3 years and then re-upped into the Air force. He volunteered for Vietnam. He was into fields and skies of Agent Orange. Parrot was a helicopter machine gunner. Their job was to save wounded soldiers in the field or rescue them from perilous conditions; many times it was while the fighting was still going on. It was "in your face combat".
On December 8, 1969 a fellow comrade came up to Parrot. He was about to go on his last mission before heading home, a patrol needed to be rescued. He was very nervous; he felt he would not make it back. Parrot said, "Don't worry; I'll go for you, you go home". His comrade was right. Parrot's helicopter was shot down, but not before he distinguished himself by silencing the enemy and saving the patrol. He lay out there for 3 days in pain, in and out of consciousness before they found them. Their pilot was killed. When the rescue chopper landed, they looked at Parrot and he could hear someone say "this one's dead". Parrot had sustained major injuries. They picked him up and it was excruciating pain. His hip was forced further up in the socket from the impact of the crash and he had multiple injuries. John was in Saint Alban's Naval Hospital for a year. He was in a full body cast for much of it and gradual steps until he could walk with a cane. He received his medals at the hospital; he received The Conspicuous Service Cross, Two Distinguished Flying Crosses With Oak Leaf Cluster and two Citations for Outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty, 4 Air Medals And of course a Purple Heart. He receives 100% disability.
John has had 6 children. Two, Dee Dee and Maxx were born severely handicapped. They were Microcephalic, (Small brain) they did not advance mentally past 8 months old. Dee Dee was born in 1982, she was only supposed to live a few days, but she did survive, the doctors then said she would never be a teenager, Dee Dee died last month, she was 25 years old. Max was born in 1991, he was worse than Dee Dee, he was also blind. 6 years ago Maxx died at the age of 10 unexpectedly. John and his wife never put their children into an institution, they cared for them. Their children could not speak or walk they could only laugh or cry...they laughed a lot. John's daughter Lisa gave John his first grandchild, Vincent, in 1991. Vincent was born with a rare muscle disease. He died when he was not quite 6 months old.
Parrot, my brother was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in one lung and stage 3 in the other. Did I mention Agent Orange?
Now the reason I am writing, a few of John's friends and family got together and gave him and his wife Dee a benefit dinner on July 14th. A few of his old friends from Hicksville High surprised him. Hank Guerra ('61) Charlie Moone ('67), Jimmy Lean ('67), Vinny Feruzzi ('67) and Mark Joosten ('66). Parrot said he felt like he was in an episode of Cold Case. He also said it was like attending his own funeral.
If anyone else would like to help this amazing veteran and his family you can contribute to:
Bobby Hull Insurance Co
48 Nesconset Hwy
Pt. Jefferson Sta., NY 11776
Joyce (Thorburn) Jurgensen ('67)
Status of the Vietnam Era Service Project
Recently, there began an effort to collect and create some form of recognition for those members of the Hicksville community that served in the military during the Vietnam Era.
The effort is focusing on high school alumni as a cache of information and data that can be sources to add to our collection of names. The purpose of this writing is to report to you, the High School alumni, and the status of that project as we continue "to move down range". I expect to be able to report to you several times a year and publish the "work in progress" as we move toward some identifiable date and place to present the list and pour the metal plaque. As I mention to all previously, the plaque will contain names, service affiliation, location of service, e.g. RVN, CONUS, Atlantic (Navy Service members), and if they were WIA or KIA. The later group we have gone over several times and hope by the time this project is completed, we have it correct; it is up to you the readers, to help us with this task. We are including Service in the US Army; US Navy; US Air Force; USMC; and USCG.
To date we have collected some 48 names and service information, a far cry from what I expect the actuality to be for Hicksville residents. With the class of 1962 graduating more than 500 in June of that year, it is difficult for me to believe that by 1968 we did not have 200 or more in uniform of some form. The point is, we have to dig deeper to turn up the names and find more sources to help us achieve this goal; Article written for locate veterans periodicals and newsletters is one source. For example, I know local resident Connie Steers from the Vietnam Veterans of America is a source, yet he has not come up for air and offered to help. We need to contact folks like him to help assembled the list of those that served.
One of the issues I face is we cannot just put a name on the list without second source confirmation of service. For example, it is known that Arizonians John Ziegler served in the US Army in Germany during the era, and Daniel Kniter served in the USCG. It is unconfirmed that Dr. Pat Alia of Ft Lauderdale served in RVN with the US Army and was WIA. All need to be confirmed through a second source to be added. We don't want to miss someone or put a name on the plaque if they actually did not serve. I believe we cannot have too many names on the plaque (s), the more we get the better the task we will have accomplished.
Please keep those cards and letters coming...emails too.
Your fellow alumnus,
Ken Strafer
Fairfax, Virginia 22032
Hoi Ann, Vietnam (Also known as Hoi An) is a picturesque city with imposing temples located near the coast and at the confluence of a half dozen rivers a short distance south of Danang. It is now regarded as a jewel among travelers in Vietnam, where many extend their stop by a day or two, and it is also know for the abundance of fine tailors.
Dreams of Hoi Ann
A Fictional Story by BoB Gillette
Life seems to race on by at an ever increasing clip, and I wonder in amazement at the changes I have seen in my life time. It is quiet and peaceful in my life now but my mind always takes me back to Hoi Ann in Vietnam. It was a painful time back then, a place so far removed from where I grew up in Hicksville, in the middle of New York's Long Island. It is funny thinking back to the things that were important during those teen years in the fifties. Rock and Roll music had just arrived, and we would gather at one friend's house or another to hear and rave over the latest record release, and we were quickly swept up in the rush to hear the top songs over and over again until they played in our heads without any outside music source. "Rock Around the Clock" was not just a song; it was a way of life back then. I would fall asleep next to the radio hoping they would play my current favorite song and feeling contentment if they did. I try to remember the excitement when a group of us boys and girls went into the under floor of the Fork Lane school extension construction to play, "Spin the Bottle", and that warm feeling as it was your turn for that first, shaky and crude kiss with one of the girls who was also having her first kiss, and all the while hoping that the bottle would stop on the fresh beauty whom you had your eyes on. With the innocence of youth and the thrill of being with equally adventuress girls in a place we weren't supposed to be, those were the things we didn't forget. Later, we would end up on the swings at the West Village Green, where we would be joined with other groups of teens, all wanting to be a part of a group, and all wanting to find a girlfriend or boyfriend. And of course the Pizza at the West Green Pizza parlor was not that "Plastic" tasting stuff that they call Pizza today, no, you needed two hands to hold it, and no matter how much you waited, it always burned the roof of your mouth, but boy was it good! And even the pizza places on Hempstead Tpk. in Levittown and downtown Hicksville were far superior to the pizza of today. In the later teen years, my buddy and I would sneak out of the house after our parents went to sleep, hitch or walk to the bowling ally in Hicksville, bowl a few games, eat a hero or some pizza, and head home around 4am. I always went out and in through the upstairs windows, although nowadays I can't quite figure out just how I did it? I also remember the time when I came back and the window was locked! Let's just say that that ended the nights of sneaking out, for a while anyway!
And there were humorous times, like the time we were taking the bus home from the Mid Island mall after a day of shopping and hanging out. There were only a few people on the bus as it sat at the mall, the driver reading his newspaper. My buddy Chris, always the prankster, decided to break the bus driver's chops. In a loud booming voice for all to hear, He started, "We have schedules to make! When schedules are posted, it is important that we stick to them!" The driver glanced up into his rear view mirror in bemused annoyance, his glasses riding low on his nose. He continued reading for another moment or so, and then fired up the engine and we started on our way. On those busses you paid for your trip and got a small ticket which you surrendered when you left so the driver could check to see that you paid the correct fare. The bus soon reached our stop at Levittown Parkway and Newbridge Road, and as we made our way to the front of the bus, the driver opened the door. "Tickets please", the driver announced! As we fumbled for our tickets, the door suddenly shut, and the bus started up again, while the driver intoned in a voice for all to hear, "We must stick to our schedules!"
And there were days at Tobay beach which were filled with fun and excitement. I remember always peering over the dunes as we rode along Ocean Parkway, trying to see the waves, and hoping they were big, yet apprehensive if they were! We didn't need surfboards back then, we were the surfboards! Making a hollow at the top of your chest by keeping your arms together and stretched out front, you could ride a wave in for quite some distance. If you got careless and went over the "Curl", you ended up with your face and chest as a bulldozer in the sand at the bottom of the water. It would be years later when I found the reason why I would get pounded into the sand on the bottom. When a wave breaks and turns into a foamy mass, the water becomes loaded with bubbles, and you can't float in bubbles.
And while I savor the memories of youth with the exploration of the unknown, my dreams always take me back to Hoi Ann, Viet Nam. That is where I got shot in the back and five of my comrades were also wounded in the war, in a place so different from where we grew up! We had just come down from Danang, about 16 clicks to the North, and were hoping to maybe get to China beach which was not too far away, when we suddenly found ourselves in a firefight with the Viet Cong, who seemed to rise out of the ground like ghosts. I felt the bullet rip through my back just below my right shoulder blade with a burning sting as if a giant hornet had unloaded all his venom. I remember my face in the dirt frantically trying to reach behind to touch the burning pain as if that could help. After that, time sort of dissolved in a fade of yelling and screams. But we were the lucky ones, as the rest of the squad was all killed. One moment in time we had graduated to body surfing huge waves during a passing hurricane, invincible in the folly of youth, as we fought our way out to where the waves were breaking along Jones Beach, and short moments in time later we were slogging through the lush green jungle and rice paddies of Viet Nam, shooting at people we didn't know, who were simultaneously shooting at us. I had never been back to Hoi Ann since the war until now, only in my dreams of explosions and gunfire and the smell of death! After we were all hit that day in Hoi Ann, life became a blur, and things back home were never like they were before. My family and friends were all distant and aloof, and we never received any kind of welcome home that returning soldiers had received in all the previous wars. I didn't know why we were there in somebody else's country shooting the natives. The president said it was important, and we were the chosen ones to carry out the task. I kind of thought it was neighbor against neighbor, where their leaders took one side, and our leaders took the other, and we bore the brunt of the consequences of their decisions. All of my friends and family seemed to have an instilled sadness about them, especially when they looked over at me. It was like we could never communicate about the events of the war, and so I kept it to myself and in my dreams of Hoi Ann.
Even before I returned to Hoi Ann, I kept dreaming of how it must be changing over there, how the life of the people had settled down to eking out a living in another one of the worlds poor countries. I could see the imposing temples, lush gardens and the quaint yellow tinged houses, and it was almost as if I could see the smiling faces of the native Vietnamese, who had forgotten the war long before we did.
When I arrived in Viet Nam, it was a completely different place than during the days of war. Now a beautiful land of lakes and profuse lush greenery, bustling open air markets, and smiling, friendly people going about their daily chores with a hustle and enthusiasm. I was also surprised at how well it matched up with the way it looked in my recent dreams of Hoi Ann.
It is funny that despite being completely changed since the days of war, I had virtually no problem finding the place where our squad had fought our final battle.
There was a park like area where the Vietnamese had made a little garden massively planted with beautiful tropical flowers, and I knew it was the site of our battle. They had even put 6 small wooden crosses there, honoring some of the Americans who had died in the fight.
I saw the name of John "Cappy" Petersen, although I don't know why his name was there, as he was wounded along with me. And Billy Jameson, Mike "Big Mike" Stafford and Ray Crandall, also all who were wounded with me, which was beginning to make it a little weird and hard to understand why their names were there, since they were the ones who survived.
Then I got a chill when I came to a cross and my name was on it! This was ridiculous, and I didn't know what was going on. At that moment, an elderly Vietnamese couple slowly strolled towards my direction. When they got close I put my hand out to greet them, but they didn't appear to see me and seemed to walk right through my arm!
I felt sick and suddenly very weak, and slowly dropped to the ground. I just needed to rest, and as the earth embraced me, I felt a calm peace as I once again dreamed of Hoi Ann...
Memory Lane
Let me introduce myself: I am Samuel (Sam) Levitt, HHS Class of 1942. This introduction would not be complete without mentioning my brother Eugene (Gene), Class of 1944 and my late brother, Milton (Milt), Class of 1949. We were all born and bred in Hicksville with a minor exception of my being born in Brooklyn. Our parents, Eva and Ben Levitt, began their residence in Hicksville in 1923. Our father, Ben, was the proprietor of a harness-making shop, which later developed into an auto upholstery shop and other items made for motorized vehicles when the horse-and-buggy trade started to disappear. Not only did our father repair and tailor harness, he sold ready-made harness items to the farms and estates near and not so near the hamlet (as it was officially known then) of Hicksville. Our mother, Eva, was a very active housewife, mother and participant in the family business.
The Hicksville Public Schools became an indelible part of out education, beginning for me in 1930 at the Nicholai Street School, which was one of only two elementary schools at the time; East Street School was the other. Gene started in 1932 and Milt in 1937. We all attended HJHS when it held grades 7 and 8, followed by grades 9-12. (Ed. Note: This is now the Jr. High School on Jerusalem Ave.)
I am happy to say that we were all active in various aspects of our school life, especially on the high school level. Briefly: Milt was the athlete of the family having participated in varsity track and basketball. He was a true track star with his winning of a sliver medal for long-jumping (21'3") in a New York State High School Tournament. He also played trumpet in both the band and orchestra. Gene was active in student government, the Comet (school newspaper) and played the English horn in both the orchestra and band. He was also active in a number of wartime projects sponsored by HHS. My own activities also included a number of wartime projects. I was a member of the Glee Club from grades 7-12, reporter, columnist and Editor-in-Chief of the Comet and the 1942 Comet Yearbook during my senior year. I also participated in student government with my last post being Vice President of the senior class. A highlight of that particular class, by the way, was that we were the last class to enjoy the legendary Washington, D.C. trip during wartime.
Okay, that's about it for now except to say, once again, congratulations on your efforts to keep the HHS of the past going on into the present. My late brother, Milt, would definitely say the same, as does my brother Gene. Let me say this again along with much appreciation to all you involved in this very important work.
Sincerely,
Sam Levitt, HHS Class of '42
P.S. I would surely be interested to know if you have heard from any of the students in any of the classes from 1942 through 1949 (and even a bit before and after.)
(Pictures were copied from "Images of America—HICKSVILLE, by Richard E. and Anne Evers)
July 20, 2007 flooding on Long Island
In Memoria
Sad news from Mary O'Shaughnessy
Mary wrote to say that her brother, Larry O'Shaughnessy has passed away. Larry was living in Arizona but his body was returned to New York for burial. More details will follow when we get an obituary from Mary.
Larry's graduation picture...class of '61
From our senior trip...Larry in the foreground...Skip Murphy
in the background...Skip died several months ago
Pat - will you include Jim Powers in the in memoriam section? He was Class of 69. Jim and I learned to play guitar together back in the post Beatles age dominated by great guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck in the late 60's.
He is survived by his wife Peggy, and a 13 year old son, James.
Tim Donovan
News from Denver:
Betty Anne Trapani (Sherin), my life partner, passed away on June 17.
As a remembrance, I am attaching her eulogy prepared and delivered to a standing room only mass by our daughter Christine.
Please feel free to use any or all of it as you may wish in communicating Betty Anne's passing to classmates.
Many thanks
Ron Trapani 303 882 3700
"There will never be words to convey the loss we feel, nor the love we have been blessed to have. Our mother has been so much more than a Mother, she was our best friend and greatest role model...we will miss her deeply. There is no doubt she will continue to be our guiding light when ever we need her. The lessons she taught us are many, and each one has been by example.
She taught us about true love. We were blessed to watch our parents laugh and cry. Argue and make up. Kiss and dance. We will miss the dancing. Their marriage was a fairy tale. One filled with lots of cities and many castles. Through every challenge they faced, their marriage grew stronger. They were sweethearts, they were best friends. Thank for the example of a perfect love.
Mom always said, "God will never give us more than we can handle". Those words will become even more important for us to remember over the coming months and years.
She taught us gratitude, and how to find the true perfection...in the imperfection of each day. She lived her life never taking anything for granted. She said what she felt, when she felt it. But her words alwayscame from her heart, with truth and compassion. She was sincerely grateful for the gift of time that her illness provided her with. She lived her life without regret. We talked about everything. She told us many times that her greatest fear in having a large family was that she wouldn't be there for one of us when we needed her......She always was.
For a long time now there has been a running joke in our family about the "8th" child. We have had many, many dear friends refer to themselves as the 8th child. She was always proud of the friends we chose. She knew the ones that would last, and she knew the ones that were there for us to learn a lesson from. She taught us to value both. My Mother didn't just welcome you into her home; she welcomed you into our family. She made you feel as if you were at home and an important part of our family.
Throughout our lives I have often heard people say that the number 7 has mystical and religious meaning. For us, it is simply what we know. Seven daughters....and now, seven grandchildren. I looked up the number seven on the internet this week and learned that the translation is "completeness". Mystical and religious indeed! There are seven of us my dear sisters. Together we are strong, together we are complete.
She taught us patience.
She taught us forgiveness. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us..." She made the most difficult circumstances........simple. Forgive... and move on. And she always did. She didn't know the meaning of carrying a grudge. It would have been a waste of precious time to her. She was able to love someone for all of their good qualities, and simply not get caught up with the rest.
Her sense of humor was the best. ........ Not that she could ever get though a joke without laughing ...or completely forgetting the punch line. She had the best laugh. We will miss her laugh.
At her first doctors appointment, when all of us were crammed in the room she looked at us and laughed and said "this is ridiculous, you girls don't need to be here for this. For heavens sakes you should be home with the children." Then someone walked past the room and she turned to us and said with that hilarious low, NY accent, did you get a load of that outfit???" She could bring us from panic mode to sheer laughter in a split second. She took care of us when we didn't notice. She healed our pain without us realizing....... She was our strength, in any storm.
The simplicity with which she lived her life...is exactly what made it so amazing. She didn't get caught up with anything. Not anything. Nothing important to my Mother could ever be bought... She was never afraid to die. Many times you hear people describe Cancer as a battle. My Mother referred to her cancer as a nuisance, on Friday she called it this "pesky thing". It seems I have been longing for a word to describe the way my Mother approached it. It was never a battle for her. That would have implied that it was a terrible time. She was truly grateful for the time it gave her. Life was too precious to squander it "fighting a battle".
I came up with the word "Journey". She embraced each obstacle knowing there was something to be learned from it. Her journey was filled with love, faith, honesty and laughter. When her loving doctors told her 2 weeks ago that it was time to stop treatment and begin pain management, she told my Dad later that she didn't want him to think she was a quitter....can you imagine!
She cherished and nurtured every relationship in her life. She told me last week that she had been best friends with Ginny for 60 years. Unbelievable. She loved and valued each of her friendships. And her girl friends knew it. She earned the love and respect of everyone that met her. Her grace and elegance seemed to linger in the room long after she had left. It still does.
I remember Mom telling me a story about when we were young. She told my Dad if he wanted to have a relationship with his daughters it was his responsibility to build it. He certainly did. Thank you Dad. That was a gift too. We are forever grateful Mom, that you chose the perfect man to be the father of seven daughters. Thank you so much. My Fathers friend wrote to us on the website this week and described our Mother as "the face of our family". She truly was. She always will be.
The reason it was so important for me to speak here today was because my Mother shared with me that she had one regret in her life. She didn't speak at her Mother's funeral. On Sunday the girls and I found the eulogy she had written and never read. I wasn't going to do this but Trish told me last night that I should. I hope you don't mind but I would like to share it with you now......
Without a doubt the most important thing our Mother taught us was her faith. Not by reading us the bible or quoting scripture. She simply lived her faith. She loved as Jesus did. She made you want to be a better person. She went to church every Sunday, NOT because she should... ... because she wanted to. It made her sad to know that the church had hurt people enough to leave it. She taught us to love God. Not a particular church or priest. She taught us that a priest is simply a human being. We all make mistakes.....some horrible.........Then find another church, find another priest. Don't place your faith in a humans hands, place it in Gods hands! He will never betray us. Going to church and listening to the words that Jesus gave us, gave her strength. It gives us strength too.
Mom has gone home now to rest, and be with her sons, James and John, her Mother and Father and many other loved ones who I am sure have welcomed her with warm and open arms. Recently she said to us "there is going to be some party when I get to Heaven!" We have no doubt Mom. God will join her now in watching, guiding and protecting the lives she gave us. We love you Mom, and we are honored to strive each day to continue your legacy of gratitude, love and faith."
