September 2009 : Volume 9 - Issue 12 - The Newsletter

The Newsletter

Dear Alumni...

This is a cool site... Check out the photos of Hot Rods from the 30's and 40's Click on the below hyperlink

This is a PowerPoint file and it's large, almost 5 Megs, so if you don't have PowerPoint or OpenOffice.Org's Impress software installed, or if you are on a dialup connection, don't bother. Hot Rods of the 30s & 40s.

Dear Bob & Co.

This is from Lois Chaber, one of your regular readers; thanks again for a fascinating newsletter.

I see Maddy Frischman is looking for people to organize our class of 60's 50th reunion. I too am keen to help with the reunion, even though I live in London, and will make a special trip to the States if it is 'on'. Her contact details weren't listed, so please send mine to her & this whole email & tell her to get in touch with me & I'll give her the email of Kathy Millevolte who had been starting to organise one...don't know what the latest is. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I wonder if she remembers me -- I hung around with Barbara Cohen & Ann Silbert...I remember her vividly with her long honey-coloured ponytail.

Lois's book about our daughter Sybil and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is reviewed and available in paperback at UK: Amazon.co.uk USA: Amazon.com

Lois

Hi! Lois,

I absolutely do remember you, and thanks for remembering me! Do you still keep in touch with Barbara and Ann? I remember when we used to pick the same clothes to wear when I think we were in 8th /9th grades...specifically we all had a pink sweater that my mom got us and a plaid full skirt with the pink in it...funny how you remember certain things...

I still keep actively involved with Kathy McDonald (my very best friend) and we both are still in contact with Sharon Goldman (who lives in St.Thomas for years) and Linda Zuckerman (living in Fla.)...Kathy emails Chris Polanski and we did correspond via email with Richie Bizzaro last year.

I hope to hear from you and Kathy Millevolte and get to see everyone at our 50th reunion.

All my best,
Maddy

Kathy McDonald Sharon Goldman Linda Zuckerman Chris Polanski Richie Bizzaro Kathy Millevolte

Dear Editors,

Today, finally getting a chance to view a Hicksville Newsletter. I realized that Pat's name was no longer on the masthead. How very sorry I was to find that she had passed. I graduated with Pat in 1956. She was a wonderful, friendly, intelligent girl who got along with everyone.

I remember when she and I were in one of the school shows and she and Marty Watkins did a funny "skit" together. She was a great "straight woman" to the sometimes wild and crazy Marty. It has been a very fond memory of mine for many years. Please send my most sincere sympathies to her family. I know she will be terribly missed.

Harri Molese, 1956

Editor Note: When are we going to see you again on television???

I have a site suggestion that I think would be beneficial to all. It is my son's site, Richard T Hartman PdD and the site is www.ohmygov.com.

This site tells everyone who is interested in govenmnent what is going on, the good, the bad, and the ugly. My son and his business partners have had this venture for over two years and it is really starting to take off. Hopefully, you will add this wonderful governmental information site to the Hixnews list. Also, if you would like to complain about a government experience or praise someone in the government or an agency that has given you good service, the site for you would then be www.whatthegov.com.

Best Regards,
Mary Ann (Malerba) Hartman HHS 1962

Good Morning, Fred Fluckiger here

In response to your request for cherished memories, I will share with you a memory of one of our most beloved leaders, a former Principal of Hicksville High School, Mabel R. Farley. Ms. Farley was a disciplinarian as well as a teacher as the following memory proves.

I refer to WWII when I was commanding Co. A , 165th Engineer Combat Battalion. During a skirmish with the Germans, the tactical situation had become critical requiring that we lay aside the shovels and take up our rifles. In late afternoon of a prolonged engagement a sniper killed one of our outstanding squad leaders, Corporal Putnam, who was manning a forward foxhole. We don't leave fatalities or wounded on the battlefield, but to rescue Putnam during daylight hours invited further casualties.

So I waited until nightfall, organized a four-man patrol, and under cover of darkness led the patrol to a point near the victim's foxhole. We were very close to the enemy so we could hear their voices and I dare not risk forward movement of the patrol. Motioning to the others in the patrol to stop and lay down, I crawled on my belly, hands and knees, to the foxhole. From the prone position I reached down to pull up the body. As I did so, the stern teaching voice of Ms. Farley rang out in my brain: "good job".

My action in this story is not the point to be made. Rather, it is to evidence the effectiveness of the good teacher we were blessed with in our high school days. Ms. Farley was one of those rare leaders and one I will never forget.

Fred Fluckiger

Dear Editors,

A few issues back, it was suggested that if any Hicksville grads had any artistic orientated projects in the works and was looking for potential support and assistance, to forward them to HixNews.

The enclosed e-mail & synopsis for a Vietnam war motion picture entitled, * GRUNTS * (Slang for American infantry) was forwarded to an author, Max Collins, whom I had spoken with recently and pretty much explains the background regarding the film venture. Collins, by the way, couldn't come up with a connection.

"Thanks" for an awesome News Letter... I very much look forward to it's arrival in the 'ole mail box...

"Semper Fi" (Always Faithful),
Mike Regan, Hicksville Class of '66
"GO COMETS...!!!"

Editor Note: Please go to the Honoring Our Vets Page to see the note to Mr Collins and for more details about the project.

Bob,

Eileen (O'Hallaran) Holmes '61, is on my church's prayer list.

Mike Cava '66 Chaplain
Valencia County Sheriff Department

This is a must watch for everyone. it does not matter if you are a male or female, just watch it. Just watch it.. and pass it on

http://www.wimp.com/goodsamaritan/

Hey Bob,

Thanks for the birthday greeting. Hope all is well in H-ville. I'm off to the golf course for my free round.

Jim Cutropia '63

Hi all,

I was reading the August 2009 newsletter, and noticed my name in the list of people you've lost contact with. I'm not sure why I'm on the list as I get the newsletter on a monthly basis. So ... just in case, here's my info again -

Jan Greenberg, class of '74. I am married to Gary Dickelman, but kept my last name. Our anniversary date is June 19, 1994, and we live in Annandale, VA.

Thanks!
Jan Greenberg

Dear HixNews,

I would like to find out if Gene Yetter, who is mentioned in helping out with the website and is pictured in the 1999 reunion, is the Eugene Yetter who lived next door to me when I was a little girl on Dartmouth Drive. Could you please ask him if he remembers the Gunnigle family at 237 Dartmouth Dr.? I remember from the mid 1950's an older boy living next door. His parents were always so kind to us and I remember him sporting a crewcut like my Dad. My parents were Bob and Doris and us kids, ha, are Dennis, Dianne and Kevin. The Yetter family moved away when I was pretty young, but I still have fond memories of them.

Gene YetterThanks for asking Gene for me. If he wasn't the same family, that's ok, just disregard but I'll still have the great memories of Hicksville anyway.

Have a wonderful reunion. We weren't able to get our 40th reunion together (1968) but we have made some wonderful contacts through your newsletter.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to our past lives in Hicksville.

Sincerely,
Dianne Gunnigle Burkhardt '68

Hi,

A note of thanks for the Happy Anniversary wishes. We were married on August 17, 1947 in Hicksville. Seems like a long time ago. We enjoy reading the Hicksville News, even though there aren't many (if any) graduates dating back to our graduation dates, 1939 and 1947. We have lived in Venice, FL now for 32 years, in the same (well built) house and seen a lot of changes in the area. Thanks again and know you will all keep up the good work that you do in publishing the newsletter.

Bea (Eisemann) and George Baldwin.

Bill RamosPat MartinDear HixNews,

Bill Ramos is looking for Pat Martin (class of '60). Well here I am. Living in upstate New York for the last forty + years! Please send Bill my email address. Hoping to hear from Bill soon.

Pat Martin Willix '60

Hi to you all on the newsletter committee,

Thanks so much for the lovely birthday card. I would also like to thank you all for the great job on the Hix Newsletter. I look forward to it each month and love all the updates on our classmates lives. It is so sad that we have lost some of our cherished classmates, and I send my deepest sympathy to the families that have lost one of their loved ones. I especially want to send Joyce Clements Anglim my deepest sympathy on the loss of Mickey. I had known Mickey since Jr. High, he lived in my neighborhood. Mickey, I am sure will be missed by many people, he was one of the 'good' guys.

Warmest regards and God Bless,
Lorraine (Miltenberg) Dalaimo 60'

Please sign me up as a new reader. I was unaware of Hixnews until my brother called and told me one of my classmates was looking for me.

Lydia (Sluder) Cassidy '66

Dear HixNews

I enjoyed the site very much. I am a graduate from the class of 1961. Currently living in Bay Shore on Long Island. I have many pictures to share.

George Lien

Editor Note: anyone wishing to contact George, drop a note to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear HixNews

My name is Paul Taddonio. I graduated Hicksville High in 1977. I am currently living in New Hampshire. Please add my name to your mail list.

Thanks
Paul

Peter Tillem, Jeff Kaufer, Stephen KrownDear HixNews

I would like to join your e-mail list please. I am a graduate from the class of 1974. Found your site thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Kaufer, a friend and fellow graduate. Also found Ken Bernstein.

Thanks
Stephen Krown

Editor Note: anyone wishing to contact any of these classmates, send a note to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hi Bob

Enclosed find a picture of me next to a navy T-28 that I flew back in 1963 while stationed at NAS PENSCOLA, FLA.

Regards,
Richie Mato '59

Editor Note: Bob Casale was stationed at Corry Field in Pensacola in 1962 for Class "A" School and again in 1964 for Class "B" School.

Dear Robert,

What a nice surprise to be visited by the Birthday fairy with a digital strawberry shortcake and flowers. Thank you for remembering and for your Birthday wishes. You and the editors at the Hicksville Newsletter are appreciated for you effort and dedication.

All is well here in the Philadelphia suburbs, or as we sometimes say "The Cradle of Liberty". We have escaped the extreme weather occurring in other parts of the country this summer. On my 68th birthday, I find myself still active in my corporate finance career and professional organizations. I guess some people don't know when its time to hang 'em up. Joan and I celebrated our 42nd anniversary this year and are blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren that live about 20 minutes away in multiple directions. We trust all is well with you and the gang in Hicksville.

Best regards,
Tom Pilko

Hi Bob,

I so much look forward to reading the Hixnews each month...and I especially liked the Memory Lane section of the July issue... it was really terrific. Every month I see more and more pictures of old friends....July has Bob Smith and Vinnie Hannigan. I think it was June that had Vic Rerisi and Gail Dowbak. This month Ron Zeiglar and Frank Schwartz.

Also in the August, I recognized some of the people in a few of the reunion pictures. The one that caught my eye first was the one with you and Jeanette Martello Lupis...in the background is my brother Ed Luna (65), and I can see a little more than half the face of his wife, my sister-in-law Jean. Also, scattered through some of the other pictures, in addition to you, I saw Robbie McCotter (62), Ed Delaney (61), Johnny Pizzarella (59), Lynn Olson (63) and Marlene Schoenberg (64). I also recognized Ed Giannelli. Sorry I don't recognize anyone else.

Keep up the good work....you guys are fantastic.
Helen (Luna) Carr '63
Woodstock, GA

This is great! Thanks for a job well done, Editors and Helpers!

Pat Thompson Dumas HHS 1975

Hi Bob,

Enjoyed reading the August Newletter. I don't often get the time as I am busier now than when I was working. It was fun seeing the picture of you and I, signing in for the "Mega Reunion in 2007, (seems like yesterday). It was a very nice event. I am still singing and am doing a show for the Veterans in Northport in September. I've done a few shows for the Vets and I love singing for them. I did a show for them back in May and sang my new song that I wrote, I think I sent it to you but if I didn't here it is YouTube - I've Got A Smile - DivaAnnFisher - Besides singing I am taking care of my daughter who had open knee surgery and her three babies (youngest is 4 months). I work at St. Edward's church part time at night, and all of that has taken up most of my time. I have two children and six grandchildren who are all the love of my life. Life is busy but really good!

I still have my best friend from Lee Avenue School, Anita (Foster) Zino. I am also very good friends with Tommy Farrell's widow Kathy. It is so nice to see the people from Hicksville and follow there stories. I spoke with Linda Piccerelli not too long ago and enjoyed our conversation. Thank you so much for putting all this effort into bringing all our classmates so much enjoyment My hats off to all of the editors.

Hope to see you all some time soon. Let me know if anything is going on locally and thanks again.

Best Wishes
Ann Fisher (Antoinette Colascione) '61

Thanks again for the great newsletter!

I will be taking a 'sentimental journey' next week from California to Hicksville with my husband and grown son to visit all the places I knew growing up in Hicksville. I was very interested in the documentary film 'Hicksville, 11801'. I'd love to find out how I could view it. I saw Marianne Sluder Jones listed as a new reader. I'd love to get in touch with her older sister Lydia Sluder '66. Can you put me in touch with Marianne?

Thanks.
Donna Lombardi LaFramboise '66

Editor Note: We were able to reunite Donna and Lydia

Thanks for the birthday card - a lovely reminder of how time does fly...! And thanks for all your hard work on the Hicksville HS newsletter. I look forward to reading it every month.

Cheers,
David Gaudio

I just wanted to thank you for your Birthday Wishes for my Birthday.

I really enjoy the newsletter. Especially those old memories of dear old Hicksville. I am currently living in St. Lucie West, the home of Tradition Field where the NY Mets train. I am retired now for several years, and enjoying life.

Thanks again
Margaret (Marnie) Wangenheim-Manjarrez '64

Dear HixNews

Please add me to your mailing list.

Lorraine Ramos Sullivan, Class of '64

Dear HixNews

Thank you so much for the anniversary card. We met in Miss Kumpikas' 10th grade French class. Our first date was the Senior graduation dance, and we weren't very impressed with each other. Guess we got over that because this was our 40th anniversary.

Thank you for thinking of us and especially thank you for your work on the wonderful Hicksville News.
Karen ( Malter ) and Les Coles '65

Editor Note: I found your pictures in the1963 yearbook, Karen in Homeroom 124 and Les in Auditorium F.C.5. I tried to scan to no avail because the quality was really bad.

Forty Years Ago....

Hey all you alumni'

Where were you in 1969, when Apollo 11 landed and Neil Armstrong, walked on the moon? I was at home on Merritt Island watching the "walk". I was working at the space center on the Apollo Program at the time.

Robert Pigg '60

I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC. My wife, Linda (formerly DeVito from Jericho) and a few fellow Marines watched it on television at our apartment while downing a few beers. Linda was pregnant with our first daughter. I did not know at that time that I would be leaving for WESTPAC (Vietnam) in a few months.

Semper Fi
Bill Walden

Bob,

I was stationed in the The USS Observer MSO-461 and on a Med Cruise at sea. I don't remember when I heard that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. My Dad worked on the L.E.M project for Grumman, in Florida. He viewed the lift off.

Mike Cava '66

Judy Topliffe Brumit ('65) is looking for Deborah Ravdin ('65)Thanks!

Judy

Hi HixNews

People have been asking for a picture from me and finally I have one. This was taken last week on the Circle Line" in NYC . I know so many alumni have moved to Florida, but for me , NY is the place to be.

Judy Marcus Shivers '64

Editor Note: Please click the following hyperlink to see Judy's pictures: http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/574248469lBUfGN. This also appears on the Links page under photos.

Please give Mary Ann (Malerba) Hartman class of '62 my email address. I used to live a few houses away from her on 6^th street back in the day.

Thank you,
Ron Careaga '63

Bob

The "Strange looking pumps" are the old gravity flow type. I remember those from a couple rural gas stations when I was a kid in the early 50s... No electricity needed. There was a big lever on the side that you moved back and forth to pump gas into the calibrated glass cylinder on the top of the pump. The cylinder had markings for the gallons. If you were buying 5 gallons the attendant would pump it up to the 5 gallon mark. Then they'd open the nozzle and the 5 gallons would flow by gravity into your tank. Simple, but not accurate enough to meet today's standards. If you look closely there are several stations that have those pumps.

Roger Whitaker - webmaster for hixnews.com

Editor Note: the above comment references some of the pumps depicted in the Down Memory Lane article.

Diane and Eileen CatalanoLew Fenigstein class of '61 is looking for Eileen and Diane Catalano class of '62

Lew Fenigstein

Dear Bob,
I wanted to respond to Lew Fenigstein regarding his request about news on Eileen Catalano - she is doing very well, thank God. I am still in touch with the twins (Eileen and Diane) and they are both doing well; they are living in Mt. Sinai, Long Island; they are now retired (they owned a beauty parlor together for many years); their children are married and they are grandmothers.

I just spoke with the Catalano twins the other day and told them that Lew was asking about Eileen. Please send my best regards to Lew - thanks!

Olivia (LEPIS) Schmidt - 1961

RoseanneOlivia

Thanks so much for the update. I am forwarding a copy of your note to Lew. He will probably contact you.

Love yah
bob

p.s. Roseanne Catalano graduated with my sister Eileen in 1959. Is Roseanne related to the twins???

Hi Bob,

Thanks for responding so quickly and thanks for forwarding my email to Lew. RE: Roseanne, she is NOT a sister of the Catalano twins who graduated in 1962. I know the twins have one brother. I have NO idea if Roseanne is one of their relatives.

Stay well. Hope you are enjoying your new home down south. Today was the first day that we had 90 degrees on Long Island. Hopefully, we will have a summer yet up here.

Regards,
Olivia

If you would, please add me to those with subscriptions to the Hix News. My name is Ellyn (Sternberger) Murphy. I was part of the class of 1971. I am married to David Murphy. Our anniversary is May 8. We currently live in New Hampshire.

Thank you very much!
Ellyn

Bob

Yes, I remember the Gunnigles. I was in Hicksville on Saturday. I drove by my old house on Dartmouth Drive and recalled the names of many of the neighbors, including the Gunnigles.

Thanks. I'll get in touch with Dianne.
Gene Yetter '59

Hi Bob'

Do you recall a HHS senior prom with a group, or theme of the prom, called "Tempo"? Recently saw a photo with a group playing in the gym. Everybody has tux's on, with Tempo in big letters behind the band. It looks like your era.

Take care
Chris Andersen '67

Editor Note...Please go to Casale's Corner to view the photo of this event we are trying to identify

Thanks, love,
da buff

Doesn't ring a bell.

However, my son is dating Jimmy Rosica's daughter. Jimmy is a current member of The Brooklyn Bridge, I will ask him'he knows all the old groups from Hicksville.

Patricia DeMaria

Hey Bob

Here's some info on The Tempos (sorry...dangerous link removed).

Regards,
Kathy (Koziuk) Hannaman

Hi Bob,

Weren't the blond boy twins a group singing? or in a band? That seems to come to mind. I'll have to do some research in my old books.

Myra Giansante Grist

The Blond boys were John and Jim Cunningham, the Twin Tones. I don't recall them being in a band. Although they did appear at the Paramount on the Allen Freed show.

love yah,
buffalo bob

Thanks, Bob. That's the twins I remember but not the Tempos. I had the T in mind... just wrong group :).

It will be interesting if anyone can come up with more info on the Tempos.
Bye for now....
Myra

The Tempos: Sorry I can't help on this one. Would like to help out with the 50th reunion. Can you put me in touch with whoever is working on this?

Linda Rausch Zuckerman

Editor Note: Sent Linda info on who to contact for possible reunion.

Hi Bob

Did you check out the" Biography of Billy Joel," that came out last year? There were many different small bands mentioned in it. The person who had the picture was from 1967 ( year B. Joel should have graduated). The time frame of the "60's" also fits. Look forward to the newsletter each month.

Love,
Diane Burke McGinn

Hey Buff

I remember The Fairlanes. John Fort and George Perifimos were both amazing drummers. Joe Galipoli was real good on guitar, Artie Romeo was a terrific bassist. Billy Suppa played a wicked alto sax, I played bass, too. I'm not sure if any of these guys werein either groups. I think I may have been in the Fairlanes. I know I jammed with all these guys. And all were class of '60.

Denny Tillman

Dear Class of 1967

Jim Rerisi from the class of 1961 is looking for the graduation picture of his wife, Connie Ramistella. Can someone please scan that photo and send it to me electronically. I'm going to post in the picture gallery and send along to Jim. Thanks.

Warm Regards,
Buffalo Bob Casale - Hicksville Newsletter

Sorry, I don't have that photo...

But, a curious question??? (Sure you've heard this one before) So, why isn't one of our most famous graduates, Billy Joel not in the Hicksville Hall of Fame???

Martin Brandfon

Martin,

An interesting question. According to many, he never graduated. I think he was eventually given a degree. Also, I don't think anyone ever nominated him. Maybe we should put it to a vote.

Regards,
buffalo bob

Buff,

I have a newspaper article that said he was given an "honorary" degree 20+ yrs. later... I will talk to you about the nomination process another day, But he seems a likely candidate. Do you know if Lorraine Bracco - actress - sopranos and Janine Garafalo ' comedienne were also from HHS?

Martin

Martin

I'm pretty sure Lorraine Bracco was a graduate...not sure about Janine. I'm going to post a note in the newsletter.

Regards,
The buff

Bracco yes, Garafalo, no (NJ)

Martin

Hi Bob

Two questions:

1. How did you get the name "Buffalo"?
2. Can you ask for someone who graduated in 1967 HHS and has a yearbook?

My wife graduated then and I want to get a her picture from the that yearbook. Her name was Connie Ramistella.

Thanks,
JIM RERISI

Jim...

See attached. Warm Regards,

Bob

p.s. the Buffalo Bob name

A friend of mine for many years gave me that name. We used to get together on Sunday mornings at AF Liberty, when I had the plumbing business, and do what we called the Doo Wop shop. I bought, many years ago, the time life library of rock and roll dating back to 1955. We used to put on discs and sing and reminisce about school and growing up. He asked if I remembered some old shows on TV. I really liked the Howdy Doody show and said I watched it for years. He said, "Hey, then you're buffalo bob." And that's how that started.

Dear HixNews

Thank you very much for the lovely birthday card.

Toni (Grundon) Martin '64

p.s. I saw that Lois Chaber was looking for Patricia Brindley. She is a sister of my friend and lives in Westchester, NY. If there is a number to reach Lois I would be happy to forward to Patricia Brindley. Don't believe she does email.

Just let me know,

Dear HixNews

Thank you Bob and Newsletter Gang for the lovely anniversary card. It brightened our day!

Keep up the great work!
Bev (Fetz) White '67

Dear HixNews

I would like to receive your newsletter.. I am a 1971 Graduate of Hicksville High currently living and working in Puerto Rico. Divorced Fishing Smoking cigars Sipping scotch.

Thomas Ernst '71

Dear HixNews.

Thanks for the birthday card.

Semper Fi
Bill Walden '65

Hi Buffalo Bob and the HixNews staff'

Tx for such a nice birthday card, and remembering me. August 12th this ol' cocker was 62 years young. Hicksville High School class of 65'. You're the best! Hope all's well with u n' yours. Stay tuned and do stay in touch.

Warmest Regards,
Mark Leon

P.S. Let me know if theres any alumni ie: class of 65' in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley or thereabout as I'd love to hook up and stay in touch.

Bob and HixNews

Thanks for the birthday card.

Regards,
Dennis Listort '64

Dear Bob:

Thank you so much for the great card! You are the best. My wife loved it.

Harold & Karen Buttitta

PS: I inadvertently neglected to include the year of our wedding which was 1970, making it our 39th.

A Memorable Day with Leon J. Galloway

Stephen Smith, Class of 62

Time passes. Memories fade. I was home on college break when the telephone rang. It was just before Christmas 1966. I no longer remember who it was that called that morning but I was soon to learn that my friend Leon needed my support. Similar outreach calls were made to others in my close group of friends. Jim Szymanski, Norman Samberg and John Valenti responded as did I.

The caller informed me that Leon J. Galloway, Principal and then Superintendent of Schools to thousands of Hicksville students throughout his career in education, mentor of many students and dear friend to some including myself had just lost his mother.

Leon lived the life of a bachelor. He also provided care for his mother who lived with him in the white, gabled house on a corner lot on Twinlawns Ave. By the time I graduated from high school, I had been to the house a couple of times and had met his mother ' a very pleasant lady who always had a smile when she greeted me. She would occasionally say something to her son as any mother would say to theirs. I found those comments humorous because at the time he was still Mr. Galloway to me. To my 17 year old eyes she seemed ancient. I wondered how a woman who had so much difficulty walking was able to negotiate the winding staircase that led from the entry foyer to the upper level of their home. But then again, I thought Leon was really old as well - the irony of course is that he was younger than I am as I write this.

Leon was not a tall man ' about 5 foot five inches or so. His hair was gray for as long as I knew him; he wore glasses; almost always wore a tie and jacket; preferred those vests that gave his attire a Scottish flavor. Sometimes when he was feeling his oats, he would affect a Scottish accent when making conversation. I saw him angry only once that I can remember ' on that occasion, a group of his boys had cut school ' this became obvious because there were very few 'hall cops' on duty that day. His face was flushed red when he told us that we had embarrassed him and violated his trust. We all felt terrible that we had disappointed him on that occasion.

In addition to being good 'citizens', Leon insisted on gentlemanly behavior and proper grooming. In my case, he taught me how to hold a little napkin between my ring finger and pinkie while trying to balance a beverage and or a small plate of food ' a task I found difficult especially while trying to engage others in small talk - yet it is something I still do to this day.

Leon was a soft spoken, refined, and cultured man. I never heard him curse or say a bad word about anyone. I am certain those behaviors were integrally tied to his Quaker background. He was a man whose character engendered both respect and affection from those who knew him. As a result of his influence, I and many others learned a great deal about responsibility, loyalty and friendship.

Leon was taking his mother to her final resting place in Binghamton, New York. It was early in the day when we rendezvoused. The five of us piled into Jimmy's black Chevy and followed the hearse. I cannot recall the trip in any detail but I know it must have been especially emotional for Leon because his birthday was Christmas Eve and here he was going to bury his mother. It probably took many hours to get to Binghamton ' Route 17 was barely a blacktopped road in those days.

As Mrs. Galloway was being interred it started to snow ' a few flakes at first and then more ' we left the cemetery sometime in the afternoon. We were a solemn group on the return trip. We were saddened by Mrs. Galloway's passing because we felt badly for Leon. Jim drove with Leon sitting next to him - John, Norman and I were crunched in the back seat.

It became dark. The snow's intensity increased steadily ' before long we all came to realize that we were caught in a major snow event if not a blizzard. If there was an upside to the storm it was that it distracted us from the reason we found ourselves in this situation in the first place. I'm pretty sure it took us 12 hours or so to get back to Hicksville. Jimmy has reminded me that one reason the trip took so long was because we could not see five feet in front of us and frequently had to stop to clear the wipers and headlights of snow.

We later found out all of our parents were frantic not knowing if their boys were safe in the huge snow storm. There was no way to contact anyone. The visibility was so bad we could not find a telephone and Route 17 did not have many modern conveniences at that time. Too bad there were no cell phones in those days. Whatever!

By the time we arrived in Hicksville, it was early in the morning. As we approached my section of town, I could see that none of the side streets had been plowed. We were grateful that the main roads had been cleared. Jim got me as close as possible and then I had to slog my way through waist deep snow (my loafers never recovered) but I was safely home and soon after so was Jim, John and Norman.

In the years that were to come, I do not recall that Leon spoke of that day again. But then, there really was not anything else to say. I am certain that our friend Leon would have done no less for any of us.

Thanks for the email. Not much to say. I am still living in Hicksville and sell the homes that house our students. The market is a little tough now but homes are selling again. For the longest time we had over 220 homes available and just recently it is down to 138 which is good to see as houses come and go but we are selling more than we are listing.

My own two sons graduated from HHS. One is a Blackhawk pilot that just came back from Iraq and is living up near Albany. He also has a band called BULLETPROOF MESSENGER and is traveling around playing such as New Hampshire last weekend and down around Md, this coming weekend. Several weeks back he played in Amityville and also in Manhattan. My younger son just graduated and returned home and now is looking for employment. He wants to be a policeman.

If anyone needs any info I would be happy to be of service.

Sincerely,
Toni Martin

Hello,

I saw pictures of your class of 67 reunion. Could you tell me how to get in touch with Judy Lilienthal-Coyle, or let her know how to get in touch with me? We were girl friends when we were teenagers, and I'd love to get back in touch.

Thank you.
Dariel Mayer
Nashville, TN

Dear Class of 1967 Alumni...

I received the below note from someone I perceive as being a former classmate of yours. Dariel is looking for Judy Lilienthal-Coyle. Any of you former alumni know how to contact Judy Let me know. Thanks.

Warm Regards
Buffalo Bob Casale
Editor, Hicksville High School Newsletter

Bob,

Below is the latest info that I've seen for Judy. I believe it's what we received from Reunions of America, although I don't know if it is up to date. You can check with Jim Rubins. He may be able to confirm it or have newer info. Hope this helps.

Frank Koziuk

Frank

Thanks so much for the info, I forwarded it along to Dariel.

Warm Regards,
Bob

p.s. I sure miss the chats Pat and I had for years.

Bob,

I saw Judy at the class of '67 reunion and she said she did connect with Dariel. Thanks. I didn't get to take pictures at the reunion so I ordered some from Reunions of America. Hopefully someone will send some pictures for the newsletter.

I miss talking to Pat also.
Frank

Hi,

Thank you very much for the anniversary card sent to us for our 62nd anniverary. Doesn't seem possible. We are doing well, except for the usual trips to doctors and drugstores. Oh well! We enjoy reading the Hix. newspaper. Keep it up - you do a great job!! Of course there are a lot of "new" names we don't recognize, but glad to see you all writing in and keep the paper going. That's what keeps Hicksville alive. We are still in Venice, FL (32 years) and haven't made a trip up north in quite awhile. Maybe one of these days we'll get back and see all the progress made in town and see friends.

Best regards to all,
Bea (Eisemann) and George Baldwin

Subject: Hicksville High School '67 Birthday Bash '09

"Here are some photos of the 60th Birthday party for the Class of 1967...." James has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link: (sorry, the link no longer works)

Editor Note: This also appears on the Links page under photos

Hicksville Vietnam War Era Veterans Memorial

The List of Names continues to grow and now totals 425! While only 27 new names were added last month, August is traditionally a very heavy vacation month and many people likely didn't have a good opportunity to review the list for additions. So, we remain undaunted in our quest for names.

Once again, for your part as a HixNews reader and alumnus of HHS, we ask you to please see our update in the Honoring Our Veterans section of this newsletter. Qualification requirements appear just before the List of Names, so please review them and then carefully look over the list and let us know who we are still missing.

In addition, if you can help us fill in missing information or clarify information we have that is uncertain (shown in red with question marks), that also helps a lot.

Since we estimate there could be between 2 and 3 thousand Veterans with Hicksville ties who served our Armed Forces around the world during the Vietnam Era, the Project Team still feels it has a long way to go to complete this effort. Your help is needed now as much as ever before!

Thanks!
Joe Carfora, HHS '62

Editor Note: Please see the lists on the Veterans Page