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I would be remiss if I did not mention a great way to stay connected and reconnect with your old Irvington friends and to make new friends.
Most of you have heard of FACEBOOK. But for those of you who have not joined, it is worth it and it’s free.
FACEBOOK is an online social networking application and it is done right.
Click this link FACEBOOK or the logo above and it will take you to the login-signup page.
I can tell you first-hand that I have discovered and rekindled so many wonderful friendships using this excellent networking tool.
Ir’s another great way for us Irvingtonians to stay connected.
If any of you would like to befriend me on Facebook, just do a friend search from within Facebook by my email address: joeyjayv@bellsouth.net.
Thanks, Joey
DEBORAH DRISCOLL, CLASS OF 77, HAS PASSED
DEBORAH ANNE. (nee Driscoll), suddenly on December 24, 2009.
Beloved mother of Christina, Anthony, and Adam;
Grand-mother of Haylee, and Sophia;
Dear daughter of Dorothy (nee Carney) Driscoll;
Loving sister of Frank Driscoll, Michael Driscoll, James Driscoll, and Colleen Driscoll - McGuigan.
Relatives and friends are invited to Deborah's Life Celebration Tues. from 4-7 P.M. at the JOHN F. GIVNISH FUNERAL HOME, 10975 Academy Rd. Phila. and to participate in her Funeral Service 7 P.M.
Interment will be on Wednesday 12 Noon at Rosedale Cemetery, Orange, NJ.
In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society , 1626 Locust St., Phila. PA 19103 would be appreciated by the family.
www.lifecelebration.com 1-877-GIVNISH
Deborah Driscoll-Perez and Pete Gruppuso. Loving partners in life.
Pete Gruppuso, in his own words: “My Angel has gone to heaven. we all miss you Deb, you were bigger than life wherever you went, now you can look over everyone and smile. I was proud to be your man and I was so very glad to make you smile all the time. I love you and miss you. God bless”
Click this link to leave words of condolence to the Driscoll family.
SHELLEY BARCHANOWITZ, Class of 71
Writes and publishes her own book of poetry,
“You Are Love”
This is Shelley Barchanowitz, Then and Now. 1971 and 2009.
“You Are Love, Poetry of Hope, Healing and Reflection is a collection of poetic verses of hope, healing and the strength to face another day. An aid to overcome any life hardship such as PTSD , this book is the light of a brighter future.”
Click the picture below to purchase Shelley’s book online.
About 4 years ago Shelley suffered a very frightening experience, which resulted in PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). She had a mighty battle with PTSD. So she started concentrating on viewing the world as Love and giving out You are Love bracelets, which she personally designed. She also started a Foundation for Peace during that time. In her owns words: “I just see the love in everyone...and tell them so. It is like a rebirth where I see everything differently and I am grateful for each day and every person and the past is behind me.
Being very close with Shelley, I feel especially proud to present the announcement of her book on Irvington Remembered. Shelley is one of the most beautiful people I know. She has been incredible with me on a personal level, so I can tell you first-hand that she lives her words. Shelley thank you so much for the purity and depth of our relationship and thank you so much for the positive energy you are sharing with the universe.
You Are Love.... You Are Loved !!!
I wish you so much well-deserved success with your book. And I am so so proud of you !!!
Click this link below to visit Shelley’s You Are Love web site.
http://www.zazzle.com/shelleygoldberg
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MILTON “MICKEY” WEINER
101 YEARS YOUNG, OCTOBER 26TH, 2009
Huge thank you to the Weiner Family for sharing these incredible pictures
Left to right: Bob Roberts, Mickey Weiner, Marion Roberts
Mickey Weiner 100th Birthday Film.
Click this link to see the video
Stan Wnek
The late Stan Wnek, Class of 36 and Patricia Wnek. Stan was the 50th Guest of Honor. Standing in the middle is Angela Colavita Aquilina, Class of 56.
Mike Malgeri, Mark Rich & Paul Madeo,
All are Class of 70. Three great guys !!!
Picture taken this year in Las Vegas in front of one of Mark’s two pizzaria’s
Class of 64 45th reunion
I am so honored to present the Class of 64 Reunion Booklet here on Irvington Remembered. Click this link Class of 64 Reunion to view it.
This file is large, so have patience as it loads. It is worth it to see. Martha, you did a fabulous job in putting this together. I love the format. Very, very well done.
Below you will see the letter written to me by Martha. In the letter, the Class of 64 is offering to pay the cost of maintaining Irvington Remembered for another year. This is just so heartwarming. And I will proudly accept this offering. Martha, you have no idea how incredibly touching this is to me. Last year Irvington Remembered was lovingly sponsored by Bill Carbone and the Class of 59. I just don’t know what to say with this level of generosity. All the words of support and heartfelt emails from everyone just blows me away.
Martha, please let me know if you have any pictures to post that were taken that night. I want to create a special section under reunions for your event.
Class of 69 reunion on Saturday, October 10th.
In honor of one of my football hero’s from the Class of 1969 I am posting this article about Dennis Marine. Dennis was Athlete Of The Year in 1969. During the fall of 1968 I had the honor of playing varsity as a freshman with the likes of John Mahon, Bill Paprota, Les Abel, Dennis Marine, Vinnie Giordano, Marty Lyons, Ray Dilly, Billy Prisco, Mike Basile, Tom Caffrey, Alan Aiello, Tom Larney, Roger Richardson, Bill Reurep, Bob Marino etc.
What a great group of guys. I loved the Class of 69. Hope you all have an incredible reunion. I am very sad I won’t be attending this reunion. Please somebody take lots of pictures. My intention was to attend to quietly capture the whole evening for posterity.
Irvington Center in 1960
Vintage Saturday Nite Bath flyer from 1969
Picture provided by Ron Severini
Joey, here is a copy of the flyer that was used when our band, The SATURDAY NITE BATH, was the opening act for Sly and the Family Stone. You might want to add it to your "Band" memorabilia. We also opened for Canned Heat; John Mayall; and did the first ever East Coast concert appearance of Alice Cooper. All at the Stanley Theatre in Valisburg/Newark, NJ.
The original lineup of Saturday Nite Bath consisted of Jerry Ciccone (Leader.../Lead Guitarist/Keyboard/Lead Vocals/Musical Arranger & Musical Director), Sal Osnato (aka Sally Drums, Drummer/Vocalist/Chick Magnet), Gracie Speranza (Female Vocalist/Song Writer), Ron Severini (Bass Guitarist/Background Vocalist/Song Writer/Juggler), Ray Hall (Manager/Recording Engineer). Jerry Fenton joined the band later on as another lead guitarist.
Little League Opening Day 1959, Parkway Field
Ronnie Severini, front row, 2nd from left, Bobby Reichart, far right, Max Deutsch back right
Remembering Anthony Infante, Class of 72
”September Hero”
a touching poem from Norma Pilone, Class of 71, honoring the memory of a real-life American Hero from Irvington.
This poem was inspired by a remembrance about Anthony Infante that I posted on Facebook on September 11th . Norma Pilone saw it and wrote this incredible poem.
Norma never knew Anthony. In her words: "Although I did not have the honor and privilege of knowing him, I was inspired to write this poem after I saw Anthony's picture and read that we lost him on 9/11. I am grateful to Joey Vargas who created such beautiful artwork upon which to lay these words".
Please, if anyone out there knows how to get in touch with the Infante family. Norma and I would like to present a printed version of this poem to them.
 Inspector Anthony Infante
Port Authority of New York
and New Jersey Police Department New York
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Biographical Info
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 29 years
Badge Number: None
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Terrorist attack
Date of Incident: Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Weapon Used: Aircraft; Passenger jet
Suspect Info: 19 suicide attackers
Inspector Anthony Infante was killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks while attempting to rescue the victims trapped in the World Trade Center.
Inspector Infante had been employed with the Port Authority Police Department for 29 years and had previously served with the Newark, New Jersey Police Department.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and a son.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, seventy-two officers from a total of eight local, state, and federal agencies were killed when terrorist hijackers working for the al Qaeda terrorist network, headed by Osama bin Laden, crashed two of four hijacked planes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. After the impact of the first plane, putting the safety of others before their own, law enforcement officers along with fire and EMS personnel, rushed to the burning Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to aid the victims and lead them to safety. Due to their quick actions, it is estimated that over 25,000 people were saved.
As the evacuation continued, the first tower unexpectedly collapsed due as a result of the intense fire caused by the impact. The second tower collapsed a short time later. 71 law enforcement officers, 343 members of the New York City Fire Department and over 2,800 civilians were killed at the World Trade Center site.
A third hijacked plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania when the passengers attempted to re-take control of the plane. One law enforcement officer, who was a passenger on the plane, was killed in that crash.
The fourth hijacked plane was crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, killing almost 200 military and civilian personnel. No law enforcement officers were killed at the Pentagon.
The terrorist attacks resulted in the declaration of war against the Taliban regime, the illegal rulers of Afghanistan, and the al Qaeda terrorist network which also was based in Afghanistan.
On September 9, 2005, all of the public safety officers killed on September 11, 2001, were posthumously awarded the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor by President George W. Bush.
The contamination in the air at the World Trade Center site caused many rescue personnel to become extremely ill, and eventually led to the death of several rescue workers.
 Robert Kuldanek, RIP
Robert A. Kuldanek, 64, died July 16, 2009, at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack.
The funeral is from the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave., Union, on Monday at 10:00 am. The funeral service is at Trinity Episcopal Church, Cranford, at 11 am.
Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the funeral home.
Born in Newark, N.J., Robert lived in Irvington before moving to Union in 1969. He attended Murray State University and graduated from Upsala College. Robert had three master's degrees, one in education from Seton Hall University, and two from Kean University, one in personnel service, and one in supervision.
Robert was a history teacher at Irvington High School, where he also coached football, softball and baseball. He later became a guidance counselor at that high school and then at Union High School before retiring four years ago.
Robert was also involved with the Union Suffragettes Softball League, the Union Teener League, and the American Legion. He was a scout master for the Boy Scouts of Connecticut Farms Church, and an official for football and baseball.
Robert was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was the husband of the late Susan (nee Murray); father of Robert S., Christy Barone, and Kelly Kleiber; brother of Stephen, and grandfather of Emma, Ryan, Jessica, Jacob, Hannah, Jenna, Bobby and Caitlyn. The family prefers that memorials be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 205, Paramus, N.J. 07652.
Click this link to leave words of condolence to the family of Robert Kuldanek
Robert Kuldanek in 2006 fufilling a dream to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Picture provided by nephew, Rick Kos.
Robert Kuldanek at Fisherman’s Wharf in 2006.
Robert Kuldanek, as a teacher in 1973.
Here is a picture I took of Bob Kuldanek on May 15th, 2009 at the All-Class Reunion in Spring Lake. He is seated next to his brother Steve
May 15th, 2009.
Brother Steve Kuldanek, renowned Irvington athlete
Mickey Weiner 100th Birthday Film.
Click this link to see the video
 Eleanor Mary Bosslett
Mrs. Eleanor Mary Bosslett passed from this life on June 8, 2009. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m. at the Union Funeral Home-Lytwyn & Lytwyn, 1600 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, with the interment to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Bosslett worked as a food processor for Blue Ribbon Foods in Hillside and as a salesperson for Woolworth's Department Store and Rhinehart's Clothing Apparel in Irvington, as well as being a staff worker for the Irvington Senior Citizens Center. She retired in 1989.
Mrs. Bosslett also served as a volunteer worker for the Irvington Little League and the Irvington Pop Warner Football Program.
In marriage, Edward W. and Eleanor M. Bosslett gave their children the greatest gift of all, their love for each other.
Mrs. Bosslett was predeceased by her husband, Edward W. Bosslett in July of 1990.
She is survived by her son, John; her son, James and his wife, Marie; her son, Jeffrey and his wife, Donna; her grandchildren, Michael and his wife, Elisa, Jason and his wife, Elizabeth, and Lindsay, and her great-grandchildren, Marie, Alyssa, James, Jeffrey, Danielle, and Francesca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Eleanor M. Bosslett.
Click this link Eleanor Bosslett Guestbook to leave words of condolence to the Bosslett family.
Rest in Peace Ellie...
To see the All-Class Reunion pictures from Doolans in Spring Lake, New Jersey, click here.
There are well over over 300 pictures from this event with many more to come. Look at this great picture of Milton “Mickey” Weiner, Class of 26, at the tender age of 100 with the beautiful Nancie Balun from the Class of 72. This reunion was dedicated to Mickey.
Very special thank you to Bill Carbone and Mel Renick for making this reunion so terrific.
And Mel, ...Joanna and I had the most incredible time with you, Audrey, Cathy Oswandel and the gang after the reunion hanging at the bar. You girls are just too cool for words. And damn girls... “would you have really run me down in that game of chicken ?!?!?” ...lol. My mother warned me about women like you :)
A note from Joyce Tyleske, former Mrs. America
Joyce Tyleske left me the most beautiful voice mail at my house asking me to express her sadness in not being able to attend the all-class reunion at Doolans in Spring Lake, 2009. She asked that I say hi to everyone and let you know that her heart was with you and that she hopes to see all of you next time. What a doll Joyce is !!!
Then and Now, Vicki and Joey
My all-time love, Vicki Pezza, Class of 72.
Vicki Pezza and Joey Vargas, Junior Prom, 1971.
Vicki Pezza and Joey Vargas, 2009. We agree that the look in our eyes says it all. I am thrilled to say that Vicki is now married to a wonderful man who has devoted his life to her. And she remains the most treasured friend I have ever had in my lifetime.
Classic Face In Irvington Folklore - “Junior”
In the 60s when I first went to Jimmy Buffs, it was Junior who served me. And the very last time I went to Jimmy Buffs in 2007, it was Junior who served me. Wow, he’s a virtual icon from probably the most recognizable eatery in Irvington history. And too boot the Jimmy Buffs in 2007 seemed to still have the same tables and chairs as in the 60s. It was like a Time Warp to go back there in 2007. And they even had old articles posted on the walls of Irvington boxing and also The Colts. I have heard that Junior is now at the Jimmy Buffs in Scotch Plains on Route 22 close to Bowcraft. If so, visit him, take a picture, and say thank you. The above picture is courtesy of Jimmy Suter from the Irvington Fire Department.
Well it’s off to New Jersey to attend the All-Class Reunion at Doolans in Spring Lake.
I can’t wait to meet all you fine people. Huge thank you and credit to the wonderful Bill Carbone and the All-Class Committee for doing such a great job of organizing this annual event. It’s the Granddaddy of all Irvington reunions. See you there !!!
A look back at Doolan’s All-Class Reunion, 2008
Hail to Milton “Mickey” Weiner !!!
Attending Doolan’s All-Class Reunion in Spring Lake at the age of 100.
Milton Weiner, Irvington High Prinicpal and one of Irvington’s all-time great athletes.
Marian Miller and Joey Vargas
Visiting “mom” for lunch. Marian has recovered quite well after recent surgery.
Irvington Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
A tribute to the 1947 Irvington High School Baseball Team who won Irvington’s 5th and last GNT Championship. This stands as the all-time New Jersey record.
Huge thank you to a true Irvington Sportsman,
Al Murray for these fabulous pictures and for providing an incredible snapshot of Irvington High School baseball from the legendary Doc Gantz years. Al, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your great contribution of articles. And how wonderful is it that you are still following your heart and playing ball till this day. You are an inspiration. A true Sportsman ! You are the man.
Winning the Greater Newark Tournament back in the day was akin to winning the State Championship. And as Al states in his note below, it was something that was won “on the field”. The GNT championship game that you will see below was won in front 5,587 spectators. Wow, what a crowd for a high school baseball game. That 1947 team featured an amazing All-State Irvington picher named Ted Baryiewski, who pitched three no-hitters that season. One of the no-hitters was in the GNT semi-final game.
Al Murray has provided me with an account of the entire 1947 season. It will soon be posted into the sports section of the Irvington Remembered web site.
Note: When the 1947 team was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Mrs. Mary Gantz, Doc’s widow, presented all of the surviving players with a packet containing the writeups for the entire season. This is what Al Murray has graciously shared with me.
1947 Team Picture
Induction into the Irvington Hall of Fame
Harry Hill, 3rd Baseman, Stan Jarosz, Rightfielder, Al Mende, 2nd Baseman
Jim Gordon, 1st Baseman, Ted Baryiewski, All-State Pitcher, Red Gallagher, Catcher
Bob Morris, Shortstop, Herm Pizzi, Outfielder, Al Murray, Infielder
Mrs. Doc Gantz. Sadly she died two weeks after this induction ceremony.
The 1947 GNT Champion Team Picture Closeup
Left to right, seated: Charles Gundaker, Ted Baryiewski, Jim Gordon,
standing: Doc Gantz, Ray Symanski, Herman Pizzi, Herb Reinhardt
Left to right, seated: Jim Gordon, Co-Captains Bob Moench & Harry Hill, Frank “Red” Gallagher, standing: Herb Reinhardt, Alfred Mende, Henry Lubiak, Roy Madsen, Stanley Jarosz. Batboys are John and Albert Gantz. Missing from picture are Bob Morris and Jack Kuhnen.
Left to right, seated: Frank “Red” Gallagher, Charles Franklin, Alfred Murray standing, Stanley Jarosz, Jim Moyer, Conrad Surkowski, Managers: Carl Kuoerzer & Herb Stutz
Sol Schwartz, Sportsman Club Member
Homecoming Dinner for Jerry Lewis
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Milton “Mickey” Weiner
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A note to all Irvington High graduating classes before 1960, surviving Sportsman Club members and other vintage Irvington town groups.
 On Saturday, March 29th, 2008, I had the honor of spending the day with Sol Schwartz at his place in Lake Worth, Florida. I relished that time spent with Sol. And after meeting with him it really made an impression on me about how important it is to capture and preserve your time in Irvington history on this web site. I initially was targeting the years 1960 to 1975. That has changed and I wanted to communicate to you Golden Year Guys and Dolls that I look very forward to understanding, documenting and presenting your “day in the sun” as well.
I found Sol to be replete with fascinating stories. Your era must have been very special. And what a great group you must be. I sense a level of loyalty, friendship and togetherness that is sincere and uncommonly deep. I’m amazed at how you have no problem putting 500 people together for a yearly reunion and still have a long waiting list. That pretty much says is all. I know us “youngsters” can learn plenty from you earlier town trailblazers.
If there are any of you who would like to share your old pictures and most memorable stories, you will be most welcome to do so. And I will post them on the web site. Help me to save your fabulous slice of legacy for posterity.
Joey Vargas
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 James Zangari Jr.
James Zangari Jr., 55, of Edison died suddenly on Tuesday. Funeral services will be conducted by the Zarro Funeral Home, 145 Harrison St., Bloomfield. Visitation is private for family members only. Those who wish to express their condolences may join the family at St. Lucy's Church, Newark, on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Mr. Zangari worked for the N.J. Turnpike Authority in Hightstown for 16 years as assistant director, retiring in 2008.
Previously he worked as assistant director for the Newark Housing Authority for 17 years. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1975, cum laude, with an accounting degree. "Jim set the standard as a model government employee, and as a human being. His commitment and compassion will not be matched at work or in life," said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, executive director of the N.J. Turnpike Authority.
James is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, June (Maselli) Zangari; devoted daughters, Jaime Ann and her husband, Paresh Patel, and Jennifer Zangari; loving parents, Anna (Valvano) and Hon. James Zangari Sr.; brothers, Peter Zangari Sr. and his wife, Susan, and Ted Zangari and his wife, Michelle; sister, Francesca Hosonitz and her husband, Luke, and cherished grandchildren, Alexander Ram and Jasmine Rose Patel. James was the brother-in-law of Jean and Richard Tallagnon, Richard Maselli, Francine and Frank Maselli, Joyce and Kenneth Morgan, and John Maselli. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his special dog, "Pepino".
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Lucy's Church, St. Gerard Fund, 118 7th Ave., Newark, N.J. 07104, or the American Cancer Society, 507 Westminster Ave., Elizabeth, N.J. 07208.
Click this link ”Jimmy Zangari, Jr. Guestbook” to leave words of condolence to the Zangari family.
Rest in Peace Jimmy...
Class of 71 Reunion
This was an extra special reunion full of joyous reconnections. The Class of 71 hadn’t had a reunion since their 25th. It had such a wonderful vibe all night. Click the link above to see all the pictures that have been collected thus far and to read a recounting of the evening. There are about 170 pictures posted.
Party at Paddy’s Place III
Click here to see pictures from another great evening in Union.
Note: Look for all the pictures to be posted soon.
Celebrating My 55th !!!
Beautiful Diane Zaleski, Class of 74, extends a birthday wish
Diane and Joey
What a lovely face !!!
Getting ready to blow out the candle
Sue Brummell, Class of 72
Sue and Diane
Good friends, Sue and Diane
Sue Brummell, Joey Vargas, Diane Zaleski
Sue, Joey, Diane and Sal Cocuzzo, Class of 72
The Cocuzzo brothers, Nick and Sal
Sue and Diane
Sue, Nick and Diane
Sue, Joey, Diane, Nick
Marvin Rich, Director of the Irvington PAL
Doc Gantz, legendary Irvington High baseball coach
Bill Matthews, Irvington High football coach, Matthews Field was named in his honor
Joyce Tyleski, first ever Mrs. America
Marlin Brinser, taught and drilled Irvington’s nationally-renowed marching band
Jerry Lewis, famous comedian and movie star
Carl Perina, All-American football player at the University of Penn
Joe Marke and Gus Zelles, the founders of the Irvington PAL
Bob and Marian Miller, legendary Colt football coach and two-time Irvington Mayor
Gloria and Mickey McMinn
Clarence Chamberlain, Irvington High Principal in the 40s
Irvington Colts offensive stars from the 1967 National Championship Team
Charlie Lombard, Bobby Balog, Joey Vargas, Ken Negri, George Bork, Bob LaRusso
Alan A. Siegel, renowed Irvington Historian
Al Shave, played with famous singer/guitarist, Roger Miller, in the service
Frank Mancinelli, POW for 25 months, an Amercian Hero.
Charlie “The Milkman” Fusari, top welterweight boxer, once fought Rocky Graziano and Sugar Ray Robinson, he was a milkman when he wasn’t fighting
Underwood Dodgers, Irvington’s all-time great Little League team, won 33 straight
Bob Kinzler, Pearl Harbor survivor from the Class of 1939 with Maryann Krause, 1971
Ray Boyer, Red Sox AAA baseball star
Gus’s Luncheonette in 1952
Irvington Bus Terminal in 1953
Bob Miller hoisting Irvington Colts first Florida Gold Coast trophy in 1966
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In addition to developing and maintaining the Irvington Remembered web site, I would also like to start creating a master database of Irvingtonians.
