Boynton Beach, Florida All-Class Reunion
Very special thank you to Monty and Joan Santoriello for organizing a wonderful reunion weekend. You and your whole crowd are The Best !!! See pictures below. 
Click here to see all the pictures from the event. 150+ people attended.

Monty and Joan Jennings-Santoriello, Class of  1950.


The beautiful Joyce Tyleske, Mrs. America in 1953, shown here as radiant as ever.
Click here to see wonderful pictures of Joyce from 1953.


The great Sol Schwartz, Sportsmen Club member and childhood friend of Jerry Lewis.



 In keeping with the pure spirit of the Irvington Remembered web site of bringing people together, reunions ‘both upcoming and past” and “both formally-arranged reunions and informal get-togethers” will be permanently listed at the top of this Home Page. Reunion committees have been advising me of their plans and supplying me with their information. I am happy to help promote reunions to further support the efforts of the committees. So check back often to keep abreast of what’s coming up or to take a look back on reunions that have already happened. Click the links below to see the pictures from past reunions or to find out the information for upcoming reunions. Thank you, Joey Vargas..

CLASS OF 71 REUNION RED ALERT:
REMINDER
The Class of 1971 “Just Because” Reunion is rapidly approaching, April 18th, 2009, and they are in need of more contact information to make their reunion a big success. The committee comprised of John Manning, Patty Cataldo and Carol Schreiber have produced a fabulous package for the incredible price of just 60.00 per person to attend. Click the link below to view a list of their entire graduating class.


Click here for a Class of 71 Roster of People Whom We Still Need Phone Numbers and Email Addresses

Class of 71 Full Graduation Roster.

If you know some of the people on this roster and can be of help to locate them for the committee of the Class of  1971, please contact John Manning at jjmb27_99@yahoo.com  or Patty Cataldo at pardente@comcast.net or Carol Schreiber at carols0818@gmail.com. 

Also, FYI, this reunion is not closed to just people from the Class of 1971. People from other classes, including myself, will be going. It’s gonna be a wonderful reunion at the L’Affaire in Mountainside on Route 22 !!! Come out and join us !!!



Nancy Kuscher, Class of 71, in 1960 as a Cheerleader Mascot



REUNION ALERTS....

1) Class of 1971 “Just Because” Reunion, April 18th, 2009, Formal

2) Spring Lake All-Class Reunion, May, 2009, Formal

3) Class of 1964 45-year Reunion, September 12th, 2009, Formal

4) Class of 1969 40-year Reunion, October 10th, 2009, Formal

5) Class of 1959, October 24th & 25th, 2009, Formal. Note from Julie Semel


PAST REUNIONS....

1) Boynton Beach, Florida All-Class Reunion, March 6th, 7th, 2009, Formal

2) Party at Paddy’s Place, November 29th, 2008, Informal

3) Irvington Park Clique, November 22nd, 2008, Informal

4) Point Pleasant Irvington Get-Together, June 21st, 2008, Informal

5) Spring Lake All-Class Reunion, May, 2008, Formal

Please note:
A “Formal” Reunion means that a committee has been formed to have an actual class reunion for a specific class year that you pay to go to. For instance: “Class of 1964 45th Reunion”.  It does not mean that the attire is formal. I have created some confusion by using the word “formal”.

“Informal” Reunion means that a bunch of people, from any class year, are getting together at a place. You might or might have to pay depending on what was arranged. It’s not a formally arranged class reunion. Just an excuse to get a bunch of people from Irvington together. For instance: like the Party at Paddy’s Place get togethers.

Warren Gross Family Memorial Painting

This is a phenomenal oil painting of the late Warren Gross, Class of 71. Warrens’s dad had it made up to present to Warren’s mom, Shirley, as a family memorial after he passed. It is essentially Warren’s yearbook picture with a blue Irvington High School football jersey painted on. This tribute now proudly hangs on the wall of Warren’s brother, Scott Gross.

Thank you so much, Scott, for your thoughtfulness in sharing this painting of your brother.

Pete Susnosky in 1962
Behind “The Point” in Irvington Center

This picture above was contributed by long-time Irvington Policeman, Brian J. Bartiroma.

Brian wrote the following:

Joey, I love the site. Irvington has some tremendous history and I am proud that my grand-father and grand-mother settled in Irvington in the 20's after coming over from Italy and starting a very large family. I am proud to have lived in Irvington for my early years of school and even more proud to follow in a long, proud legacy of Irvington Policeman. When I think of the history that comes from this town it makes me smile. As my five daughters get older I will show them your site as I share my early memories of Irvington and the stories told to me by my father and grandparents of Irvington.


Beauty Contest Winners, #24 and #26
aka Joey Hrasna, 72 and Patty Cataldo, 71

Thats right folks, Joey Hrasna was in a Beauty Contest ....lol. And he won !!!

Irvington Tech Yearbook Cover
provided by Ray Fairchild, Tech Class of 70

Dear Joey,

As one who was born and raised in Irvington, I want to express my appreciation to you and everyone else who has made this site a very special place for all of us to remember how special Irvington was.

I lived on 16th Avenue between Grove Street and Eastern Parkway near the The Polish Home.On the intersection of Grove and 16th was a candy store, John's Amoco and Pulaski's Savings and Loans Bank. Nearby was Sacred Heart church and the Grove Shop and Grove Street Elementary School.

My grandmother and aunt lived for many years on Rosehill place near Chancellor Avenue. I went to Irvington Tech as a full time student graduating in 1970. I received a great education and career training, but I missed the students I grew up with and the social activities at Irvington High.

I remember going to Gruber's for Scouting equipment, R&S for bike parts, Woolworth's for Hot Chocolate, Bright Tower for the mini size hamburgers and Paprota's Hardware near 21st street. For snacks, I used to go to Westcott's Nut Products on Coit Street near Irvington Park and went to Demestri and Hibbard's auto places for car repairs.

I was deeply touched by the heartfelt piece about the kidney transplant from Fran Zangari-Hosonitz to her husband Luke Hosonitz. Last year I was a recipient of a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor as a treatment for Leukemia which I am in remission and doing well. My family was not a match for me.

I am sending you a scanned image of the Irvington Tech 1970 yearbook Technique in case you may want to use it. I am looking around for pictures of Irvington.

Irvington Tech closed many years ago and the town of Irvington is using it for its school activities. Again, much appreciation for this web site. Regards, Ray Fairchild


Charlie Nystrom, Class of 71, sad news.

Bicyclist killed in collision was teacher, veteran
- story taken from the Arizona Daily Star

A Tucson bicyclist killed in a collision with a pickup truck Thursday was a teacher and retired Air Force pilot who pedaled to and from school each day.

Charles W. Nystrom, 54, an East Side resident, was riding out of Morris K. Udall Park northbound when he was struck by an eastbound 2000 Ford F-150, according to Sgt. Fabian Pacheco, a Tucson Police Department spokesman. The driver of the truck, a 20-year-old woman, was changing from the curb lane to the median lane and did not see Nystrom as he tried to cross East Tanque Verde Road, Pacheco said.

It appears that Nystrom failed to yield to the truck, he said. No citations have been issued, and the case will be presented to the Pima County Attorney's Office for review.

Teresa Nystrom said her husband had just gotten off a bus and was riding his bike on his way to meet his wife and one of his daughters at a nearby restaurant. Charles Nystrom would ride his bike and catch two buses to his job as a teacher at Accelerated Learning Laboratory, a charter school on the West Side, Teresa Nystrom said. It took him about two hours to get to school, she said. "A lot of it had to do with wanting to keep fit and keep exercising," said Teresa Nystrom, when asked why her husband rode his bike to work. Charles Nystrom always had been careful to follow bike laws, but he had several close calls with vehicles, she said. "People wouldn't give him space" on the road, she said.

Nystrom served in the Air Force for more than 30 years after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1975, she said. He was an F-111 pilot who flew mostly at two bases in England. He also served in the Persian Gulf War, she said.

Nystrom retired from the Air Force two years ago, she said. "He was very dedicated to whatever he was doing," she added. Nystrom taught science to middle school students at the school and was set to teach psychology this year as well, she said. "I could tell that he really enjoyed the challenge of working with kids. They were very fond of him," she said.

In addition to his teaching duties, Nystrom coached the swimming and girls volleyball team at his school and he was active in his church, she said. He was scheduled to preach at church this Sunday, she said. Nystrom enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds, said friend Ted Prezelski. "He enjoyed being around different kinds of people and talking to different kinds of people," Prezelski said. Prezelski and Nystrom played pool on a team together, Prezelski said. "He was a very nice guy," he said. "His faith was really important to him, and I think he wanted to be friendly to everybody."

Thank you to Mike Emanuele, Class of 71, for sharing this tragic story about Charlie Nystrom.

Sanford Rich, father of Mark Rich from the Class of 70, passed recently.
More on Sanford as soon as I receive details. He was heavily involved with Irvington youth through his work with the Irvington Little League.

Here is an article provided by Doug Beauregard, Class of 70

SANFORD RICH
Sanford Rich, 85, resident of Las Vegas for 17 years, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008. Born Oct. 23, 1923, in Newark, N.J., to the late Samuel Rich and Minnie Frankel, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. Sanford was president of Irvington Little League for nine years, and he was involved in youth sports all of his life. He was incredibly proud of his son's restaurant, Mark Rich's New York Pizza and Pasta, where he worked up until his death. For most of his career, Sanford worked as an accountant for Samuel Rich & Son Insurance Company in New Jersey, and he worked with his brother, Albert Rich as a public accountant. Sanford was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta in 1998. He is survived by daughter, Ellen (Sonny) Rich of Las Vegas; son, Mark (Kathy) Rich of Las Vegas; and three grandchildren, Samantha, Joshua and Summer. A funeral service was previously held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave. Services and burial will also be held in New Jersey. Donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Kidney Foundation.

Salvatore “Chip” LaRusso, longtime part of the PAL Colt family, has passed.
Sal “Chip” LaRusso, father of Bob and Sue LaRusso, passed away quietly on Thursday morning, January 8th, 2009. Details of the arrangements were not made known. But after speaking with his son Bob LaRusso on Friday, it was probable there would be a viewing on Sunday and burial on Monday. If you know Bob and Sue, please reach out to them in their time of sorrow.

I am awaiting a statement from the family. But in the meantime, I wanted to share great personal memories of having known Chip. He was a daily fixture at Colt practices in Irvington Park and he attended all the games on Sundays. I don’t have a picture of him at the moment, and I haven’t seen him for a few decades, but his face is etched in my mind forever. He was a terrific guy who was very family oriented. He obviously did a wonderful job in raising Bob and Sue.


Chip is seen here with daughter Susan and granddaughters on a recent birthday.

The LaRusso’s lived near the corner of Lincoln Place and Lyons Ave across from the candy store. Because I always walked home from Irvington High over Lincoln Place and turned to go home on Lyons Ave., I would often stop to talk to Chip on the way home. He always greeted me with an enthusiastic handshake, a wide grin and plenty of positive conversation. That was typical of his personality.

When I went to my 35th Class reunion in 2007, Bob called up his father from his cell phone during the reunion and I buried myself into a corner to speak to him. Bob had prepped me that his health had been on a downslide. Well, he certainly didn’t sound it when we talked. It was like a time warp to hear that same pure excitement in his voice. And, wow, he went on and on about his love for the Colts. He was so incredibly kind in his words to me about my ability to play the game that I began tearing and had to compose myself before going back amongst the people at the reunion. It was very heartwarming to say the least to know that all those memories were still so fresh in his mind. I think Bob sensed how special my relationship was with his father back in the day. As quarterback for the Colts when Bob was the center, Bob and I were a close tandem. LOL...I literally had my hands up Bob’s butt all year and I think Chip got particular enjoyment at how well we executed our roles together and with the whole team. Actually, as I’m thinking about it, I believe Bob was a “Chip” (pun intended) off of his father’s block. He has that same type of pure team attitude and excitement that his father always displayed for the Colt program.. It no doubt rubbed off on Bob.

So we have lost another soul who was a big part of that Colt experience back then. Being omnipresent at Irvington Park, Matthews Field and at away games, everybody knew his face.

Bob and Sue, our hearts go out to you at this time. Stay strong and know that your father was one of the extra special ones that so many of us had the privilege of knowing so closely. His constant support made a difference. I know it did with me. How many Irvington Park practices did he miss? .... zero ? ... lol.

Just a week ago, I posted the picture and story below about Bob LaRusso. Bob showed it to his father on the computer and he was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. Wow, it is amazing how powerful nostalgia can be for some persons. I have no idea why I chose to post the picture & story below when I did, but it somehow just happened. And the response I received back from Chip within the last week of his life, through Bob (via voice mails and email), is something that will forever stay warm in my heart because I remember very well how beautiful and geniune a person he was. Those Pearly Gates are gonna be wide open for this man.

Thank you Mr. Chip LaRusso for touching our souls in the best ways possible and for “being there” and caring like you did. You were a wonderful part of the Colt family. You will never be forgotten. I really regret not being able to speak to you again in this past year. But I’ll speak to you now from time to time in my own way.

With much sorrow, love and appreciation to an exceptional man. You will be missed.
Joey Vargas

Bob LaRusso, Class of 72, Star Lineman

Bob LaRusso, outstanding center and pillar of the 1967 National Champion Colts offensive line. That line also included Colt interior offensive line greats: George Bork, at right tackle, Richie Riccardi, at right guard, Tom Melody at left guard and Wayne Smalley at left tackle. These guys did a truly remarkable job of protecting the quarterback, executing blocks and creating holes for the Colts many offensive weapons which included: Kenny Negri, Bobby Balog, Artie Reiter, Charlie Lombard, Joey Vargas, Armand LePore, Ray Boyer, Mike Alliston, Billy Francovitch and ends John Melody & Mike Sisbarro.

Bob LaRusso, George Bork, Richie Riccardi, Tom Melody and Wayne Smalley were an amazing unit that excelled week in and week out and reflected a strong will to win and deep commitment to legendary Coach Bob Miller’s football system. As the quarterback for the Colts in 1967, I took the snaps from Bob LaRusso and I can tell you that he played his ass off all year long. And he had an exceptional team attitude. He was a pillar in the middle of that line. In fact, I don’t recall ever getting a bad snap from Bob in a game situation. I must say that I look at that picture of him above with a great deal of pride.

Bob LaRusso is now married, has a family, and is a successful chiropractor in New Jersey.

And speaking of the Colts...
Here is a vintage picture in Irvington Park with coaches Fred Panek, Bob Miller and John Venturi directing a Colts practice.


Brian Williams
Outstanding young Irvington Basketball Star
Once scored 51 points in a single game.

How many of you remember one of our terrific young basketball talents named Brian Williams? Brian once scored 51 points in a Small Fry basketball game and then on that same afternoon won the Jaycee's Skills contest for his age group. He also won the Small Fry MVP award that year (which he graciously believes should have gone to Joey Ahearn). And because of his prowess in basketball, he always made the All-Star teams and had the honor of  playing twice at Madison Square Garden with Max Deutsch’s Small Fry All-Stars.

Brian was one of the athletes who got away. He would have graduated IHS in 1969, but alas, he attended four different high schools and lettered in 3 sports. Freshman year he went to Myrtle, sophmore year it was Irvington, junior year was Woodbridge and senior year was Colonia. Some of the people he hung out with back in the day were John Mahon, Vinny Giordano, Johnny Kozlik, John Hopkins, Charlie Pennington, and Rocco Garruto.

This is a picture of the excellent 8th grade basketball team in Edison that Brian Williams is coaching these days. Brian is the man in black in the back right.



Great News: Eddie Kirchgessner,
aka “The Big E”, Class of 72, has found a soulmate !!!

I wanted to share happy news that my dear friend Eddie Kirchgessner, Class of 72, is to be married this April to a wonderful girl from North Carolina named Betty Craven. This will be Eddie’s first marriage and they seem like a match made in heaven. Betty will be moving to Union, NJ to join Eddie. So a lot of us will come to know her. If you wish to congratulate Eddie, here is his email address emkirch@msn.com and phone number 908-764-6848. Raise a glass one time to Betty and “The Big E” !!!










An incredible picture of The Reminiscenes
featuring Paul “Wisk” Whistler and Eddie “Jukebox” Pasterczyk

From left to right are The Reminiscenes featuring Eddie "JukeBox" Pasterczyk, Danny Buckley, Paul Whistler, and Rocco Galenti. This Irvington vocal group was led by one of Irvington’s best all-time musicians and songwriters, the great Paul “Wisk” Whistler. This picture preceded Paul Whsitler’s and Jerry Ciccone’s work with the famous girl group band called The Shangri-Las, who did the smash 60s hits “Leader of the Pack” & “Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)”

“Wisk” later on became a household name around the Jersey Shore music scene. His bands, The Blackberry Booze Band and Whistler and the Wheels often played The Fast Lane, The Stone Pony and The Sunshine Inn to overflowing crowds doing kick-ass R&B and rock & roll. Former band members from these two bands led by Paul included local guitar heros Billy Hector and Paul “Dr” Dichler, drummer Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez from Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band and also the Asbury Jukes Horn Section. Many of you would remember that horn section from Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. Paul is a prolific songwriter. He and his wife Nora, who is an amazing singer, have recorded some of my personal favorite songs.

Popular Irvington High Quarterback
George Agalias, Class of 1963
George’s great looks also made him very popular with the girls. I’ve never heard a girl, of any age who knew George, fail to mention something about how cute or “hot” he was... lol. And on the athletic end, I must say that I greatly admired his graceful ability. What a beautiful throwing motion and touch he had on his passes. He really looked like an athlete !!!


Coach Walter Marshall, IHS Football 1963
Commemorating 25 Years of Coaching
Beautiful trophy was presented below to Coach Marshall by star quarterback, George Agalias.




In honor of the Class of 69 40th Reunion....
Which is being held on October 10th, 2009, here is a look back at the roster of their entire graduation class.

Left to right are Jeff Kaufman, Patty Prignano-Gross, Patti Machiaverna-Joy, Cindy Rekeda-Mondino, and Richard Farrell. All are from the Class of 69. And all of them are a part of the 1969 reunion committee. Make sure to contact them if you wish to attend. Click this link to go to the Class of 69 web site. Help make their reunion a huge success !!!

The Class of 1969 Grad Roster




1940’s IHS Principal Clarence Chamberlain


1963 High School Flagswinger
Karen Weiner, daughter of Milton “Mickey” Weiner !!!


Vintage Picture of “Mickey” McMinn, Gloria McMinn’s late husband, while in the service. Jimmy was also one of Irvington’s Finest.

Yes folks, Jimmy (Mickey) & Gloria were the ones responsible for unleashing Maureen and Kathleen McMinn (seen above right) on an unsuspecting world ....lol. And I’m glad they did :)


Gloria and Jimmy “Mickey” McMinn wedding picture.

Happy 100th Birthday to one of Irvington’s all-time greats, Milton Weiner
October 26th, 2008


Celebrating 1966 Colts Florida & National Championships! This Awards Dinner took place at The Coronet in January of 1967:
Left to right are: Mayor Harry Stevenson, Coach John Venturi, PAL Director Marvin Rich, Head Coach Robert Miller, Coach Danny Delucia and Coach Charlie Reitz


The Colt Girls behind the Colt Boys in 1966

Left to right, back row: Gloria McMinn, Linda Dispenza, Debbie Alati, Kathy McMinn,
Kathy Goeb, Cindy Sikora, Nancy Walker. Bottom row: Kristine Fenchel, Terry Giampino, Bernadette Stoeckel, Patty Ahearn, Jody Miller, Pam Sack.



Bob and Marian Miller in Florida, 1966


Carl Perina, University of Pennsylvania
All-American in 1929

Carl Perina, who was Captain of the Irvington High School football team in 1926, went on to become an All-American football player at the University of Pennsylvania. Most of us would remember him as Irvington’s Director of Parks and Playgrounds.

Offensive Stars from the 1967 Colts - their 2nd straight National Championship team

Foreground, left to right are George Bork, right tackle and Bob LaRusso, center. Back row: Charlie Lombard, left halfback, Bobby Balog, fullback, Joey Vargas, quarterback, and Kenny Negri, right halfback. The starting offensive lineup also included Wayne Smalley, left tackle, Richie Riccardi, right tackle, Tom Melody, left guard, John Melody, left end and Mike Sisbarro at right end. This lineup was an offensive juggernaut. Many people refer to this 1967 Colt team as the best in their illustrious history.

The Colt Girls behind the Colt Boys in 1967

Starting with back row, left to right are Jeannie Graul, Debbie Lambert, Terry Cardinale, ???, Joyce Mullin, Jody Miller, Patty Ahearn, Terry Giampino, Pam Sack, Bernadette Stoeckel, Kristine Fenchel, Laura Mahler, Sue Bercaw, Gina Dente

Gus Zelles, who founded the Irvington PAL, is shown here in 1935 on Springfield Ave.


1965 St. Paul’s Graduating Class
Thank you to Terry Rubino-Morahan, Class of 69, for contributing this picture. How many kids can you name? This would have been high school Class of 69. Check out the girl’s hair styles.





1940’s IHS Superintendent of Schools
Herschel Libby


1967 Grove St. School Graduating Class
Taught by Mr. James Freda

Top row: Peter Craig, Theone Giampino, Ed Lang, Glenda Hilton, Mike Emanuele, Val Duckiwietz, John Salahub. 2nd Row: Pat Bonano, Sam DelRussi, Debbie Moore, Len Denise. 3rd row: Paul Palmaroza, Vicky Golba, Manny Fernandez, Robert Kanouse, Hortensia Zapico, Steve Rawa. 4th row: Elizabeth Morales, Steve Ingram, Vita Ventura, Jim Dubel, Connie Bak, Mike Plewinski & Janet Cooper. Thank you to Michael Emanuele for providing these pictures.

Councilman, Joseph Galluzzi


Gary Lester, Class of 76
Professional Actor, appeared in Ocean’s 13

Gary Lester, Class of 76 with present wife, Lucy. Gary’s stage name is Gary Domino.
Below is a note written to Joey Vargas by Gary.

“Joey,

I really cant believe what I'm seeing on your Irvington Remembered website. So many memories! My name is Gary Lester, son of Charles and Sylvia Lester, both of whom have passed. I don't have my high school year book but if anyone can find the the class of 76 look for Gary Lester and Cindy Luciano. We were married on 9/23/78. Unfortunately Cindy had a very rare form of cancer and passed away on 2/3/88. A lot has happened since then and I could write a book.

The funny part is they always went after me in grammar school at Mount Vernon and Irvington High School to act in plays in the auditoriums. I am now a professional actor and can be seen very well in the movie Oceans 13.  I'm standing to the right of the infamous Al Pacino. So much more to tell. My yearbook and other very special things have been (so to speak) moved to a location that I don't know where. I have absolutely no problem with giving permission to let my classmates know that I made it! Lots more to tell and say.

Regards,
Gary Lester

P. S. I would need someone to get me and Cindy's picture from 76. I am happily married to the love of my life another story no one would believe. Also have 4 kids and I’m a grandpa!”

Gary Lester and Cindy Luciano-Lester, both Class of 76.
(thanks to Frank Marini, Class of 76, I was able to provide these pictures for Gary Lester)

Pete Molinski, Steve Ball, Glen Conrad, Barry Pribula, Barry Nikodem in 1966



Johnny Rich, Warren Gross, Charlie Beach, Dennis Testa, Bobby Kuterka, Nick Stanzione, Paul Stahl, Artie Reiter and Johnny Stecher in 1966.


In 1966, Rich Markovitch (future All State lineman for Seton Hall), the late John Crispin,
Mike DiNorcio, Tommy Kuleba and Bobby LaRusso.





Class of 73, 20th Reunion Faces


Class of 79, 50’s dance picture

Some of the people shown in this IHS gym 50’s dance picture are: Bob Jennings, Joann Herrick, Lori Koch, Linda Lefkowitz, Olga Landin, Eddie Perez, Debbie Thomas, John Doyle, and Mike Melillo. This wonderful picture was supplied by John Doyle, Class of 79.

John “Doc” Gantz, Legendary Irvington High School Baseball Coach


”Teacher of the Year” Maureen McMinn and her mom, Gloria McMinn

Two beautitful ladies: Maureen McMinn, Class of 68, and her mom, the very delightful, Gloria McMinn. Had a terrific weekend visit with Gloria. I consider them family. Many of you might remember Gloria as the head of the Irvington PAL Colt Cheerleaders. Click this link to see her PAL Colt cheerleader squad pictures from back in the day. Maureen, herself, was a member of the PAL Colorguard as pictured below. I’m very proud to share that Maureen won Teacher of the Year honors in 2008. Maureen’s sister Kathleen, Class of 71, was a Colt Cheerleader.


Alan A. Siegel
Renowned Irvington Historian and Author

The late, great Stan Wnek, Class of 36

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.

Joyce Stahl-DeLucia, Mt. Vernon 8th grade graduation picture in June, 1961
Joyce is pictured kneeling in the 2nd row, far right. Can you name any of the others? Joyce’s mom was none other than the late Johanna Stahl, a very respected politician in Irvington. Her brother is Paul Stahl, Class of 71. Her father was also named Paul and was an avid dulcimer musician. And Joyce married Detective and Colt PAL Coach Danny DeLucia.


1947 Irvington High School Faculty





Coach Miller and Don Worton, Class of 72 About to do battle in Florida in 1967


Last minute instructions to 1967 Colts...
before playing the Florida All-Stars in Fort Lauderdale.

In no particular order are Fred Panek, Tony Borkowski, Ken Budinski, Ray Boyer, Ken Negri, John Melody, Bobby Balog, Bruce Bonanno, Bobby Riccardi. There are a few people I cannot name. In 1967, Ken Negri, John Melody, and Bobby Balog were outstanding Colt offensive weapons. I absolutely love this picture. Like yesterday, I can remember the tension in the air and Coach Miller preparing us to play against a team made up of much bigger Florida All-Stars. It proved to be the toughest, most hard-fought game we played in all year. Those of us who were on the field in that game know exactly what I mean. We were never hit so hard in our young lives, We won 14-0. Nothing short of the players “leaving everything on the field” and the brilliant strategy of Coach Robert Miller produced this amazing win. It was a crowning moment in Colt history. Picture and keychain is courtesy of Danny and Joyce DeLucia. Many thanks !!


Irvington’s Charlie “The Milkman” Fusari, top 40s, 50s welterweight boxer.

Charlie “The Milkman” Fusari, shown above, fought Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Graziano in his heyday. He was one of the world’s top welterweight boxers. He was named The Milkman because when he wasn’t fighting, he was delivering milk.

Councilman, Walter Jonkoski


Bill Matthews: The man that Irvington High Matthews Football Field was named after.


Hangin’ at the Tattle Tale Lounge

Here’s a great crew of old Irvington buddies.

Back row, left to right: Phil Reilly Class of '75, Big Bad Frank Marini Class of '76, Gregg Sonn Class of '72, Front: Charlie Henderson Class of '76, Steve Lemongello Class of '75.
Thank you to Frank Marini for this picture.

Special Note: I must stop and give sincere-hearted Frank Marini a huge thank you. Do you know that Frank  took the time to scan his entire Class of 1976 yearbook and send it to me on CD !!! Wow... that says a lot about his heart. I might use what he did as a model for doing every IHS class that I have a yearbook for. Thanks brother Frank. You are very appreciated. You are The Man. I am honored to call you a friend.

Bob and Marian Miller on a cruise


DiMare becomes Da Mayor
Congratulations !!!
Here’s some wonderful news about one of our own...
Irvingtonian, Louis DiMare, from the Class of 72, has been elected Mayor of Tewksbury Township.

He will begin office in January of 2009.

Experience and Service
Township Committee 2007
Tewksbury Planning Board 2002-2006
Planning Board Ordinance reviewer 2002-2006
Parks Committee member 2005
Scenic Roads Commission member 2006 Communications Committee member 2007


Personal
Married to Loren Spiotta-DiMare,
Tewksbury resident since 1998. 6 Barlow Drive, Califon.
Undergraduate studies at Farleigh Dickinson University-Madison
J.D. Drake University, Des Moines Iowa
1980-Law Review Associate Editor
Employed as S.V.P. & General Counsel Ferraro Foods, Inc.

You can send a note of congratulations to Louie at Louisdimare@yahoo.com . He is listed in the EMAIL LIST directory of Irvington Remembered. Louie, we are all very proud of you !!!

from Joey... an extra special thank you to:
Irvington’s Fire Department
Police Department
Town Hall
The Town Clerk’s Office
The Public Library Staff and
Irvington High School for their gracious hospitality to me while I was in Irvington during the Thanksgiving Holiday week. You people are the best. I was so humbled.

Lieutenant Michael Sytko

Had a wonderful time touring Irvington Park and the town with Lieutenant Michael Sytko in this Fire Department vehicle. “Mike, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated what you did”. You will see many of the pictures that were taken in the Irvington PLACES section of the website.

Harold Wiener, Municipal Clerk

Harold Wiener, Municipal Clerk, Class of 75. What a cool guy !!! What hospitality !!!

Gerhard Sanchez, IHS Athletic Director

Gerhard Sanchez. This outstanding young man is gonna make a huge difference for the Irvington High Athletic Department. “Gerhard, the way you reached out will always be remembered.”

Daphne, Irvington Public Librarian

“Thanks for accommodating me”



Again, a huge thank you to Harold Wiener, Municipal Clerk, Class of 75, Gary Shumlich, Fire Chief, Class of 74, Jimmy Suter, Fire Prevention, Class of 75 and the aformentioned Michael Styko, Class of 74, IHS Athletic Director, Gerhard Sanchez and IHS Principal, Dr. Neeley Hackett and Phys-Ed Teacher, Joe Trawick, Class of 71, and many others for making my visit into Irvington very special. I owe you one.



Jerry Lewis at the Sanford Theater in 1957


Classic Picture, Albert Shave

Here’s a great photo of Albert Shave of 624 Lyons Ave. Albert was once stationed in the Army with Roger Miller, the famous singer and guitar player. Together they used to entertain their fellow troops. Above this is Albert pickin’ and grinnin’ at home in Irvington.

Joey Hrasna, Class of 72, and Country Superstar, Barbara Mandrell in Nashville.

Joey Hrasna, Admiral Farragut Class of 72, one of my all time best Irvington friends and a sports soulmate, is shown here in Nashville with country music legend Barbara Mandrell. Joey moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University and has made it his home ever since. He is now a songwriter & guitar player himself and even sports a southern accent.

Joey and I played on many teams together & were fortunate to share a National Championship with the PAL football Colts, a Little League Championship with the Fireman Indians (beating out the Underwood Dodgers who had won 33 straight games) and a Pony League Baseball Championship with the Mike Blasi-sponsored Cleveland. That team coached by Bob Nann and the Ahearn brothers beat out the perennial great George’s Pro Shop Boston team. We also played on several all-star teams together.

In baseball, Joey (3rd base/shortstop) and I (shortstop/pitcher) were a speed & hitting tandem and had uncanny luck together. One year, Hrasna batted .480 in the same season that I batted .587 while leading the Pony League in batting, pitching & strikeouts. My pitching record that year included 2 no-hitters, 2 one-hitters, 1 two-hitter & 2 three-hitters. So we were a potent one-two punch in baseball. We also came within a few innings of winning a 2nd Pony League title. A lot of people forget about Joey Hrasna because he attended Admiral Farragut private school, instead of Irvington High. But he was quite a ballplayer back in the day. We lost a lot of good young Irvington athletes to schools like Essex Catholic, Seton Hall etc. and Joey Hrasna was one of them.

Special Note: Joey Hrasna achieved
All-State baseball honors while attending private high school.

To learn more about Joey Hrasna and his life now and to hear some of his songs, please visit his My Space site online at www.myspace.com/jhrasna. Thank you.

15-3 Fireman Indians in 1966
Little League Champion Big Three:

Joey Vargas, shortstop/pitcher (led league in hitting & home runs), Bob “Smitty” Smith:, Little League pitcher supreme (pitched a perfect game) and terrific 3rd base/shortstop Joey Hrasna.

Note: Bob “Smitty” Smith, Class of 71, pitched a perfect game in 1966. He was a virtually unhittable phenom that year. We went 15-3 and Smitty was a fireballing, shutdown pitcher who helped lead us to the league championship.

18-2 Cleveland Pony League Champions

Front row: Coach Bob Nann, Paul Lieb, Joe Torre, Joey Vargas, Joey Ahearn, Joey Hrasna, Mike Basile (PAL Baseball Chairman), Back row: Coach John Ahearn, Dave Celeste, Tony “Pochy” Liaci, Tim Vorhees, Billy Kraska, Billy Prisco, Frank Bellis, Coach Joe Ahearn. Missing from this picture were teammates John Mallon, Charlie Englemier & Pete Molinsky.

The team that set the standard: 33 straight wins: The 18-0 Underwood Dodgers.

Back row: Mike Malgieri, Coach Araneo, Jack Healy, Joe Paolella, Steve Araneo,
Coach Longinotti, Gene Travisano, George Clark, Coach Frank Travisano, and Joe
Longinotti. Front row: Tommie Stahl, Vic Cotugno, Craig Schreiner, Tony Scrudato,
Artie Reiter, Dennis Testa, and batboy David Longinotti.

Bob Droppa, Class of 73, IHS Football & Baseball Captain. Now an Airline Captain.

Bob Droppa, Class of 73, was captain of both the IHS football and baseball teams. He went on to the Naval Academy, graduated from there in 1977, and then spent 20 years as a naval pilot. For the past 12 years, he is now a commercial airline pilot with Southwest Airlines.

Below Bob is pictured at a Houston Texans game. Gotta love football !!! .. lol !!!


Together Again. The Irvington Park Clique
This was a very special informal reunion of a lot of the old Irvington Park Clique that hung together every day for years. We have a pure love and kinship that transcends all the years we have been apart growing as adults. Those innocent times back then were the best of times. And we shared them together. Click this link to see the all of the pictures from that night.

Left to right: Jeanie Graul, Patty Cataldo, Kathy Goeb, Linda Dispenza, Cindy Sikora, Nancy Walker. All are Class of 71 except Jeanie Graul, Class of 70.


The Girls: Jeanie Graul, Cindy Sikora, Kathy Goeb, Patty Cataldo, Linda Dispenza, Nancy Walker. The Boys: Charlie Lombard, John Manning, Bruce Sikora, Joe Torre, Joey Vargas, Scott Gross, Paul Stahl.

Dinner in West Caldwell

This was a dinner get-together at a great Italian place in West Caldwell with all Irvingtonians.
Left to right: Dean Braithwaite, Class of 71, John Manning, Class of 71, Charlie Lombard, Class of 72, Paul Lobozzo, Class of 71, Craig Schreiner, Class of 71, Al Shave, Class of 66 and standing Joey Vargas, Class of 72. At the end of the meal, stumblin’, mumblin’ Al Shave broke out his harmonica and did some blues right at the table in the restaurant. A unique ending to a great time amongst old friends.

Party at Paddy’s Place
The Irvington Party at Paddy’s Place on November 29th, 2008, was a wonderful success. Huge thank you to Joe Torre and for everyone who attended. It was fantastic to see everybody together. Click this link to see over 100 pictures from that very special night.

Phenomenal Irvington guitarist, Tony Nardo, Class of 70, doing Cream’s Crossroads.


Former Irvington High School varsity baseball teammates, centerfielder Paul Madeo, Class of 70, shortstop Joey Vargas, Class of 72 and 3rd baseman Mike Malgeri, Class of 70.


Two gorgeous Irvington gals, Diane Zaleski, Class of 74 and Hortensia Zapico, Class of 71.


Jeff Joy, Yvonne Russomanno, Craig Schreiner, Noreen Colemen. All Class of 71.



Joe Torre, a lifetime performer, belting out a rocker.


Dinner with Diane Zaleski in Cranford.

Irvington Party at Paddy’s Place in Union
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
featuring a band lead by Irvington’s Joe Torre, Class of 70.


Hey everybody !!!
In spite of the challenges that I have been experiencing, like millions of other Americans in today’s economic climate, I am very fortunate to have been afforded a chance to spend the entire Thanksgiving holiday in New Jersey this year. And I wanted to announce that there is going to be a beautiful gathering of Irvington folk in Union, NJ on Saturday, November 29th at a place called Paddy’s Place.

Come out and join us. There will be a lot of old Irvingtonians that you can reconnect with. Paddy’s Place does not have a cover charge. You only need to bring yourself and enjoy old friends and make new friends.

That night Paddy’s Place will feature the music of a band called Revival, which is made up of fellow Irvingtonian’s Joe Torre, from Class of 70, on Vocals & Keyboards, Tony Nardo, from Class of 72, on Lead Guitar,  Nicky Nardo on Drums and Pete Myer on Bass.

Look at the incredible picture below. It shows the Irvington Band called The Razen in 1969.

So many of you will remember that The Razen played all those Canteen Dances and Block Parties back in the late 60s / early 70s. That band was made up of:

Left to right: Stan Pavalinic on Keyboards, Glen Post on Drums, Joe Torre on Vocals, Johnny Nardo on Bass Guitar, Tony Nardo on Lead Guitar and they were managed by Paul Coleman. All were excellent young musicians.

I enjoyed many of the Irvington Bands like The Riddlers, Chelsea Wearhouse, Purple People, Saturday Night Bath etc. but The Razen hold a special place because of the amount of times I went to see them and the people I was with and the places that they played. And they were tight as can be for being young guys.  I can remember being at a dance at IHS and going to the bathroom and somebody yelling inside. “Hurry up, Tony Nardo’s doing Stairway To Heaven”. Which was a reference to Tony’s outstanding lead guitar talent. And of course, what can you say about Glen Post and Johnny Nardo. Them boys were bad-ass players.

So here’s a good excuse to get out of the house on a Saturday night, during a holiday weekend, to see a bunch of Irvington people you haven’t seen in a while. And also to enjoy the music of some guys who were a big part of our past when we went to all those canteens and Civic Square block parties together. I love the nostalgia of that.

Hope to see you all there !!!
The Revival Band plays from 9:30pm till 1:30am. Joe Torre is suggesting to arrive between 8:00 to 8:30pm for best seating.

Paddy's Place
999 Rosemont Ave.
Union, NJ 07083
(908) 686-8935
 
Right off of Styvesant Ave. (one block from Morris Ave.)
Across from where the old Jahns Ice Cream place used to be.
 
Mapquest link
Map for Paddy’s Place


Left to right: Joe Torre, Pete Myer, Nicky Nardo, Tony Nardo



Vintage “SHADOWS OF LUV” picture

Irvington Band “THE SHADOWS OF LUV” on February 13, 1967 on The Zachery Show,  Channel 47  Disc-O-Teen  in Newark.

The Shadows of Luv were:
Keyboards: Stan Pavalinic, Class of 1969
Bass Guitar: Al Byrnes Class of 1968
Lead Guitar: Greg Freisen Class of 1969
Lead Singer: Lonnie Tripodi Class of 1968
Drummer, Joe Torre Class of 1970

Some of the people dancing in the photo above are: Billy Prisco, Laura Gubernat, Joann Leahy, Susan Muller, Kathy Evans. All of them are from Irvington  


Many thanks to Joe Torre for these fantastic pictures.



1941 Swiss Flag IHS Flagswingers

The combination of the Irvington High School Band and this group of Flagswingers in 1941 were so talented and well drilled that they became the first such group from New Jersey to be invited to play at the famed Polo Grounds during halftime ceremonies for the NY Giants.

Marlin Brinser, with Bette Clemence, 1940.

Marlin Brinser is show above with Bette Clemence. For 37 years, Marlin led the Irvington High School bands. He brought them to National prominence. During the 1940s, they were the largest band in the state. And they even performed at the 1940s World’s Fair. Marlin was a true Irvington High School icon.

The lovely Marian Miller at a Florida hotel with the Colts in 1966


Robert Miller and family in Florida, 1966

Left to right, The Millers: Robert Sr., Gary, Robert Jr. and Marian.

Danny and David Diaz “Class of 73 Twins”


1940’s IHS Vice-Principal, Lloyd Taylor


Kathy McMinn-Cowie, Class of 71
with beautiful daughter Lesley & son Tim, Christmas Day, 2008


Mary Ann Reichle, Class of 71


Jeannie Bondzel, Class of 72

Jeannie Bondzel, Class of 72, with her boyfriend. This picture was taken at Diamond Beach, NJ while visiting Denise Marcell, Class of 71. Denise lives a block from this beautiful beach.

Tom Connelly, “Class of 69 Best-Looking”
with his wife Brenda, cousin of Denise Marcell, Class of 71


Long-time New York Jet Tailgate Buddies

Nancy Walker-Pendle, Class of 71 with husband Joe Pendle, Class of 72


Great friends: Phil Reilly, Class of 75 and Joe Pendle, Class of 72


Gene Myers, Class of 75, Sondra (Frank Marini’s girl) and Joe Pendle, Class of 72


Joe Pendle, Class of 72


Joe Pendle, Class of 72, and Tommy McHenry from NY


Phil Reilly, Class of 75, and Frank Marini, Class of 76


Nancy Walker-Pendle on Phil Reilly’s Winnabego


Phil Reilly, Class of 75 and Joe Pendle, Class of 72

Jerry Lewis, High School Cheerleader

Jerry Lewis, 2nd from left, is shown here as an Irvington High cheerleader.

Gloria McMinn, grandaughter Lesley Cowie and Kathy McMinn-Cowie

The ever-wonderful Gloria McMinn, very cute granddaughter Lesley and daughter, Kathy McMinn-Cowie, Class of 71, in November, 2008 at Lesley’s college campus.

Roxy’s Sweet Shop, 1956

Shelly Kelton, Master Soda Jerk, pictured behind the counter at Roxy’s Sweet Shop on Chancellor Ave. next to the Chancellor Theater in 1952. Many thanks to Dr. Thomas Panitch DDS, Class of 1956 and Karen Pellow for contributing this picture and the two below.


Tom Panitch (right), Class of 54, and Albert Magley on Union Avenue, Irvington in 1954.

Grove St. School Kindergarden, 1951




Dr. Tom Panitch (sailot cap) and various cronies by Mt. Vernon Avenue School in 1954.
“Dr. Tom” still maintains his active dental practice on Myrtle Avenue in downtown Irvington.


Maureen Knapp, John Doyle and Karen Triheart.


Left to right: John Doyle 79, Joey Horbelt 77, and Al Park 77. Singing in the first floor Irvington High School bathroom during Guys & Dolls rehearsals. April 1976.

Jill Santoriello hits it big on Broadway !!!
“A TALE OF TWO CITIES”
The beautiful daughter of Joan Jennings-Santoriello and Monty Santoriello, both Class of 50, has written the book, lyrics and music for A Tale of Two Cities which is now playing on Broadway at the prestigious Al Hirschfeld Theater in New York City . How incredible !!!

The Santoriello’s, left to right: Alex, Joan, Monty and Jill. This wonderful photo was taken just outside the theater on opening night, September 18th, 2008.

The immensely-talented Jill, spurred on early in life by her actor brother, Alex, has seen her life long dream come true. After many years of dedication, her work is being showcased in a new Broadway play called A Tale of Two Cities. She wrote the book, the lyrics & the music for the show. She is the show's author ! This is her baby ! AND AUDIENCES LOVE IT !!!

Please go out to see this triumphant work by Jill Santoriello !!!
It would be a Night to Remember !!!

Here is the information for tickets:
“A TALE OF TWO CITIES”
Al Hirschfeld Theater Box Office
302 W.45th St. & 8th Ave.
212-239-6200.
Website: www.Talemusical.com

We can all be so proud of Jill !!!  BIG THUMBS UP !!!

A note from Jill’s mother, Joan Santoriello, Class of 50.
We are very proud to announce that our daughter, Jill's Broadway Musical "A Tale of Two Cities" opened on 9/18/08 and is doing very well.

We want to thank all of you who have gone to see it so far. And I hope that all who can go in the future, will go. Please tell all your friends, relatives and their friends and relatives to go to see it. The Show needs "word of mouth" to keep it running for a long time, We hope you can go.

It's a wonderful story of love and redemption with beautiful lyrics and music and we promise that everyone will really enjoy seeing it again and again.

June Kocon Spector, Class of 50 wrote:
"Seeing Jill's show, going into the City to see "A Tale of Two Cities" was one of the best times of my life.

Carole Dyke Lackaye, Class of 50, Marilyn Fox Alexy, Class of 50, June & Carole's daughter's Susan & Diane & Marilyn's friend Ann “Had a great day. June's daughter, Susan had to ask strangers for tissues to wipe tears from her eyes from the emotions she felt. It was so fantastic. We all were in awe that our "Baby Jill" put on a production as wonderful as "A Tale of Two Cities" & brought it to Broadway. Afterward, they all went to dinner at Joe Allen's with Joan, Monty and Jill. Just being with Jill made us all feel like celebrities. People swarmed our table to congratulate her. Champagne bottles popped & we all toasted to Joan & Monty for giving us such a talented, beautiful daughter & to Jill for giving us such pleasure with this huge Broadway success.

Congratulations to Jill Santoriello.
Standing ovation!!!!
It's a must see!

If anyone would like to contact Joan and Monty directly, here is their info:

Joan & Monty Santoriello
1569 Lynchburg Lp.,
The Villages, FL 32162
(352)430-0788
monty_santoriello@yahoo.corn 

Note: The entire cast went to the United Nations recently to perform because it was "Hunger Day” and "A Tale of Two Cities" is partially about hunger & deprivation in France just before the French Revolution.

Pearl Harbor Survivor from Irvington !!!
Bob Kinzler, Class of 1939.


Bob Kinzler, Class of 39, and Maryanne Krause, Class of 71. The picture above is courtesy of Maryanna Krause. She was vacationing in Hawaii recently and arranged to meet with a veteran and survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor. As she was speaking to Mr. Kinzler, it came out that he was from Irvington. How cool and incredulous was that to have a chance meeting that far away from where they both went to high school !!! He took a picture with her and also signed this card above with his Class year for Maryanne to bring home as a souvenier..

Frank Mancinelli, POW for 25 months !!!
....An American Hero !!!

Irvington’s Frank “Manci” Mancinelli, husband of Rose Zarro and the  father of  four children: Richard, Irene, Angela, and Lisa.

Medals Received: POW Medal, Purple Heart, European Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, French Morocco with 2 Battle Stars, Tunisia.

Military Job: Bar Machine Gunner

Bio: Frank was born January 20, 1918 in Newark, NJ. He was the youngest of 6 children; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. He grew up helping neighbors. After grammar school, he went to the Boy's Vocational School in Newark, NJ and learned to be a printer. After graduation, he went to work for Geiger Brothers Printing Company in Newark, NJ where he helped print calendars and diaries. He met Rose Zarro there who would later become his wife.

He was drafted into the Army on January 13, 1941 and proceeded to Fort Dix, NJ for induction. He trained in Fort Bragg, North Carolina for 22 months in the 9th Inf. Division He arrived overseas on the invasion of Africa. After fighting across French Morocco and Tunisia, he was wounded in action at the Kasarine Pass where the German & Italian troops took him prisoner on March 28, 1943. He was transported to the hospital in Palermo, Sicily where he stayed for 14 days. He was transferred to a hospital in Bologna, Northern Italy for a 6-month recovery. He was loaded onto a boxcar with 100 other prisoners who were being transported to Campo 59 in Italy. When Italy capitulated, he was set free into German occupied Italy where freedom lasted 10 days. Then, while trying to reach American lines, he was re-captured by German troops and taken back to Campo 59. He was held there until a train of boxcars arrived to transport the POW's to Germany. This trip lasted 6 days & 5 nights in the boxcar with no food or water. They arrived in Mooseberg, Germany. After a short stay, they were transported to Stalag 2 B in Hammerstein, Germany. That lasted 1 and ½ years. During that time, the POW's were sent out on daily work details. With the Russians persuing the Germans, he was transported to different camps. He  was put in a Camp in Hamburg, Germany. After a few days he was taken to Cologne, Germany.

On April 18, 1945, A British Tank Battalion liberated the POW camp. All the men were then admitted to a hospital in France where they were treated for yellow jaundice, malnutrition and dysentery. All were then moved to Camp Lucky Strike in LaHarve, France to await shipment back to the USA.

Late May of 1945, the men were loaded onto a ship heading for New York. This took 6 days. On Memorial Day, the men saw the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and were home at last.

On July 1, 1945 he married Rose Zarro and they settled in Irvington, NJ. They worked together at Geiger Brothers for one year. Rose and Frank raised 4 children; Richard, Irene, Angela Podskalny and Lisa Giamella. They are now the proud grandparents of 5; Dean & Cara Mancinelli, Frank & Victoria Giamella and Adam Podskalny. Frank and Rose relocated to Dunedin, FL in October of 1988 and are enjoying their retirement.

Note: Frank passed away two years ago on October 8th, 2006.

Warren Gross, Class of 71, playing cowboy


VE Day in Irvington circa 1945

Carole Ferrari, Class of 57, contributed this photo through Bill Carbone, Class of 57. It depicts a VE Day celebration in Irvington from probably 1945 when the war ended. Carole is standing on the top of the steps and Stan Cesaro and his Dad are by the curb and street. Can anyone figure out what street this is in Irvington?

Answer from Mary Hobbie regarding the picture above:
You asked if anyone knows about this picture.  I believe it is Ellis Avenue in Irvington, just off Clinton Avenue.  Around the corner from Hanks Steakhouse and across the street from PSE&G.   I believe the house on the left, with the open porch, is 7 Ellis Avenue. where my family, the Hobbies, lived from about 1967 to 1972.  When we lived there, the front porches were closed in.  It's a duplex and our side was 7 Ellis and I believe the other side was 9 Ellis Ave.   Someone else I know actually saw it and recognized it after all these years!  It certainly looks like it and if I can find a picture of the house when we lived in it, I'll forward it.  The stoop is what gives it away!!

Thank you Mary !!!


Dr. Lovell poster image supplied by Bill Carbone, Class of 57.


Picture of 1951 IHS baseball team - supplied by Mike Stevko, Class of 51.

Vintage Picture from Peggy Podolak

Front left is Alice Podolak, Class of 71 and on the right is Dawn Rich, Class of 70. Picture was taken at a beach somewhere on the Metedeconk River. Behind is Bob Borders & his wife.

Pell Giameo, RIP
 

It is with very sad heart that I share the passing of another one of Irvington’s all-time great citizens, the wonderful Pell Giameo.

Pellegrino “Pell” Giameo 

GIAMEO Pellegrino Pell Giameo, building inspector, Army veteran, active with PAL, 84 Pellegrino Pell Giameo, 84, of Roselle Park passed away at home on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.


Pell’s Life:
- Born in Newark, Mr. Giameo lived in Irvington for most of his life before moving to Roselle Park in 1990.

- He was the building inspector for the Township of Irvington for 15 years before retiring in 1989.

- He served honorably in the U.S. Army and was a founding member of the VFW Post 9393 in Irvington, where he served as an officer for many years.

- He was a member of the board of directors of the Irvington PAL and conducted for the PAL Marching Band.

- He was a hardworking advocate for the children of Irvington and then in Roselle Park, where his sons, Steve and Paul, now reside.

- Mr. Giameo had a passion for horse racing and bike riding, and was a man who treasured tradition. He faithfully attended Roselle Park Youth Baseball League games, where he was a proud sponsor, cheering on his grandchildren.

- Many will miss his broad smile and most of all his constant dedication to creating opportunities for the youth he had in his life and his community.

- He was a lifelong officer who also devoted his time to wounded hospitalized veterans by giving weekly haircuts and Bingo games for his comrades at the VA Hospital.

- Pell was also a bandmaster for the St. Lucys and Ballantine Drum and Bugle Corps of Newark.

- He was also a 10-gallon blood donor.

Mr. Giameo was predeceased by:
- his former wife, Anne Borges.

He was the devoted father of:
- Andrew E. and his wife, Irene
- Jack and his wife, Barbara
- Anita and her husband, Emanuel Tancredi
- Ronald
- Steven and his wife, Fran
- Paul and his wife, June

He was the loving grandfather of:
- 12 grandchildren.

He was the dear brother of :
- Josephine Galante
- Phyllis Rizzo
- the late Norine Naples

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Roselle Park Dads Club, P.O. Box 182, Roselle Park, N.J. 07204.

The Giameo family
Pelligrino “Pell” Giameo - Irvington High School class of 1942

- Andrew Giameo, IHS class of '67, residing in Westfield, NJ
- Jack Giameo, IHS class of' '68, residing in Toms River, NJ
- Rosanita “Anita” Giameo-Tancredi, IHS class of '72, married to
- Manny Tancredi, IHS Class of 71, residing in Union, NJ
- Ronnie Giameo, IHS class of '74, residing in Union, NJ
- Steve Giameo, IHS class of '79, residing in Roselle Park, NJ
- Paul Giameo, IHS class of '81, married to
- June Jusinksi-Giameo, IHS class of '82, residing in Roselle Park, NJ


RAY BOYER - Irvington baseball star !!!

I am incredibly proud to show off this photograph of Irvington’s own Ray Boyer from the Class of 72. Ray ascended from the ranks of Irvington High School baseball to become a professional player on the triple-A team of the Boston Red Sox. He is shown here at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in a shining moment in his career, powering a home run off of future New York Yankee star pitcher, Dave Righetti. As some of you might remember, Righetti once pitched a no-hitter at the major league level with the Yankees. Well, this is Ray Boyer “taking him yard”.

Ray’s exploits as a player and coach will be spotlighted in the near future on this web site. Ray, thank you so much for sharing this great photo. Needless to say, we are all very proud of you.

Hanging out at Gus’s Luncheonette in 1952

Carole Synder, Maryann, Hilda Reinhardt, Pam, Gladys at Gus’s Luncheonette.
Wow !!! What lovely gals !!!


Hilda Reinhardt, 1952 ... Aye muchacha !!! Que Cute !!!


Carole Synder and Hilda Reinhardt on the corner of Grove St. and 19th Ave. in 1952.
It’s wonderful pictures like this that probably inspired The Four Lads to sing “Standing On The Corner...watching all the girls go by” back in 1956.

Above 3 pictures supplied by Carole Synder-Ignomirello


Some of the youngsters who attended the Doolan’s all-class reunion in Spring Lake in 2008.
Pictures supplied by Pattie Patriarco-Coull, Class of 72.

Irvington Bus Terminal in 1953




Maureen Cooney, Class of 71, with husband Phil Furr. Maureen has become a School Principal in North Carolina and has the designation, NMSA Distinguished Educator. Many of you might remember Maureen as a member of the 1971 IHS Color Guard !


Class of 53 Reunion in 2008.

How the Irvington PAL began !!!
- a story about Charles “Gus” Zelles and Joe Marke that has never been told. I am so proud to present it on the Irvington Remembered web site for the first time and to give proper recognition where it is so richly deserved. Thank you Dr. Rodger Zelles and Helen Marke for sharing this wonderful account of the genesis of what became Irvington’s “Finest” Institution, THE IRVINGTON PAL !!!


Joe Marke far left and Gus Zelles far right.

This is the story of two of “Irvington’s Finest” who had a dream that left a legacy to the youths of that town. The dates are approximate. The names and events may be misty for they come from the clouding memories of the sons of one of them, and the wife of the other, who ask forgiveness for any inaccuracies.

August Charles “Gus” Zelles was prodded to join the Irvington Police department during the “Great Depression” of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s by his good friend Irvington’s Fire Chief James Thompson Jr. “Gus” spent his early years on the force in many capacities. He was a foot patrolman, a motor cycle patrolman a “pie wagon” driver, and a do-it-all policeman. He also participated as a saxophone player in the Police Marching Band and as a member of the department’s renowned pistol team that won state and national acclaim.

During World War II, Gus was sent by the department to Atlanta Georgia for training with the
F.B.I. to become a member of the Irvington’s Alien Squad whose duties were to search for and arrest the Nazi sympathizers, spies and saboteurs that resided in the town that was once known as Germantown.

After the war ended, and there was no longer a need for the Alien Squad, Gus was reassigned. It is here that the quest of his dream began.

Officer Gus Zelles, his partner Joe Marke, and a few of the other members of the force, suggested establishing a youth organization to Police Commissioner Ballentine. The premise that this institution be founded was that children who are given the opportunity to involve themselves in sports and related pastimes are less likely to be involved in any antisocial behavior. The Commissioner appointed Gus and Joe to begin such an organization, and it was at this point in time that Irvington’s PAL was born.

Officers Zelles and Marke were inexperienced in accomplishing such a fete, but they decided to begin by visiting a neighboring PAL organization in the city of Yonkers in New York. The organizational pattern of that PAL was instituted in Irvington and the Irvington PAL was on its way to becoming the first PAL in New Jersey and one of the nations finest.

Sports equipment was the first priority. Wilson and McGregor manufacturers were solicited for donations and supplying of the necessary items as well as the local sport stores fronted by the Meale brothers’ establishment, for a boxing program, basketball and baseball teams. When this aim was accomplished, leagues were begun and the town’s youth responded in an overwhelmingly positive manner by filling the teams’ rosters.

The fine men of the Irvington Police Department enthusiastically fulfilled the many needed volunteer positions of coaches, umpires, and referees and all the other jobs that need doing.

Gus and Joe were seldom found at home during these years as they administrated the organization and filled in as volunteers doing the necessary responsibilities that make a great athletic program successful.

It was at this point that a director needed to be named and it was decided between the partners of Zelles and Marke, that Joe become director and Gus the deputy. The decision was made as such because Gus decided that his time was much closer to retirement than was Joes’ and that would leave the established director in charge for a much longer time period.

The organization grew and prospered and the youth of Irvington enthusiastically participated in an expanding number of programs offered by the Irvington PAL.

Gus had another dream and that was having a building to house all the Irvington PAL’s activities. Once again, the Zelles-Marke team put together a plan to help fund the project by producing a first time event for the town of Irvington to kick off the funding campaign. A night football game at the Irvington High School field was one chosen occasion. The game was to be played between Dickinson High School of Jersey City NJ, and the (Camptowners) Irvington High team. It was a successful event that seeded the coffers earmarked for the future PAL building. The game was repeated for several years and these funds, along with the funds gathered by the proceeds of professional boxing events and other means, financed the building’s construction long after Gus was no longer with the Irvington Police Department.

The long partnership association between August Charles Zelles and Joseph Marke was ended when a political change headed by Commissioner Elmer J. Housman, necessitated Gus’s removal from the PAL. Joe was to remain and assist the new appointed director, while Gus was assigned back to the patrol cars and finally as a desk sergeant before his retirement in the early 1960’s.

Gus never saw his dream completely fulfilled. The PAL was a flourishing organization, but the building that was supposed to have born his and his partner’s names had been purchased from the YMCA in 1963 before his passing on July 4th, 1967. However, he was not longer a part of the organization he loved so dearly and he lived out his remaining days quietly in Long Island.

Joe Marke left the PAL eventually to become a Deputy Chief and headed the Detective Bureau before his retirement in, we think, 1980. Joe Marke passed away on March 15th, 2005.

The PAL and the building that housed this organization should stand as monuments to the dreams and efforts of these men. Their recognition and their names as founders, as far as we know, are not in evidence to this day.

There is an inestimable number of young people that have benefited from the hours spent in the PAL and the building that housed this fine community organization.

There is a recognition that lives within the many letters that were received by Joe’s widow, Helen Marke, from individuals that grew up within the guidance of the Irvington PAL. The writers of these letters express their gratitude to these men and the PAL for helping to shape their happy and successful lives. The letters were never seen by the founders, but this was in fact, the aim of their efforts.

Written & Compiled by:Dr. Rodger A. Zelles and Dr. Gary W. Zelles with the invaluable help of Helen Marke (Joe’s wife) who celebrates her 90th birthday in June of 2008.

Gus Zelles left and Joe Marke right, working selflessly with the youth of Irvington. Joseph Ezbanski is the kid on the left.





Bob Molee, Class of 76
with Blues Legend, Hubert Sumlin
This is a wonderful sequence of pictures taken of Bob Molee with a true blues guitar great named Hubert Sumlin. Hubert is a renowned old school blues guitarist whose incredible style ranges from despair to ecstasy and from delicate grace to raw power. Hubert has that special magic in his playing. His style is original, personal and instantly recognizable. He is someone who has influenced and inspired many of the world’s most famous guitar players. Amongst the people he has played with are Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Eric Clapton himself is a huge fan. Last year I personally had the pleasure of seeing Hubert perform in Chicago at an all-day guitar festival called Crossroads II Guitar Festival which was hosted by Eric Clapton and which featured Hubert, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, BB King, Derek Trucks, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and so many others. I was there and Hubert was a particular favorite. He’s a living legend !!!

Bob Molee works for a well-known shipping company and regularly delivers to Hubert. Recently he decided that he would take the dramatic chance to bring his guitar to Hubert’s house to be signed and to sit down and talk with him. Well he was warmly received and the pictures below show Hubert signing and holding Bob’s guitar after actually playing it for him. What a cool story !!!

Thanks again to Baseball Bob Molee for making such a great contribution to the Irvington Remembered web site. I felt so proud of you, my man, for taking this step !!! And the event was captured so beautifully in these pictures !!! Big Thumbs Up !!! Being a huge fan and collector of music and blues guitar in particular, I am so-o-o jealous !!! And I will be proudly sharing these pictures with all my collector friends.








Below is a picture taken personally from the aforementioned Crossroad’s II Guitar Festival in Chicago last summer, 2007. On the left is Bob Molee’s friend, Hubert Sumlin and on the right, in the white cap, is an adoring Eric Clapton capturing Hubert’s performance with his own camera.


Patty Cataldo, Class of 71
Rockin’ out on her birthday with The Blue Iguanas featuring Irvington guitarist Craig Philhower, Class of 70 in a Pompano Beach, Florida studio.




June 21st Get-Together at Wharfside in Point Pleasant
and plans for a full Class of 71 Reunion

Ellen Albaum and Michaelanne Acocello, both Class of 74, doing the Mumble Cheer.

Tremendous pictures of Mrs. America,
Irvington’s own Joyce Tyleske
taken by Eli Weiss in 1952


Remembering Judith D. Zuk, Class of 69
Horticulturist, Educator, and Botanic Garden Executive, September 1st, 2007
 
Judith D. Zuk, President Emeritus of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, one of North America's preeminent botanic gardens, died in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 1, 2007 after a long illness.

Ms. Zuk led the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for 15 years and was only the fifth president in the institution's nearly 100-year history. Prior to coming to New York in 1990, she was the director of the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

"Judy was an extraordinary and adored leader, who guided the Garden through the planning and execution of major capital projects, the expansion of its horticultural, scientific and education programs and the creation of its master plan for the future," said Brooklyn Botanic Garden board chairman Earl Weiner. "Her death represents an enormous personal loss to all of us who loved and admired her, as well as to the worldwide horticultural community. I am consoled by the knowledge that her extraordinary contributions to the Garden will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come."

 
Ms. Zuk studied botany at Rutgers University, graduating summa cum laude in 1973. She then received a Master's in Public Garden Administration from the University of Delaware, and was awarded a Garden Club of America fellowship to study landscape design in England. Ms. Zuk was co-editor-in-chief of The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, and served on the boards of many professional and cultural organizations, including Botanic Gardens Conservation International and as chair of the Cultural Institutions Group in New York City.

Ms. Zuk was widely recognized for her leadership in American horticulture and received many prestigious awards, including the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America. In 2004, the American Public Gardens Association chose Zuk, its former Board president, to receive its Honorary Life Member Award, the Association's most prestigious honor. Upon her retirement in 2005, Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrated Ms. Zuk by the naming of the Judith D. Zuk Magnolia Plaza there and of a magnolia cultivar developed by the Garden, Magnolia × 'Judy Zuk.'

Ms. Zuk is survived by her sister, Patricia Campbell, of China Grove, North Carolina, and nephew Ian Campbell. A celebration of her life is planned for September 23 at the Botanic Garden.


Great contribution from John Schmidt,
Class of 1976:
- loved the content of his email and thought it should be posted.

Hi Joey,
 
I just want to thank you for the Irvington Remembered site. It's outstanding. I'm a class of 1976 graduate, and I recognize a lot of faces from your class and some of the "older classes" (relatively speaking, for me -- no offense).
 
I have a couple contributions for the site. The first is a newspaper clip of the 1973 football team (my sophomore year), which went 6-3 and featured a pretty good halfback named Dexter Brown. One of my favorite memories of this season was the opportunity to suit up for my first varsity game in November against Newark West Side, and actually getting into the game in the first half when one of the starting defensive linemen broke a chin strap. It was one of those things where the coach turned around to look for a replacement and I happened to be the first guy he saw. I got to suit up because a big defensive tackle named Arnold Gallina was injured. Arnold's jersey was so big on me, half of the number disappeared into my pants when I tucked the jersey into them.
 
The second photo is out of the 1976 yearbook. It's the 1975 team that went 7-3 and was the first Irvington HS team to go to the state playoffs (North 2, Group 4). This has to be one of the very best teams in IHS history:

Going back to the last two games of 1974, we had an eight game winning streak, including the first six games of 1975.

We were the first IHS team since 1958 to beat Montclair (14-6 on their field).

We beat Union, which had future Penn State and Washington Redskins linebacker Larry Kubin.
After our first loss to a very tough Bloomfield team, we bounced back to shut out Newark East Side on Senior Day to clinch our playoff berth.

We were ranked in the Star-Ledger Top 20 for three weeks, peaking at number 13 in the state.

We lost our playoff game to Newark Barringer at Schools Stadium 7-6. We were cheated out of a win by the refs, because after we scored our touchdown we went for a two point conversion that we think we made, but the refs ruled that we didn't. It sounds like sour grapes, but every paper that covered the game had the same observation.
 
The amazing thing about the '75 team was that we didn't have any big playmakers. Our QB, Bob Kennedy, was a converted guard (he was actually a pretty good lefty pitcher for the baseball team). Stanley Jones, our tailback, ran for only about 500 yards that year. We had a big fullback named Bob Vorhies who, sadly enough, died at a very young age after a football practice at Virginia Tech University a few years later. The heart of our team was our defense, which included two big tackles (Tom Lisinicchia, who was third team all-state) and Ed Doud, plus Vorhies and Reggie Kimbrough at linebacker. Our defense pitched shutouts against Nutley, Kearny and East Side, and held Montclair, Belleville, and Vailsburg to one touchdown each. Union only managed two scores, even with a future All-American.
 
I was a back-up center on the team, only getting into a couple games. But I loved playing. My problem back then was that I wasn't as big as I am now. And actually, like most people our age, I wouldn't mind being that size now.
 
1975 was probably one of the best sports years ever at Irvington. The previous spring, the baseball team won more than 20 games and finished #4 in the state (behind Union, Morristown and one school I can't remember), and the track team went 13-0 including a huge upset of state champ Columbia.
 
Well, I've probably rambled enough. Thanks again for the great site.
 
Best regards,
 
John Schmidt
Class of 1976







Kathy McMinn and her mom, Gloria McMinn hold up a Welcome Home PAL Colts Banner at Newark Airport during Christmas week 1966. This was an amazing reception for us kids to experience. It was one the most proud moments in the storied history of the Colts. The Colts had just traveled to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the first time and we posted two sensational wins of 35-0 and 38-7. The latter win was a stunner over a York, PA team that had not lost in over two years. Soon after, this Colt team was named National Champions.

Our Welcome Home reception included the banner above, a band lead by Pell Giameo, a host of proud parents and town notables and a multiple police car escort back to the Town of Irvington !!! How cool is that !!!

Back in those days, the airplanes came to a stop on the tarmac and you had to walk over the tarmac back to the airport. So when we exited the plane onto the tarmac to banners, adoring cheers, a band playing and Bob Miller hoisting our championship trophy, it was surreal. We felt like The Beatles when they arrived into Kennedy Airport in 64....lol. It just doesn’t get any better than that. A real championship reception. What an incredible memory !!!

Bob Miller, Marvin Rich and Charlie Reitz deplaning at Newark Airport in 1966.


Irvington PAL Colts 1st National Championship

Great Testimonial Letter about Town of Irvington Youth Services


Remember Hospital Hill?
aka Suicide Hill !



Robert Miller, Jr. RIP
It is with very heavy heart that I post the passing of Robert Miller, Jr. on Wednesday, June 11th in Houston, Texas.

Robert had long been battling the after-effects of exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. He finally succumbed peacefully in his sleep from liver cancer while having spent one day in the local VA hospital. There is thankfulness that he did not suffer.

Robert was the first of two sons born to Marion and Robert Miller, the other being Gary.

So many of us remember the Miller’s as pillars within the town of Irvington with Robert Miller Sr. serving two-terms as our Mayor and also as the legendary Pop Warner football coach of what became a town institution, the Irvington PAL Colts. As you will see below, the incredible legacy of the Colts began in 1959 when Robert, Jr. asked his father if he would coach him and his friends.

There are no details yet on how to reach out to the Miller family. But as they become available, I will post them.

My heart goes out to the Miller family. his mom, Marion, his brother, Gary, his wife Lila, their daughters and the whole family. Please offer your condolences to the family when you are able.

Marion, if you are reading this, I wish I could be there by your side. You clearly know how much I love you and Robert Jr, for me personally was very, very special. The reconnection and bond that we established this past year was deep and complete. He was automatic that he was like a brother and an incredible link for me back to his father. My heart is hurting just the same as having lost a blood family member.

Please allow me to share part of an email that Robert recently wrote to me while reflecting back on the beginning of the Colts, his dad and on his own great coaching career.

In the words of Robert Miller, Jr.:
“When 12 of my friends and I asked my father to coach us and form a team to play against other kids, we never anticipated how much the Colts would mean to our town. I remember being upset because my friends voted for and selected the name “Colts” (I was a Giants fan), because that was the year that Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts beat the Giants for the NFL Championship (1959). We became the Colts, got about 8 games scheduled with other towns that had Pop Warner League teams, took our group of about 16 boys and beat all but one of them, and by the next year the team was off and running on an unparrelled streak of success that lasted for well over a decade.

I was privileged to watch my father coach from up close and have always admired how he seemed to know just how to use the talent available to him, changing his strategies depending on the skills of his players, calling the plays with the anticipation of the next play and the play after that, like a chess master.

And when he was blessed with a superior talent like you possessed in those days, the master artist in him truly showed itself. It was a joy to see him set up the plays that would set you free on some of your spectacular runs, and he truly loved you and every boy he ever coached. My pride comes also from the fact that the Colts became more to the town of Irvington at that time than even the high school teams, and they were entirely my Dad's "baby", from starting the team, getting the PAL to fund the beginning, having my mother run all the concessions and fund-raising, scheduling and everything it took to make it happen.

Taking the trips that you and the Colts did was part of his pride in his boys, so that this was never just an Irvington thing - he loved to show you all off to the rest of the country. I guess I picked that up from him.

After the military, while I was teaching, I formed a small local track & field team for girls ages 8-18, and within 3 years we were dominating the state of Florida, I was chosen to the US Olympic Committee, several girls made the Olympic teams, and I even got to coach one USA National Women's team in an international competition in Miami. Both of my daughters competed for that team, the Sunshine Striders, which had athletes from Miami to Tampa, and we won a national title and 10 consecutive Florida age group team championships. In doing that, I also learned my father's lesson of utilizing the strengths of my athletes to their fullest -- in track & field, with so many different events, every girl came to us thinking she was a sprinter, and we found the event for them that worked, whether it was high jumping or racewalking. I did that for 19 years and still miss it.”

Rest In Peace My Brother.

I love you. You were one of the people I dedicated this web site to. I was incredibly proud to have you back in my life. I regret getting distracted with other areas of the web site and not having posted the history of the Colts while you were still with us. It was you who planted the seed back in 1959 that grew into something that thousands of kids benefited from for so many years. It became something the whole town could be immeasurably proud of. I wanted so much to present this history back as a trophy to you, your mom and the whole Colt family. You will never be forgotten.

And one of my most cherished times I ever had as a young kid was taking that ride with you, just you and me, to Michie Stadium and sharing that entire day together on the road and at your Alma Mater, West Point. It was there that you became a big brother to me.

Because of you, your father and our entire Colt family, I still possess that wide-eyed wonderment of a kid in my heart that you always said I displayed on that day. I was so pleased to see your heartwarming reaction to me after I presented this ticket stub back to you after all these years. I never forgot. I never will forget.





PAL Colts inaugural season in 1959 at Chancellor Park.


Robert and brother Gary


Lynn Foster and Robert in 1963


Marc Drezner, Robert Miller, John Rodrigues, George Agalias, Ed Sarluca, Alan Rowitz.
All are Class of 63.


Robert’s parents, Marion and Robert Miller Sr.

Remembering Warren Gross

It was 37 years ago on June 6th that we lost a wonderful soul named Warren Gross, Class of 71, in a cruel, tragic event on the Garden State Parkway just before he was to arrive back home.

Scott Gross, Warren’s younger brother, and now my treasured friend, asked that we take a moment to remember his brother. Warren was loved by so many. He packed a lot of punch into his short, incredibly productive life. I personally considered him a great friend. I shared many years with him on an almost daily basis. He was someone whom I looked up to, admired, respected and could go to for strength and confidence. For my dear friend, Kathy Goeb, Warren’s all-time best friend in life, it was terribly difficult. And I can’t imagine the pain of Warren’s parents, Scott and their family losing him at such a young age. Scott remembers it like it was yesterday and his brother is always on his mind. He even named his own son Warren after his beloved brother.

Below is an excerpt from that fateful night. Please offer up a special prayer for Warren today and also for all other fellow Irvingtonians we have lost throughout the years..





Warren was run down and killed by that Cadillac. Somewhere I have this full article. I will post it when I do the first SPOTLIGHT on this web site. That Spotlight will be devoted to Warren Gross.

Warren, our cherished friend. You are truly loved and have never been forgotten.

The article above was provided by Ray Boyer, Class of  72. He photographed it & sent it to me.
Thank you, Ray.


Excerpt from The Torch,
Class of 54 Newsletter





Two beauties from the Class of 71, Denise Marcell and Jackie Mennitt.



2008 Doolans
All Class Reunion Photos
CLICK HERE to go to a great article, submitted by Scott Richards, Class of 66.
Its about: Irvington’s own:
Milton Weiner !!!  !!!!








1924 Irvington High baseball team. They were coached by Bill Matthews.




AN INCREDIBLE, HEARTWARMING, REAL-LIFE STORY !!!
The story below speaks for itself.  We should all have such a perfect union in life.
Thank you so much Luke “Speedy” Hozonitz, Class of 72 and Francesca Zangari-Hozonitz, Class of 73 for sharing your story. I am so proud to be able to post it here on the web site !!!










BONE MARROW DONORS NEEDED.
Maybe we can help save a life !!!
My name is Dolores Brinker Fleischer. 
Our classmate, Paul, is my brother-in-law;
Al (Class of 1960) is my husband. 
Our niece, Linda Kosinski, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). 

She has undergone chemotherapy and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant.  There are over 11,000,000 registered donors and no match has been found.  Time is running out, but we hope we can still find a donor.  Donors must be between 18 and 60 years old and in good health. 

Since we are all older than that, I thought you might be willing to forward this to your friends and family.  Even if no match is found for Linda, you or someone you know may someday save the life of another.

There are two donor sites:

1) The National Bone Marrow Foundation can be contacted by phone at (800) MARROW2 or (800) 627-7692 or the email address listed below:
www.marrow.org/HELP/Join_the_Donor_Registry/Join_Now/join_now.html 
There is a $52 fee for testing.

2) American Bone Marrow Registry
There is no fee; however the application must be mailed to them and a testing kit mailed back to you.  Time is critical for finding a donor.  Their phone number is (800) 745-2452; the web link below will take you to the site of the American Bone Marrow Registry. http://www.abmdr.org/

Thank you for your consideration in forwarding this letter to as many people as you can.


The “ROSE TRIPLETS” chime in !!!

Irvington's first triplets, Jack, Marsha, and Art Rose have been Florida residents for over 34 years.  The picture above shows the three of them celebrating their 60th birthday in March 2007.  (Pictured left to right are Jack, Marsha, & Art).
 
Marsha is with the security division of BJ's Wholesale Club in Sunrise;

Jack is a professor with Johnson and Wales in North Miami;

Art is Assistant Director for the North Central Area of the Broward County School District. He is married to the former Phyllis Anne Lisena, a 1964 graduate of Irvington High School.  They have 4 children and 9 grandchildren, and this September 28 they will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

Older sister Judy, who is 18 months older, is also a Florida resident and is a school registrar at Westpine Middle School in Sunrise. 

Their parents, Alvin and Ida Rose, are retired and are living in Tamarac, Florida.  The triplets, born March 15, 1947, were the first triplets born at Newark's Beth Israel Hospital in it's 50th year of operation.  At that time, triplets were extremely rare.  They attended Union Avenue School.

When born, Bert Parks, long time master of ceremonies for the Miss America Pageant, celebrated their birth and named mother, Ida Rose, Queen for a Day. 

Drs. Lowenstein and Silverman delivered the triplets and gave the family free medical services for their first year.  The parents received an 8mm movie camera and projector from Bert Parks, who was master of ceremonies for the celebration held at the old Rex Theatre (changed thereafter to the Chancellor Theatre, on Chancellor Avenue in Irvington.

Al and Ida's family really have grown.  The four children have given Al and Ida 9 grandchildren and the 9 grandchildren have given them 15 great grandchildren. 

Irvington will always have a special place with the Rose family.


How’s THIS for a cool picture !!!
1940 Union Ave. School picture with Jerry Lewis.
Thanks to Kathy Matoska for this wonderful photo !!!



Florence Captures First Town School Court Title, 1969 !!!
Great picture submitted by Gary Malgeri. In the inaugural season of the Irvington Town School Baskerball League, the Ronnie Venturi-led Florence team beat the Kurt Fenchel-led Mt. Vernon team 30-26 to win the title.

Front row, left to right: Philip Vitale, Gary Malgeri, Thomas Tylka
Second row: John Vitollo, Pat Cleary, Bud Middleton, Ronnie Venturi
Back row: Gus Molee, Andy Czarnecki, Tom Spesak, Ron Liari, Richard Middleton
The championship team was coached by Bob Boyle.



Cub Scout Gregory Stiso and Boy Scout Gary Malgeri meeting with Mayor Harry Stevenson.


Look at this tremendous picture contributed by Bob Miller, Jr.
That’s Bob Jr. in the lower right. and of course his dad, Bob Miller is in the upper left and then Max Deutsch is in the back row center.



How many faces do you recognize in this Irvington Father’s Club picture?
In no particular order, I see the late Anthony Blasi, Marvin Rich (Dawn Rich was walking son Mike in the stroller), John and Ellie Venturi, Mickey and Ginny Weiner, Jerry Russomanno, Jean and Marlin Brinser, John Roberts, Bill Berger, Gary Reece, Charlie Reitz, Fred Moench.


Great Irvington Athlete - Nick Stanzione #80


Comment from Alan A. Siegel,
Renowned Author and Irvington Historian


Dear Mr Vargas:

Terrific. I have nothing but praise for your work. Keep it up. I'm glad someone has done this. Of course, even if no one compliments you, you will have the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile.





Vintage Picture with Jerry Lewis:
A Welcome Home Party for Irvington’s Jerry Lewis at the Club Ivanhoe (later renamed The Coronet). This party took place on November 2nd, 1952. Irvington basketball fans might be able to notice both Al Cohen and Max Deutsch. Max is seated 2nd from left at the back table with Jerry Lewis, who is standing. Many thanks to Irvington Sportsman Club Member, Sol Schwartz for his generosity in sharing this picture from his personal archives.




Football shows all-time record of the Irvington PAL Colts







Note from Joey:

Welcome to the Irvington Remembered web site.

For the moment it is still in the planning process. I’m currently making basic structure, design and content decisions. But I have decided to just let the site unfold day by day “online” instead of waiting to create a full site and then publish it. So you’ll see exactly what I’m doing on a daily basis.

In the mean time, I have been randomly populating all of the empty pages with pictures for you to enjoy. As I begin to tighten up the web site, you will start to see the randomness disappear and a logical flow replace that. As soon as I create real content, I will publish it section by section. It should all start to take shape soon. It depends on how much time I am able to dedicate to it. I’ll do my best to move it forward.

The more help I get from all of you in terms of photos, articles, stories etc., the better the web site will be. Right now, I would love to receive yearbooks and yearbook supplements from anyone who is willing to loan them to me. So far I have 1972 and 1966. I’d like to get 1960 thru 1975.

Please consider scanning your favorite personal photos and articles and then sending them to me on CD. Scan everything at 300dpi for closeup photos but always scan at 600dpi for far away or “group photos” like team or class or club pictures. Ideally, I’d like for you to send me your originals so I can scan them myself.  Right now I want “old photos only” because I’d like to first establish a vintage feel. Later on I will start to incorporate some “now” stuff.

This site is for all of us old Irvingtonians, no matter who you are. It will have a little bit of everything and everybody. If you want to appear on the site, then just contribute whatever vintage pictures or stories you’d like to see. And I’ll post it.

Somebody very close to me, has politely, but erroneously, suggested that I’m doing a glorified My Space. Nothing could be further from the truth. Thinking along those lines, I guess we could call it an “Our Irvington” Space, not a My Space. As I stated before, in the beginning, I have randomly used pictures (some of which have been me and some friends) on empty pages just to have something there and also to show examples. But that will change as I start to really develop the site. As I get things in from other people’s archives, I will use them to mold and fill out the site. Pictures of my friends will remain, as they should, but I will use content from anyone who shares with me.

Because my life was so centered around sports, the major portion of my own archives are sports-related. I absolutely would love to get a lot more sports stuff to fill out the athletics section. But I really NEED non-sports stuff to work with. I don’t want this site to be dominated by sports. I want a good balance from all areas.

This should be fun. Over time I hope it develops into the very best resource for us all to stay connected and to keep our memories alive.

It will be positive, warm and personal. And it will be an ongoing project. If anyone would like to actually help me in any way, that would be great. Creative and practical collaboration would help to keep me motivated and the site would be filled out faster.

All the best,
Joey Vargas


Special season-opening Friday night football game under the lights against West Orange in 1968. That’s the late Neil Kunzle, IHS basketball star in the first row.
Irvington Herald article below about that upcoming Friday night game.








1942 Commissioner Campaign Cartoon

















Susan Blonkowski, Class of 69





Remembering Our Soldiers
Here is a poignant contribution from Carol Schreiber, Class of 71.

A United States Flag made of flowers !!!
Between the  fields where the floral flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that  go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies. It's  a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB.

The dimensions of  the flag.
Covers 6.65 acres
740 feet long and 390 feet wide
Maintains  the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834.
The first Floral Flag to be planted with 5  pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in  diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide.
Contains more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total  of more than 2 million flowers. 

God Bless the Men and Women of our armed forces.