We would like to do a sincere shout out to Doug Hart who was very kind to share with us some very cool photos that we've highlighted in this month's update. Thanks Doug!
Grab a cup of coffee and a soft chair...we hope you enjoy!
The Blog Crew
Monday, February 23, 2015
Welcome...
We would like to do a sincere shout out to Doug Hart who was very kind to share with us some very cool photos that we've highlighted in this month's update. Thanks Doug!
Grab a cup of coffee and a soft chair...we hope you enjoy!
The Blog Crew
No deflategate here...
WHS Football Coaches: Al Meravi, Sam Lupo, Dick Miglecz and Cary Hamrah
OFFENSE: Standing; 42 Doug Hart, Kevin Short, 19 John Huttenberger,
Kneeling: 83 Mark Smith, 75 Richard Webb, 67 Anthony Silakoski, 58 Michael Clayman, 62 Paul Cuntala, 71 John O'Toole, 30 Lee Slicner
DEFENSE: Standing; 84 Steve Starrick, 44 Thomas Welter, 31 Al Kinal, 85 Thomas Kumpa, 83 Mark Smith, 42 Doug Hart
Kneeling: 75 Richard Webb, 61 James Russo, 57 James Davis, 71 John O'Toole and 53 Tony Russomanno
A huge thank you to Doug Hart for providing the photos.
Classmate spotlight...
For our latest blog update, we thought it would be fun to showcase a couple who dated through high school, got married and are preparing to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this year. In school, you rarely saw one without the other. We are talking about Bob (affectionately known as “Musky”) Moscarelli and Gloria (Hollenback) Moscarelli. Bob and Gloria met at Gadeks Swim Club in Woodbridge in the summer of 1967. Do not know if it was love at first sight, but something sure seemed right! They can’t remember ever noticing anyone else.
After graduation, Bob served with the Army National Guard for six years. He loved his duty to his Country and enjoyed his time in the “Guard”. He is a tradesman with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local Union #9. He is very proud of just receiving his 40 year pin from the Union. Bob currently works as a Maintenance Supervisor with the Roosevelt Care Center at Old Bridge. He enjoys his job and plans on working until at least 66 years of age. In between these jobs, he and Gloria both became Real Estate Agents and have been licensed for 20 years. He enjoys outdoor sports and he hunts, fishes and loves to play baseball with his grandson, Devin. Bob fondly recalls his long lasting friendships with Tom Farrell, Bob Conquest, Andy Provenzano and Donny Vitete. They have been friends for 50 years and still get together, usually for breakfast, lunch or an overnight trip to Atlantic City!
Gloria went on to secretarial work. After graduation, literally the following Monday she began work full time for the Director of Credit and Financial Services at Revlon, then “off and on” after having her children. Gloria obtained her Real Estate license and successfully helped many first time buyers become homeowners in the Woodbridge and surrounding area. In 2000 Gloria went to work for Advanced Chiropractic Center where she became the Office Manager. She is currently the Office Manager at Carone Family Chiropractic in South Plainfield and has been there five years. Gloria is also an Independent Consultant at Young Living Essential Oils. Gloria has become fast friends with another of our classmates, Cindy (Rafalko) Hart. Gloria and Cindy reconnected when they realized both their kids were in school together and have remained friends since.
Bob and Gloria have two daughters. Angela born in 1976 and Gina born in 1979. They have one grandson, Devin who is currently a Senior at JFK High School. Interestingly, both girls are Longshoremen. Angela is a Crane Operator while Gina is a Checker. Bob and Gloria are proud of their girls working in a “man’s world”.
Bob and Gloria, I so enjoyed talking with you, we laughed and I just listened to their “life”. Way to go guys. You have definitely made a success. May you continue with your happiness!
Classmate spotlight...
Twelve years ago Tony and Theresa Russomanno made a time share investment
on a property located at 161st Street, Bronx, NY. They proudly brag of having
the best lawn in the neighborhood. More about this later...
Tony recently sat down with us to share life since those WHS days when we
shared a classroom with this personable gentleman. Tony considers himself to be
very blessed since wearing number 53 in the role of linebacker for our
unforgettable undefeated Barrons football team. Although his WHS sports memories
are cherished they take a back seat in importance to the love of his life,
beautiful Theresa, who fortunately said yes to his marriage proposal thirty two
years ago. Along the way, they were blessed with their only child, Toni
Lyn.
Today Tony's typical work day is filled with the responsibilities
associated with being a project supervisor on the construction site. Prior to
that Tony proudly swung a hammer and belonged to the carpenter's union for 32
years. Most projects involve the banking industry and they service the Tri-State
area. In conversation about how his work has impacted his life throughout his
career Tony quietly shared with me about a prolonged renovation that eventually
wrapped up on August 29, 2001. At first I thought it odd that he would recall
that date with certainty. It's actually understandable why he would remember it
because the job site he finished was on the forty seventh floor of the South
Tower in the World Trade Center...we all know how less than two weeks later how
the world has changed. He spoke of how he too changed with an enhanced urge to
embrace his personal life and those loved ones he held close.
When you ask about his beautiful daughter, Toni Lyn, you can hear the
excitement in his voice as he speaks. "I'm very proud of my daughter, in many
ways she is my very best friend...we do so much together, she embraced sports
growing up and we now love attending Yankee games together. I'm old school
having fond memories of Rizzoto and Berra...and for Toni Lyn it's all about Mr.
Jeter. Remember the time share I mentioned earlier? I was alluding to Tony,
Theresa and Toni Lyn's decision to purchase Yankee season seats twelve years
ago. They are correct about having the best lawn in the neighborhood,
perhaps having to drive to Flushing to find one equal. It would be difficult to
find a more loyal Yankees fan, other than our fellow alum Ray Chico Ruiz, than
Tony and Toni Lyn. Hmm...check that, add one more. That would be "Frankie".
Frankie happens to be Toni Lyn's one year old son. If would be IMPOSSIBLE for me
to describe the love between this grandpa and grandson...the photos speak for
themselves. Frankie is approaching his second birthday. The theme for the party
you may ask? "2" can only mean Derek Jeter in this family.
When free time is available and the Yankees are out of town you may find
Tony on either the golf course or enjoying the Atlantic City crap tables.
I asked Tony what comes to mind when I say "1970". He thought for a moment
and said: Undefeated football season, my first car a '61 Bel Air that Dad bought
for $200, my friends Jimmy Russo, Larry Cataldo and Lee Slicner to mention a
few. It was a time of transition for all of us in many ways, leaving the
security of school, cultural collisions and world unrest. I also think of one
teacher in particular that I learned so much from, James Smelas. He had a gift
of teaching that we were all the beneficiaries of. Another teacher was Dick
Miglecz, our Driver's Ed instructor but for me he was also one of our football
coaches. It was what we learned about life from him as a coach I will never
forget.
Tony is looking forward to our reunion in the Fall. "Rich, our last reunion
was terrific". I enjoyed not only meeting up with some of my old friends but in
the end it was the new friends I gained from the weekend experience. I encourage
all of my former classmate to please make the effort to attend. Simply put, it's
a special evening
We thank #53 for his time and wish his entire family well. See you in the Fall.
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