Classmate spotlight...

Ever shop at the former A&P on Main Street? Remember the back parking lot and you could always count on finding produce trash strewn around the garbage bin back then...well, I've found the man responsible for that perennial mess, his name is Alan Cannizzaro!

Our classmate spotlight focuses in on one of the "good guys" of our class, Alan Cannizzaro. Alan set aside time for us recently to share life since WHS graduation.

One of the "Strawberry Hill" kids Alan looks back and has good memories of his school experience, especially the friendship he gained. Gary Mehes, Ken Kertez, Roger Puente and especially Joe Mecsics. To this day you can hear the tone of the conversation change when he speaks of his late friend Joe. They were best of friends, Best Man at each other's wedding...Joe's passing still stings. "Life was good, I was blessed with so many friends from the Fulton Street area", says Alan.

One friend that was his first crush was our fellow classmate Charlotte Enik Klecan:  "I knew Al since I was 5 years old.  We grew up in the same neighborhood with our houses right behind each other.  We were schoolmates starting in Kindergarten at School #3 on Strawberry Hill right through WHS.  He would be the first one to tell you that I was his kindergarten sweetheart. Al and I were picked for the safety patrol in 4th grade along with six other fellow classmates (Christine Gill, Susan McCauley, Diane Hamilton, Joe Mecsics, Tommy Bird, Robert Anderson) and were thanked by the teachers with an end of the year trip to Palisades Park!   Al has this crazy sense of humor that always keeps us in "stitches," he is proud of his Italian heritage, he quotes dialogue from his favorite movie, "The Godfather,"and without a doubt, is still deeply in love with his wife Marge after almost 39 years of marriage.  I am so happy that Al and I have stayed in touch after all these years. I consider Al one of my dearest friends and will always cherish his friendship."  

Alan attended Jersey City State College and today he sports a Masters Degree in Aviation Science. Our fellow classmate has gone on to be the Manager of Labor and Employee Relations for the FAA. Although the demands of the position are rough Alan and Marge make a point of getting away whenever possible. They enjoy travel, especially cruises. Stealing some free time at home you will find him enjoying his beloved '63 Chevy. Alan met Marge at the Gadeks Friday evening dances, married 39 years and proud parents of two children, Gina and Joseph.

When asked about WHS and recent reunions Alan asked that we pass along his message to fellow alumni considering attending our next reunion. His message is: "Do IT!". "Marge and I remarked after attending the 45th how we made new friendships with folks I hadn't expected to be there or thought I would be spending time with during the evening. We have reached a point in life where we are who we are, no one tries to impress, simply attend and enjoy each other's company. Enjoy is what we did..I highly recommend everyone attend if at all possible. Marge and I will be there".

In our conversation we discovered that Alan had a part time job during HS...yes, he was the one that worked in the produce department and took the trash out at the A&P. Alan...thank you for your time and we look forward to catching up with you and Marge next year!