Hi Barbara,

So good to hear from you.

I hope this e mail finds you well and in the very best of spirits.

I have a very dear friend, named Marie Nasone who lived at 1202 LeLand Avenue who would know if the two stores you mentioned are still there. Recently, Marie's Mom passed of a massive heart attack and her Mom is also 'resting,' at Saint Raymond's. Marie goes in often and still knows some people in her prior apartment building. Funny, she has been offline for quite a while since her PC crashed and last night she was back on with a brand new PC. I would have called her or she me, as we talk often. Sorry to hear that your family is also in St. Raymonds. When my Mom passed in 1982, I miss her awful, we had a nice plot in the new section, Saint Joseph's as I recall. Real quiet, under a tree. I use to go there often just to ponder life and pray for her soul. My Dad passed in 1987 and of course, he is now there also. I also have Aunt's, Uncle's Cousin's and some friends who passed in Vietnam there also. Although everyone is not in the same row or section, those I do go to see are within walking distance of each other. The section my parents are in is still very quiet and most peaceful.

Wonderful memories of The Bronx. Yes, it was the Beech Movies. I remember the first movie I went to see there, 'Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein.' Oh, that was such fun. I also remember how funny their weekly TV show was. Up the block from Beech Avenue and on the corner of Soundview was Larry's Toy Store. It seemed he had every toy you could dream of. I went to school with his daughter for many years. Once in a while I would get a toy from either my parents or an uncle or aunt. I was thrilled with a simple model car or plane.

Breaking News. I just received an IM from Marie. I asked her about the two stores. She said that no they are not there any more. She said there is a nick nack store and a funiture store there now.

I really don't know what in the world happened to this country. My Dad use to tell me that whatever happens in Europe somehow/someway makes it over here. Both good and bad. I don't know how true that is, or if it even makes sense at all. I have seen both the best and worst in people during my year in Vietnam. The best being how wonderful everyone was to me when I lost part of my right leg in a non combat situation. I was on my way to take a shower in base camp. The first shower in weeks. Then one rocket, just one, came slamming into the compound and I guess it had my name on it. Got me good. They saved it then, made me a orderly for a officer for the remainder of my four months. The worst in people is some, on both sides embraced killing each other and thought it was a sport like hunting animals. I guess killing is part of war. However, I really could have done without it. The times, the values of our country seemed to change with that war as they are continuing to change with Iraq. When I returned home I saw a difference in 'friends,' and 'family.' Seems they didn't want much to do with me anymore. One girl I use to know threw hot, very hot coffee in my face and called me a 'baby killer.' I really don't know if I answered your question or not, Barbara, but life as I knew it was never the same when I returned from Nam.

Well, it was so nice hearing from you once again and writing to you. You take care of yourself now and I hope to talk to you again real soon.

Warmly,
John.

Hi John, Thank you again for the information. You brought tears to my eyes because of the memories we have, I actually remembered my walks around St Raymonds too, how quiet and lovely, and my younger cousin and I would run to see the pictures sometimes put on the headstones. I am so sorry to hear about my uncle's store, I can still smell the sawdust on the floor and see all my cousins cutting meat, and the coffee in that old unwashed pot (it's only coffee) my uncle would say, why wash it? hahah Best darn coffee you ever had, and it always was given to me with a fresh corn muffin. Oh to go back to that simpler time with all our families, but that's life I suppose. When you were in Nam, I wore my MIA bracelet, I cannot believe what that girl did to you, what a sick thing to do, well, maybe someday she will realize how stupid she was, and actually feel bad. I hope your wound did not deter you from doing anything in life. You're a success here, you write beautifully. Thanks again.

Hi Barbara,

Thank you once again for the very kind words. I feel I'm not deserving, but, then again, they are so welcomed.

Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news. I know the memories you had in your Uncle's store are still there. I knew a great guy named Frank Papa. He was from The Castle Hill section of The Bronx. Real tough, but, just the same a nice guy. He passed in Nam and is buried two rows away from my parents in Saint Raymonds. I often said to myself, if you put the two of us together and took a survey on who would survive Vietnam and who wouldn't Frankie would win hands down. I was skinny, short and frail. Frankie worked out and was a tough kid. Funny, how life can be so unique and unforgivable at times. That girl in question and I worked as tellers at The Bowery Savins Bank. She was so happy to see me at first and I never, ever talked about Vietnam to anyone who didn't know I was there. Somehow, she found out. Don't know how. So one day we, along with a group of other co workers were sitting in the break room telling stories of our goofy customers. She gets up, fills her cup with coffee and throws it all over me. I was a mess and the people around me could not believe what they had just saw. The bank manager was a gem of a woman. She wanted me to press charges, but, instead, I had said, if you just fire her and not allow her to resign, I will be happy. So that is what happened. It was summer. I took my suit jacket off during my break, so, they sent me home in a cab that day to see my doctor and thankfully there was no long lasting effects. I saw her name on Reunion.Com. I thought of writing to her, but, I said to myself, why bother? What is done is done. Besides, who knows if she even remembers what she did or why she did it.

You know, Barbara, Frankie Lymon is buried near Frank and my parents also. He passed while I was in Nam and his mother was so mad at him that they never put a grave marker or headstone on his final 'resting,' place. I remember Don K. Reed and maybe Norman Nite, late of WCBS.FM took up a collection from listeners to The Sunday Night Doo *** Shop. Of course, I was one of them. They had a very small and quiet ceremony when the headstone was put in place. I took the day off from work to be there and meet Don. It was like saying thanks, Frankie, thanks for all the wonderful music and happy memories you gave me during the time you were with us.

Losing the leg above the knee cap has really not hurt me too much in forfilling my life's desires. After all, there are people like my friend, Frank Papa, that lost it all. So, I feel I have no right to complain. I was drafted, did what I was told and all in all have not had too much of a bad life.

Barbara, thanks again for your very kind words. My friends tell me, 'John, you have a book in you, write it.' Funny, I have been looking for that book and just can't seem to find it. Like Kenny Vance, 'Looking For An Echo.' 'A place we almost found.' Maybe someday Kenny will find his and I mine.

Till then, I leave you with much admiration and respect, Barbara. Be well and enjoy life to it's fullest.

Very Fondly,
John.

Hi John I knew Frankie Papa verywell he was a very go friend of mine. He was a great guy. I could only say good things about him. I remember his sister Grace I think she moved back to Ny or Jersey from Cal. Always Bob

Hi Bob,

Good to hear from you.

Glad that we are able to keep Frankie's memory alive. My best friend ever, Bill 'Willie, Nyilas, from Virgil Place, Castle Hill worked the summers in a near by grocery store with Frank's Mom. Bill told me she was the sweetest lady he had ever met and she treated Bill like her own son. Oh, what a loss of all those life's on The Wall.

I don't know if I told you, but, I had a kidney operation recently and still cannnot drive a car. I will be able to drive on Tuesday once the external stitches are removed. Then, I will mail you a copy of our JHS 125 yearbook. Some of the pages are very badly worn, however, the copies I have made so far are very clean considering how old the book is and how many times it has been looked at.

A past classmate, Marie Nasone, Class 9-3 asked me to give you her e mail address. She lives in Medford which I know is not far from you. She would like to hear from you when you have a moment. Her e mail is MVN1011@aol.com. She was at the Monroe Class Reunion, June 10, 2006 and we all had a great time.

Okay, Bob, thanks for the e mail. I hope your Mother is doing well. It is great to hear that you and your Sister are there for Mom. Marie recently lost her Mom to a heart attack. Very hard to get over such a great loss.

Take care now, Bob. Thanks again for staying in touch.

Warmly,
John.

Hi John I did not know about your kidney operation. I hope you are felling much better. Don't worry about the book wright now just get yourself better. Thanks for Marie Nasone e-mail I will e-mail her soon. Take care get well. Bob

Hi Bob,

Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about my recent operation. I had two cysts removed from the left kidney. Long story, Bob.

Anyway, enough about me. Your yearbook is all photostated, came out pretty good on my printer, fax scanner etc. I will have it in the mail to you on Tueday, the first day I'm allowed to get behind the wheel once again.

I hope that you are doing well and that you get in touch with Marie. Take care now, my friend. Can't wait till you see your yearbook again.
Everyone I sent it to over the years is so happy to have it again along with the wonderful memories that come rushing back.

Be well, now Bob. Talk to you soon.

Fondly,
John.

quote:

Originally posted by FRED BUONO:
HighlandJoe --- As I was saying Vinnie was a friend and yes we are older than you -I'm 66 and most of the names I mentioned are around that age --- I remember Shorehaven but was never a member -It was to expensive for my family back then. -- Do you remember the old Ferry Inn at the end of the "Point " ? -- The Democratic Club by the monument ? -- Joe Stroels bake shop ? --

Good morning, my nickname at the monument was "the Mole" and hung with the O'Brien Brothers, Billy and Frank from Lacombe and Soundview.Joey Ciccito? Angelo! Barry changkyscheck@yahoo.com

Hi john I had coffee with Marie today at a dinner in Coram. We had a very nice talk about the old days in the Bronx and some of the class mates of 125. She told me about some of the people she is still in contact with and I just happen to know also. I told her she can give them my phone number even if they want to just say hello. It would be nice to hear from them. I want to thank you for putting me intouch with Marie. I also whan to thank you for the copy of he yearbook now I can put the names with the faces.I hope you are doing well, talk to you soon. Take care, be well. Bob

Hi Bob,

So nice to hear that you and Marie were able to get together and talk over old times. Marie is a very special lady and honors our veterens, past and present like no one else I have ever seen.

Also so glad you received the yearbook. I really hope it brings back so many good memories for you.

Be well now, my friend. Always great hearing and writing to you.

Best Always, Bob,
John.

Does anyone out there remember the Andersons who lived on Theriot Avenue? They built two houses on Theriot Avenue, 349 and 351. Also the Vauthier family lived in Clason Point. Does anyone remember them?

Hi Vauthier, sorry I took so long. My mother doesn't remember any of these names, but say hello to your parents anyway, and remind them of the beautiful time and place they lived once upon a time.....

Hi Barbra,
Thanks for responding. Just got it today. School started & I've been a little busy (I teach).
It's a shame none of the names strikes a cord with your Mom. I was hoping....for my folks sake...you know.
Thanks so much for asking her.
Yes, we'll always remember. God Bless!!

quote:

Originally posted by barbraallen1941@yahoo.com:
Hi Vauthier, sorry I took so long. My mother doesn't remember any of these names, but say hello to your parents anyway, and remind them of the beautiful time and place they lived once upon a time.....

You're most welcome. And don't forget, we have the memories too of a time gone by in this country, and a beautiful place like Clason Point.I'll bet you're a very good teacher. Good luck to you.

HI JOHN,

I'M GOING TO THROW SOME NAMES AT YOU. JANETTE OR MITCHEL BERNSTEIN, GLORIA GRIECO,
RALPH TORRES. JAN AND HER BROTHER MITCH LIVED IN THE CASTLEHILL PROJECTS. GLORIA AND RALPH WENT TO MONROE.

THANKS
LAURIE

HI,

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THINKING OF ME AND WRITING TO ME. IT REALLY MEANS A WHOLE BUNCH!!!

I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF A PROJECT FOR MY HOME BASED BUSINESS THAT MUST GO OUT IN THE MAIL BY MONDAY.

I WILL REPLY TO YOUR NICE POST BY SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 22ND.

I DO APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING. THANK YOU SO MUCH ONCE AGAIN FOR WRITING AND THINKING OF ME.

FONDLY,
JOHN.

HI,

SORRY MY PROJECT WENT INTO OVERTIME, LOL.

AS FAR AS THE NAMES YOU MENTIONED, RALPH & GLORIA I REMEMBER VERY WELL. THE OTHERS DO NOT RING A BELL.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE RALPH IS THESE DAYS. WITH THE DARN WAR, WELL,,, WHO CAN TELL.

I'M HAPPY TO REPORT THAT GLORIA IS ALIVE AND VERY WELL LIVING IN FLORIDA. SHE WAS IN THE DRAMA CLUB IN MONROE AND WAS VERY GOOD.

I WILL CHECK WITH FRIENDS ON THE OTHER NAMES YOU MENTIONED.

BE WELL, NOW. I DON'T KNOW YOUR FIRST NAME, AND I NEVER LIKED CALLING PEOPLE BY THEIR LAST NAMES. TOO MILITARYISH, LOL, FOR ME.

WARMLY,
JOHN....

John I PM'd you please read.

Some photos I came across you may like.

Dear Inthekno, can you tell me the names of the streets here? This is the saddest thing I have ever seen, in the 50's this place was one big beautiful farmland with all relatives living in the houses that were maintained with dignity and love, this looks like a bombed out 3rd world country.Thanks for them tho. Name the names? thanks