Around Hicksville

Joe Germain, 1960…his dog and his grill!!!

Barbara Bieniewicz Dethlefsen 1961 shown above with Al Dethlefsen and grandson

I am so proud of my grandson

Shaun Muller. He graduated July 13th and is moving up in his Marine career. This is
something he has wanted to accomplish for a long, long time. This, his dream, has come
true. Thank you so much for serving and protecting our country. Love you always GING
GING ❤

Maureen Uss Bensen 1964

The Hicksville Fire Department Juniors were honored as the 2018 New York State
youth group of the year on July 8th. Festivities followed the ceremony at
Station 1 on Marie Street where a healthy crowd enjoyed food and refreshments.

Congrats from HixNews on your tremendous accomplishment!!!

Then the Hicksville Fire Department had a parade and a 125th anniversary celebration…
Shown above are the ladies of the Hicksville Fire Department
The response below is referencing my video “Hicksville Then & Now”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jacJ_v0ceuU

I can't thank you enough for the outstanding video. I am inspired to search my archives
for some photos and I will submit some story material for the news letter. Best wishes for
some great memories.

Ron Wilson 1962 (Christmas dinner 1962…Ron is in foreground on right)

Dear Bob…Below is a picture featuring my 2 brothers Bill class of 1960 and Joe Ramos
class of 1975 and their lovely wives Louise 1961 and Diane.
Oh, and of course, Kevin and me. Wishing you and your family a Happy 4th of July.
Love Lorraine Ramos Sullivan 1964

Billy Ramos Louise Clark Lorraine Ramos Joe Ramos

Lorraine…Beautiful photo of a great family. When did Kevin graduate and how about
Diane??? Nothing special for the 4th as my family is all over the place. The only family
close by is my daughter, Dawn and her daughter (my granddaughter) Sarah. Remember
fondly the many 4th of July Barbecues back in good ole Hicksville. That was when most
family was still in one place. I will remember you, your siblings and the sisters-in-law on
this memorable and special day. When I was playing Connie Mack baseball at the high
school in 1960, Louise and Renee Inglis were there watching. I think Hank Cierski was
on the same team with me. Ask Louise if she remembers the strange dude who was there
and walking around saying "Tookis, Tookis"??? And this strange dude had a big
"Tookis"!!! LOL Enjoy the family and be safe and stay away from the idiots with the
dangerous fireworks.
Buffalo Bob Casale

Kevin went to Syosset High and graduated in 1962. Diane lived in Farmingdale and I’m
not sure if she went to FHS or Sacred Heart Academy. All I know is she was born the
year I graduated from HHS. I’ll ask Louise if she remembers you and “Tookis”.
Lorraine

When a quarter was a decent Allowance? And made with real

Silver!

A fun night at Eleanor's lounge with Maureen Uss and friends (click on the Hyperlink
below the photo…

https://www.facebook.com/PINKALAGOOLA/videos/10209590983391497/UzpfSTE
yMzU0MDA1Mjk6MTAyMDk1OTA5ODk5OTE2NjI/
Willet Avenue Girls (Some names, please editors@hixnews.com)
Had a great time at a class of 1975 mini reunion…

Susan Poppe Anthony Cecere Karen Markey Luke Dantuono

What was your most memorable experience while attending
Hicksville High School

My most memorable experience was meeting and getting to know some truly remarkable
people. To think that those friendships have transcended decades and continue today!!!

Buffalo Bob Casale 1961

So true Bob some friends became family to this day.

Maureen Uss Bensen 1964

Graduation!!!

Joy Vanderhoven Iemmiti 1966

The life-long friends that I’ve made.

Sherry Mallen Cauley 1964

So many. One of my first dates with my wife at a dance with Billy Joel's band playing,
playing in a band at school dances, decorating for the Senior Prom, the Washington Trip,
and Graduation getting stormed on.

Jim Romanelli 1967

Hard to name one... The friendships, great teachers, the rained out graduation, going to
the dances and plays, DECA trips to the Concord Hotel and attending the National
Convention in Chicago... Wonderful memories.

Peggy Maldovak Gill 1967

The greatest fun at school sports games, Junior and senior prom plus many, many more
good times and Mr. Crunchy Munchy teacher.
Kurt Stietz, Holy Trinity High School 1960

Everything.

Bill Ross 1959

I loved being at Hicksville High...everything was great! Friends, some special teachers,
the atmosphere. It was a glorious time.

Barbara DiBella Dowd 1962

Singing in CHOIR with chiluck Arnold and all his cherubs!

Stephen Goldstein 1966

Thespian Troop 2125.

Naomi Groont Doudera 1973

Three full years of very special moments that are still vivid today.....can't just name one.

Joe Carfora 1962

Personal contacts with peers, no texting, no computer games etc. We don’t remember
days, only moments & I enjoyed many great moments in HHS.

Bob Birk 1952

Meeting my husband Dennis! Of course the wonderful classmates. So nice back then.

Catherine Arico Joannides 1961

Working on and in the shows.

David Teitel 1968

…where everyone would speak like they knew you or they were warned about you. We
Had Ratners Stationary where we got our smokes our Papers either to read or roll your
choice. We had our local 5 & 10's where they sold everything you need, but would find at
home in Moms junk draw. We had Carvels with open roofs, the corner deli where
someone would buy us beer, We had butchers and bakers and over 87 Bars to drink at
when you hit 18 or earlier with fake ID we had great pizza places like Lennys, Pizza
amore, Caldas and My PIE, We had the game room at the Mid Island Plaza and
Woodbury lanes and Mid Island Bowl We played outside all year we sledded and
skitched in the Winter when it snowed and we partied and played ball at Giese. We swam
in each other’s pools and jumped the green pools because we could. We played stoop
ball, handball, Ring a Levio, Ring and Run, Stick ball, kickball and Wiffle ball in which
my brother Russell would cheat. We played hide and seek, tag and manhunt. On Summer
nights we caught Lighting Bugs and cried to Mom and Dad for the Ice cream Man
although we had 2 half gallons in the freezer. Everyone knew their neighbors the young
and the old the Walsh family, the Maddens, Bradys, the Storms, The Koenigs and the
McNierney's. This was a time when people looked out for one another. A place where the
Street was perfect for skating, bike riding, bottle rocket fights and Tackle football in the
snow. We road our bikes without GPS or cell phones. We had a couple of dimes to call
home if needed but spent it on bazooka bubble gum instead. And there were our Schools
where we learned of Life, History, Art, and Science. School is where we had our first
crush and our first Kiss and, for some of us, that was a moment we will never forget in a
lifetime. We fought, we loved and we weren’t afraid of anything .The street light and the
sound of your mother's voice was our curfew. We walked to the store and worked. Some
of us had routes where we delivered papers. We had genuine respect for our parents and
respected the Law and the many policemen who actually knew our names. We took care
of our elderly neighbors or we had our heads knocked around by mom and dad. We were
Hicksvillians and were Happy and Proud of our town and this great country and the
neighborhood where we lived. I miss my childhood friends and all other friends we made
through Life. Write something about your feelings and tell others what you remember
and loved about growing up in Hicksville. To all of us Hicksvillians, have a happy and
safe 4th of July
Stephen Dixon 1981

How about Christmas caroling, the forts we built, and the campouts in our back yards.
Jumping garbage cans and people with our bikes.

John Koenig 1985

Hey I'm getting old can't remember everything. I also left out giving wedgies should I put
everything in lol.
Stephen

Not much you didn’t cover. We took the bus from mid island plaza to Jones beach in
summer. Built go carts with my older brothers. Transistor radios playing. Lived in
Hicksville from 8 months old till 1972. I still visit the Sweet Shop on occasion. Proud to
say I’m from Hicksville. Loved growing up there.
Linda Ackley Sanginario

My fondest memories are hanging out at the Plaza in the winter & Cantiague Park in the
summers; so many kids in the neighborhood back then! Good times.

Maryann Murray Milano 1986

I always loved how and where I grew up and that was the most important thing for me to
give to my children and I found the perfect block on summer land in Hicksville my
children had those memories which are priceless thanks for sharing brought back such
great life memories.

Marita Knight 1975

Just the best place to grow up! It was both the time and place. We had freedom to have
fun and explore on our own. Like you said, we were outside all the time and only went
home when Mom screamed for you or the street lights went on. Hicksville was safe, there
were lots of other kids and we just had fun! I wish my kids had my childhood but by the
time the 80’s came around, the world was a very different place....didn’t really matter
what town you were in.

Mary Ann Lombardi Imgram 1973

And don’t forget the Hicksville Sweet Shoppe on Broadway by the Hicksville movie
theater. I remember when the Hicksville Movie Theater had to close for 2 weeks. I was in
Junior High and we all had hair lice. Ah! The memories.

Elizabeth Gari

I loved growing up in the A section...meeting friends at the backfields, swimming at

Levittown Pool, buying crunchy cheez doodles and chocodiles from the
F & M Deli.

Lauri Geoghs
In the 50’s we had bike riding clubs. All us boomers would ride and ride!

Betty Wright Bergin 1966

And we rode down the streets on metal roller skates that you fastened with a key.

Eileen McGrane Carter 1983

It's sad knowing the kids today will never understand how great it was growing up in
Hicksville... I wouldn't trade it for anything... I'll always be a Long Island girl! Hicksville,
Long Island that is!

Joanne Anello 1974

And when it snowed enough they would plow the streets and pile it up in the Holy
Family parking lot and we would take our sleds over there and swore you were on top a
mountain sliding down the sloops.

Peter Scauzillo 1978

All well said. Hicksville was and always will be home. I remember when Sears was being
built and we played on giant mounds of dirt. Afterwards, you could skateboard down the
truck tunnel, played ball in the parking lot. Saturday afternoon was spent and Middle
Island Plaza and you had your hair in curlers. If you didn't, that meant you had no date for
Sat night. The best thing about Hicksville was the lifelong friends that you made, because
you still have them today.

Connie Williams Mohl 1964

Hicksville was the greatest place in the world to grow up - I remember my Dad teaching
me to ride a 2 wheeler and all the kids in the neighborhood went and got their bikes and
my Dad taught them too - there were many skinned knees that day but we all learned -
great day in a small town that had the biggest heart!!!!!

Nancy Nemeth Caracciolo 1976

I Lived in Hicksville for 56 years but now I'm in Plainview; No Comparison. In

Hicksville I remember getting Driver's Ed for free end of my Junior Year (I made
birthday cut off. Then having my DAD taking me to back of Sears Parking Lot to learn
how to drive. Driving down isles. Stop signs, Parking places (Pull in and Pull out).
Crying if he said I failed his test. But I kept practicing till I got it right so I could pass my
road test and get my license. Then being able to drive to school. I could park in the back
lot. There were no barriers or gates. Taking everyone who could fit in (I had a Little
White Opel Cadet) out after classes and then home. I prayed that none of my parent’s
friends saw me, because I was only allowed to have one person in the car with me. Well
needless to say, I got caught and lost car privileges for a month for a month. Oh well,
back to taking the bus or walking.

Mary DeNicola 1975

Love Hicksville and I graduated from Hicksville high and 1975 lived in the “A” section.
What a place to grow up surrounded by lots of kids back then. Great memories!!!

Daniel LaGrega 1975

Well said Stephen...Spent the first 30 years of my life in Hicksville & have the best
memories.

Carol Ivey Hamann 1977 (shown above with Donna Benfante)

Well said Stephen Dixon. I also had a wonderful childhood growing up in Hicksville.
Lots of good memories I have most of my siblings still live there and their families and
grandchildren; my sister lives in Bethpage, and one brother & his family live in Suffolk
county!!!

Jane Brigandi (in the middle)

Robyn Meyers 1984

Playing Stick ball at East Street School against brick building and when the balls ended
up on the roof, Nick, the custodian who worked there, would get them down for us. It
was fun times, also, when East Street elementary school had its field day.

Rocky Barbone (shown with daughter Angela)

Omg; growing up in Hicksville was the best, always outside with friends from sunup to
sundown, riding bikes, playing in the streets, on the railroad tracks, at the sump, walking
for miles in all kinds of weather up to the candy store in Plainview, Mid Island Plaza had
the best Sicilian pizza! Cantiague Park, ice skating and watching the Islanders practice,
driving range, bowling at Woodbury Lanes, Hot Bagels, Roller skating on Friday nights
in Levittown, Fred’s bar, the Deli, pizza place, beer distributor, the movie theater ( I’d get
$2, $1 for movie, .50 pack of cigarettes, .50 Bottle of Boone’s Farm, set for the night!)
Ronnie Pied Piper, Mr. Softee, Good Humor yum! The fire truck throwing corn balls and
candy before Christmas!! The Bookmobile library on Saturdays; Farmers Market;
cardboard hill!! Great memories. I graduated in 1973.

Barbara Uusitalo Koziarz, Trinity Lutheran High School 1968

Does anyone remember the WHIP RIDE??? The truck would come around with his
music blaring it 10cents and inside were little carts to get in and they would whip around
on a chain around the inside of the truck about 3x it was so much fun!!! I lived on
Wilfred and we all went on it!!!

Dot Hand
This is amazing. Had me tear up even though I grew up in the 90s lol. Why is it hard for
us parents to just push our kids to go out and do things like this? “Go ride your bike with
the neighbors! Here’s 5 bucks to get pizza and a $1 iced tea”.
I think this can easily be blamed on technology but it’s also the way we bring up our
children. We need push them as young kids to get on a bike and introduce these children
the activities that they can be doing, instead of the phone.

Melissa Stockberger
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Flo Gries 91st Birthday Party
She's the Dancing Queen only 17.......Happy 91st birthday to my amazing mother, Flo
Gries who is always ready for a party, a good time, good conversation and will brighten
your day with her positive attitude. I thank God everyday that she's my rock. Her rice
pudding is a hit along with her chocolate cake and maple walnut cake.
Happy Birthday Mom. We love you
Celebrating with delicious adult beverages & awesome food at

Margarita’s Cafe 392 Woodbury Road in Hicksville.

Click on the link below!!!

https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.griesbrown/videos/10156619692404602/
June 25th is here again and it's time to wish

Sofiya Cheyenne a happy birthday. Have a wonderful time celebrating your special day.
We are looking forward to having you back home We love you.
Cheryl Gries Brown 1972 (above is Clinton Brown shown with Sofiya)

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Val Pakaluk 1951

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
I celebrated the day at my favorite restaurant

Velden Am Worthersee, Austria.

John Fyfe 1954

Dear Buffalo Bob & Staff…Thank you so much for remembering our 54th wedding
Anniversary. I owe it all to my wife, Jane! Much appreciated.
Cheers

Bob McWilliam 1955

Hard to believe I reached my 80th birthday. Where have the years gone??? It’s always
nice to receive your card and I appreciate the thought. Take care and enjoy every day we
have to the fullest.

Dolores Etzel Frey 1956

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.
OMG!!! 60 years since leaving Hicksville High. WoW!!!

Marcia Rubenstein Pollack 1958

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It is so appreciated especially as
these “Big Ones” are happening. Hope this note finds you well and enjoying the summer.

Dottie Gallahue Donovan 1961

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Linda Sheil 1962

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Leona O’Hanley Schilling 1963

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated. Always
look forward to your cards. I’m always awake early to feed the chickens and to enjoy
each day to the fullest. I have a new Harley and it’s a beautiful day for a ride. So, enjoy
and thank you once again.

Walter “Buddy” Weber 1963

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Mike Ollins 1963

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Darilyn Stahl Listort and Dennis Listort 1964

Bob…you are the glue that has connected so many of us together. It’s very difficult for
me to express just how much I personally have benefitted from all your donated time,
resources and knowledge of HHS’s history.

Tony Plonski 1964

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Mike Linihan 1965

I would like to post in the Hicksville News my upcoming marriage: Jean L. Pius-
Mucchiari (graduated from Hicksville Sr. H.S. in 1965) and Kenneth C. Jacobsen
(graduated from Division Avenue Sr. H.S. in 1965) married in Colorado Springs, CO on
July 21st, 2018.
Thank you.

Jean L. Pius-Mucchiari 1965 Ken & Jean

Thank you for the card. It was a nice surprise. Cannot understand how I got to this age. I
was only 35 a short while ago.

George Parisi 1966

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Robert Leo 1965 & Kathleen Vita Leo 1969

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Nancy Alfano O’Geary Smith 1966

Hi, Bob. I think I am mistaken for someone else. My birthday is January 27th, about six
months from now. That’s not too bad considering you could be off by eleven months.
Hope you are well and enjoying life.

Ira “Woody” Woods 1967

Editor note…I had you down for both days mentioned...the wrong one and the right one.
I had another Woods but I guess I inadvertently used your address for both. I took the
July one off the list. Thanks for the response.

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated. Any
word for a 50th reunion for the class of 1968??? Still waiting to hear. Enjoy the summer.

Lou Siracusa 1968

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Warren Alfano 1968 & Judy Pugliese Alfano 1970

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated. We
are more in love now than 47 years ago. Life is beautiful.

Dennis Krautsack & Karen Armstrong Krautsack 1969

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Joyce Levy Rizzo 1969

Thank you for the card and for thinking of us. We very much appreciate your
thoughtfulness.

Bill Feraudo & Marie Parisi Feraudo 1969

Thank you for the card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated. On this special
day, it’s so nice to have this continued connection with my Hicksville roots after all these
years. It becomes more meaningful as the years go by.

Emil Alcantara & Deborah Wayne Alcantara 1971

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Craig Bruckner 1971 & Paula Jargo Bruckner 1972

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Lynne Lombardi 1971

Thank you very much for the birthday card. I always enjoy reading the newsletter and
keeping up with what is going on in Hicksville. The birthday I remember most was
probably in 1962. We, parents and brothers, drove out to Colorado camping all the way.
Classic was the birthday cake my mom made using a Coleman oven on the camp’s stove.
Chris Wilkenshoff 1974
Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated.

Cynthia Claus Ferguson 1974 (shown above with husband, George)

Thank you for the birthday card and for thinking of me. It was much appreciated and the
funniest!!!

Bruce Barnard 1975

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated. Most
memorable flashback is to our wedding day. We were last to leave the reception and there
are pictures of us dancing in the parking lot. Memories of the joy of that day have
heightened great anniversaries and tempered difficult ones. But, always that day gave us
memories to carry together for the rest of our lives.

Richard Dumas & Patricia Thompson Dumas 1975

Thank you for the anniversary card and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Bob Westervelt & Mary Ann Walkowski Westervelt 1976

Thank you for the anniversary card, and for thinking of us. It was much appreciated.

Steve LoMonaco & Christine Shea LoMonaco 1981

Flashback
On May 25th, we celebrated our 55th Wedding Anniversary and, wow, can't believe 55
years have gone by. We have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and another one on the way. We
are still excited after all these years and wish we could experience our wedding day just
as it happened back in the day. Our parents would be there and we both remember the joy
they displayed as we tied the knot. Jim is a great husband and I LOVE HIM VERY
MUCH. Happy Anniversary, Jim.
Linda Mastrosanti Aragoncillo 1961.

Before the wedding with Mom and Pop

Dad escorting me into the church

Jim and me and Jim’s Mom and Dad

Everything went well…we are now Mr.& Mrs. Aragoncillo

Feeling amazing and feeling beautiful

Glad it’s over and we are husband and wife…now let’s party!
Passing through the door of complete happiness

I stay in touch with My FAVORITE Teacher and one of my Favorite people, Mr.
Teddy Savalas. I was his (5th grade) student and he still treats me as one with his
extremely thoughtful and caring manner. He demonstrates sincere and persistent concern
when I’m troubled about anything. He a treasured mentor and for that I feel exceedingly
blessed! We try to meet for coffee regularly.
This photo was taken earlier this month on his 88th Birthday at a Starbucks. He continues
to fill-in as a substitute teacher for elementary school kids and does so with great passion
and he has his own weekly Greek radio show. He sends out monthly a family newsletter
and continues to travels as often as possible to visit his family members in Greece. He
has, over the years, auditioned for movie roles that he does not do anymore. Occasionally
he sends me CDs of the songs he sings so beautifully.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmpwe6OQaQQ&feature=share
He is quite the remarkable and extraordinary human being and I feel beyond fortunate to
still have him in my life. I love him dearly.
Joyce Barondess 1971
Joyce Barondess 1971 (shown above & below with sister Lynne)

Larry Blauvelt Robert Bloom

Dear Editors…While doing research on a future article for my Hixtory tab
on the HixNews page, I came across this newspaper report from 1949. I thought
that some of our readers might like to see it. It describes a radio interview with
a young DP (for younger readers, a “DP” meant a “Displaced Person) and it
referred to any of the nearly 900,000 Europeans who were in refugee camps at
the end of World War II.
The girl being interviewed grew up to be Dr. Giedre Kumpikas, my French and
Latin teacher. Her first year at HHS was 1962-1963. Over the years, until she
retired, she primarily taught foreign languages, but I think that at some point
she also taught English literature.
Ron Wencer 1964
Below are photos of Dr. Giedre Kumpikas

1963 1965 1969 2013 (1962 50 Yr Reunion)

Everyone, please be safe on this memorable day. Do you remember where you were on
July 4, 1976, the 200th anniversary of this great country???

Went out on the Island where the tall ships were, stopped to get a soft shell crab dinner.

Connie Casella 1964

Love it when the fleet is tied up in New York. Thanks to the many servicemen and
women who are serving away from home and cannot share the day with family. You all
are in my thoughts.

Buffalo Bob Casale 1961

My dad worked at the Brooklyn Ship yard and I remember touring the ships as a kid. He
was 4-F during WWII, so he went to Charleston, SC to work on ships to help the war
effort. Eventually, he wound up at Grumman Aircraft working on the LEM project.
Connie

My dad was working for the army during the war and, because of his job, was exempt
from the draft. There were tons of guys who volunteered but many who didn’t were still
drafted.
Buffalo Bob

I was operating my ham radio station special call used. Then went to local park for
picnic.

Kurt Stietz 1960

You know what they say...once a "ham", always a "ham"! LOL I had a friend in
Hicksville, Bill Belcher, who was a ham operator and I spent a lot of time at his house on
Lee Avenue. He had a great pool and a terrific Sauna that was the coolest thing (actually
it was really hot, but cool).
Buffalo Bob

Yes our whole family and close friends were at our house for a BBQ and swimming in
our pool great time and great memories.

Camille Gully Hauf 1962

Wish it were possible to get back to that point in time. Maybe we can see re-runs when
we get to heaven!!!
Buffalo Bob

Home with my second born son, who was born June 13th 1976... God Bless America, the
Land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Susan Donner Merkler 1968

We were in colonial Williamsburg. It was amazing.

Rose Marchese Genovese 1961

Ewa Beach HI, I was stationed in the destroyer, USS Goldsborough.

Mike Cava 1966

I think we were with friends and had a party! We were living in NJ at the time, way out
in the western county of Warren. Nice place to raise a family.

Barbara DiBella Dowd 1962

Eisenhower Park!

Laurie Maurice Churchill 1979

Philly…Rittenhouse Square and riverfront.

Jack Bellan 1973

I lived in Philly from birth (1942) until 1950; North Philadelphia and my next door
neighbor at the time was Jim Katcavage who played for the New York football Giants
from 1955 until1967. My best buddy was Jim's brother, Bobby Katcavage.

Buffalo Bob

Joyce and I were living in Wantagh and shared the day with Ted Swedalla class of 1964
and good friends Artie and Beth Andersen. Ted and me, we talk every week. Lost contact
with Artie years ago. Below is Ted with Maureen, Kim and T3.

Buffalo Bob
and a picture of Joyce and me and Dawn the same day

I was having lunch in Smithtown celebrating my Daughter’s birthday.

Dennis Kearney 1961

I was remembering, too, Dennis that your dad and my dad went to school in Brooklyn
together in the 1930's. Also, your brother Phil and my sister Eileen went to the prom one
year.

Buffalo Bob
It’s the day Grace and I found our home right here in Hicksville. We had an early
appointment with Havendale (who remembers that name) Realty and a BBQ that
afternoon. We went to the BBQ and told Family and friends we had found a house.

Rick Russo 1970

Had to be a great day. I remember when Joyce and I bought a house, our first, in
Wantagh back in 1972. Many fond memories of parties and barbecues especially on the
4th of July!!!
Buffalo Bob

Had a sailor visiting from Groton. Probably one of, if not the best fourth of my life.
Lorraine Jurgens Pioszak, Our Lady of Mercy, Syosset 1973

When I was very young, we always went to my cousin’s house because they had a sump
behind their house and the adults used to point the bottle rockets into the sump.

Maureen Kelley Conlon 1978

Celebrating that I recently graduated from HHS and hanging out with friends.

Leslie Becker Hecht 1976

In Battery Park, watching the bicentennial OpSail.

http://www.opsail.org/

Melissa Van Houten 1982

I saw it from the Staten Island side. Hot; humid; no breezes, so sails were down.
American flag on Verrazano Bridge unsuccessful. Lots of private craft in the harbor.

Donald Massey 1970

On the flight deck of the USS Independence CV-62. Was in the Navy 6 mos. and had 5
1/2 years left. Ugh.

Gary Hertling
I was in eight years and three months and was career motivated until the wife threatened
to leave me if I didn't get out. Loved my billet and felt I was doing something important
for national security. I was doing something important.
Buffalo Bob

I was on the Mall in DC with my boyfriend at the time and a group of friends. It was
pretty amazing!!

Jan Greenberg 1974

Rode our bikes to a BBQ in Bayville with Cat Ernst and Emmet Allen to meet up with
my brother and his friends!

John Liberatos 1974 & at a class reunion

On the football field at HHS- after the Parade. I was Color Captain for PBC Nautical
Cadets. We were chosen to present Colors for the ceremony at the end of the parade. I
carried Unit Colors so had to dip in salute for The Pledge & National Anthem, and then
stood at attention for the entire reading of the Declaration of Independence. Hot day.
More than one or two fainting on that field that day.
Robert Francis 1979

Washington DC sitting under the Iwo Jima memorial watching the fireworks on the Mall.

Joe Pastori 1971

In George Washington’s days, there were no cameras. One's image was

either sculpted or painted... Some paintings of George Washington
showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back
while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painters
were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how
many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are ’limbs,'
therefore painting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression,
'Okay, but it’ll cost you an arm and a leg.' (Artists know hands and arms
are more difficult to paint)
Household Tips

New Readers
Please add Gene Doran and me, Kathy Doran to the HixNews Google list.

Gene Doran 1965 Bob Mercer * Mickey Madden * VIN Hoosack

visiting Gene Doran
Kathleen Leary Doran 1967 (shown with three of her grandchildren)

the only Gene Doran I find on Classmates is Gene Doran, Jr. from the class of 1969.
When I go to the '69 yearbook, there is no photo of Gene Doran Jr. I also checked the
1965 yearbook and there is no Gene shown there either. I went to Facebook but don't see
you as a member but did find Gene Doran and his timeline says he went to Hicksville
High. Attached is a photo...is that Gene??? There is a second photo. Are those pictured
with Gene from high school??? When you have a few free moments, please write a bio
sketch of your life since high school. We can share that with some of your classmates.
Thanks for your help.
Bob

Hi Bob, have been sooo busy! Yes, that is Gene but I forgot to mention he dropped out of
school before his graduation. He received his GED, soon after. Didn’t graduate in 69.
He is in that photo with Vinnie Hoosack who graduated in 1965.
I live in New Hampshire in summer and winter in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. We’re
very lucky and grateful for our lives. I have 6 grandchildren who are all healthy and
happy and my husband and I live within 20 minutes of all of them. They’re quite a lot of
fun for us. I hope your summer is going well! Best wishes.
Kathy

Hi. I’m from the great town of Hicksville and I still have roots there. I live in
Miller Place now but I’m in Hicksville often. Thanks for adding me I really enjoy
reading HixNews. Thank you.
Susan Gates Maxwell 1975 (shown above with Mom)

On The Internet
Hi guys (girls included)…I haven’t received my monthly Hix News in months. I miss it.
Thanks…
Denny Tillman 1960

Denny, sorry for the inconvenience, The HixNews isn't actually sent to you, but rather
you were getting a notice that the website had been updated with the latest edition. That
update happens on the first of each month and all pasty editions are there for you to
access at any time. Simply visit hixnews.com
The problem with the notifications is that they were sent out via a Google Group by
Henry Lichtenstein who was the one who had set up that Google group and none of the
rest of us have access to that after Henry died last November.
Roger Whitaker, webmaster for hixnews.com

Hix News…What a drag that Henry has died without sharing the password. His passing
has gone unnoticed as a result. I send my condolences to his family, friends and
colleagues. All the best…Denny
Passages

It’s the last day of June and had a call from Chris Andersen, class of 1967, telling me that

Dennis Morrow, a classmate, passed away on June 18 after a lengthy illness. Chris and
Dennis were close friends and he wanted to let others know about his passing. The entire
staff at HixNews sends condolences to the Morrow family and a special “sorry for your
loss” to Chris.

Chris Andersen
Had a note from Jim Romanelli class of 1967 about the passing of his brother

John Romanelli (December 19, 1953 - December 13, 2014). May John rest in peace.

Jim Romanelli

In honor of relatives of Kurt Schaaf from the Class of 1977

 
 
 

 
 

 
of Hicksville, NY on July 9, 2018. A graduate of Hicksville High School, class of 1972, 
Beloved husband of Mary. Loving father of Kathryn and Kristen. Adored son of Evelyn 
and the late Rocco. Dear brother of Kathleen Mirro, and Ronald (Terry). Cherished 
uncle of many nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday 2‐5 and 7‐9 PM the 
Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Homes, Hicksville Chapel, 47 Jerusalem Ave. (corner of W. 
Marie St.). Mass Thursday 11AM at St. Ignatius R.C. Church. Cremation to follow 
private. 
 
Four years ago today, July 15, 2014, my baby brother

Warren Uss, passed away. To this day, I still have a hard time dealing with his passing
and believing this happened. He was only 62, too young to travel to heaven. There are so
many treasured memories always in my heart from childhood through his shortened life.
He was a lifetime member of the Hicksville fire department, Company 5 and, also, was
enjoying a Second term as Hicksville Water commissioner when he passed. You are
missed by many. I love you always, my Potsie, and will forever be in my heart. I know
you are with mommy and daddy and I know some day, I will be part of the family
reunion. Until we meet again. (shown above is Mom and Dad, John, Warren and Me and
the same below)

Maureen Uss Bensen 1964

I have great memories of Warren sitting at the bar of Old Station 3, with his Rum &
Coke, always debating some subject, and he and I would always go back-and-forth. He
was a great guy who will be remembered by all who crossed his path.

Richard Markey

He was a Good Man, played quite a few rounds of golf with him and my Father.

Kurt Schaaf 1977

So sorry Maureen. Siblings hold a special place in our heart.

Cheryl Gries Brown 1972

Four years and it still seems like yesterday. May you always have fond memories of
Warren tucked within your heart.

Connie Casella Shein 1964

Today is also the 4th Anniversary of my sister Theresa’s passing. She was only 59! May
they both RIP!!!

Lorraine Ramos Sullivan 1964

We all can empathize with your feelings. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my
brother. Your brother and mine, they are always with us in our heart that holds years of
love and many fond memories! That bond is everlasting.

Geri Calandrillo Schwartz 1978

When my Father died a coworker told me something that helped and I give it to you now.
You never get over it, you never get used to it. You learn to deal with it. And everyone
deals with it in their own way. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
Leonard Provenzano

I am sorry for your loss! My brother passed away 6 months ago today and I still can't
believe it either and miss him every day!! Hugs to you.

Diana Schmalfeldt Rhima 1973 (Shown above Mike, Jennifer and Diana)
Losing someone you love is never easy. I thank Warren for his service, and respectfully
send you my condolences.

Edward Lynch
Recipes

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

This easy chocolate zucchini bread will remind you of your favorite chocolate cake!
YIELD: 1 LOAF

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 50 MINUTES

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 5 MINUTES
 INGREDIENTS:
 1 cup all-purpose flour
 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
 1 teaspoon baking soda
 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
 2 large eggs, at room temperature
 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
 1/4 cup canola, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil
 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 1 1/2 cups packed shredded zucchini
 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking
spray and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the eggs, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Stir
until smooth. You might have a few small brown sugar clumps and that is fine.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, don’t over mix. Stir in the shredded
zucchini until just combined. Stir in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over
the top of the bread. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center
of the bread comes out mostly clean, you might have some melted chocolate chips on
the toothpick and that is fine. You just don’t want a lot of gooey batter.
Remove the pan from the oven and set on a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool in the
pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the bread and carefully remove
from the pan. Let the bread cool on the wire cooling rack until slightly warm. Cut into
slices and serve.
Note-if you use coconut oil, make sure it is melted and slightly cooled. The bread will
keep on the counter, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. This bread also freezes
well. To freeze, cool the bread completely and wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost before slicing.
Videos On The Internet
The atheist and the little girl!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeYjX0OPDYY&list=PLNxmnS7XmFIO3xWs
xbJYnf-lBAhOSLRXe