The Judson Journal

hi, i started to do geneology and found that my grandfather was born at 1903 Judson st in 1892 lived there til 1910 then moved to 2024 n 22nd st. not sure when they left there my great grandfather died in 1919. his mass was at St Elizabeth. My great grandfather was Michael j Kelly and grandfather was John a Kelly they owned M J Kelly meat packing co had a warehouse on delaware ave and a store in both Reading Terminals (old and new). if you have any info from back then or old pics that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance John’s other brothers were Joseph m, Leo a and 1 sister Irma.

I just found this site thanks to my bother John. We lived at 2727 Croskey St. Went to St. Columba for 8 years and graduated in 1962. What a great neighborhood to grow up in~~sadly for me we moved in 1965.I still ride through the old neighborhood and past St. Columba,St. Mary and where Corpus Christi used to be. What happy memories I have of our time spent on Croskey St. and the surrounding areas,especially hanging out on Somerset St. on Dick the Barbers step between Bonsall and Judson Sts..

My name is Charles Walentukonis and I lived at 2823 VanPelt St. Moved there from3040 Judson St. Went to St Marys class of 57, and Cardinal Dougherty class of 61. Miss terribly all the wonderful people I grew up with and the great neighborhood that I lived in. Spent summers and weekends working at Mikes steak shop and Sports Inn Restaurent,summerset and Van Pelt and at 21st and lehigh ave. Also spent a great amount of time playing half ball upagainst the wallof the now gone connie mack stadium with my old friend Richie Gordon. Playing touch football in street and teaming up John Mangini (Pibbi) much of time. John had a great arm and was a great leader. Hope to meet these guys again.

we lived at 2741 judson st. both parents Irish born. there were 7 of us three boys-charles,joseph,eugene.-four girls peggy,mary, sarah, and helen. we all went to St.Columba.left judson in 1966. i have fond remembers of swampoodle

on sar march 19 i am co producing a show at the cannastaers german club on academy rd in phila sttaring Bill Haley’s original comets along with charly gracie,Joe Ambrose used to come to our corner every so often.
we have been friends over 63 years he is 77 years young Dicd richards he drummer is a young 86 fRANNER BEACHER ON GUITAR IS 88 YEARS YOUNG THEY ALSO have a new guy on keyboard aecond guy on guitar and as new man on uoright base you haved to see to believe they never stoped playing how about giving us a plug lou frattini

Here are more names to add to our guest list for the Nov 7th SME Reunion …Tom D’Ambra, Linda Mattoccia, Antoinette DiBenedetto, Immaculata DiBenedetto, John DiBenedetto, MaryAnn DiBenedetto, Lisa Barra, Frank Nicastro and Ray Ciocari. Please remember that no checks will be accepted after 10/28….. We will accept cash for tickets but they must be purchased prior to the event. No tickets sold at the door on 11/7. Contact me to make arrangements to buy tickets using cash……. Paula DiGiacomo 610-308-0797 cell….

We have four more to add to our guest list for the reunion….. Richard and Teri Olivastri and Rose Salvia Cohen and David Cohen. Good work this week…. 7 more tickets sold. Only 4 weeks to our reunion. I know everyone is getting excited…remember we still have tickets available…. don’t hesitate to buy your tickets now. No tickets sold by personal check after 10/27… it’s cash only. No tickets will be sold at the door either. Paula DiGiacomo

Update on attendees… add Mike Mulray, Kathy Mulray, MaryAnn Caroselli Quartullo to list. Tickets still available; pass the word to family & friends. We have sold almost 160 tickets and would love to sell 25 more. Remember: no tickets sold @ the door; no checks for tickets after 10/27… cash only! Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets; hope you rec’d them in the mail this week. Let me know if you did not. Regards, Paula DiGiacomo

when i first got reunited with tommy it was at my daughters wedding about 25 years ago it was at the shack on the blvd in the ne sec of phila,who was behind but Gangi wll he was delighted to see any one from the corner,the rum and cokes kept flowing,wee had a ball ,then i deed not see him again untill about 22 years later,i’m walking in our local super market and i hear yoh louie ,there goes tom again we seen each other quit often after that he was kind emnough to bring to the monthly breakfast then after that we stop over and visit Gooch Del Aguzzo who had a stroke ,itwas fun all the fun all the way ,tommy was a lough a minute he love the old day’s he said he prayed he would mame the next breakfast,he would asay just one more time.
Tommy wasa great guy so proud of being an Italo American and from the corner his words to me me were we had it made ,i wish we could go back,i miss Tommy i could not make his funeral as i was in a serious auto accident and was in the hospital for a month i offer his family my deepest feelings and wish them well as bob hope would say thanks for the memories ,the corners will all ways be with u and so will those like tommy who made it so great lou frattini

My name is Donna DeGregorio I went to St Marys till the mid of 7th grade We moved in 1966 to the northeast (PHILLY) I lived at 2909 N Ringgold St I was just wondering how the people I went to school with are doing I now live in Florida I cant make the reunion I use to see Lena Pacifico even when i moved she came to visit me I was wondering if any1 knows of how to get in touch with her Also i was good friends with Joy Cutri They were the good old days I sure do miss them If anyone could shed light on any of these people or any others i use to hang with please let me know Thank you DonnaDeGregorio Young

I cant make thee reunion because i now live in Florida but i would like to contact some of the people on the list that i went to school with Can u help me Thanks Donna

An updated list of attendees for our November Reunion has been posted to facebook.com. Search St. Mary of the Eternal – 1955-1970 – Classmates Reunion. It’s in 3 parts……….. Any questions, contact me…. Paula DiGiacomo pauladigiacomo@verizon.net or 610-308-0797

I was walking on the beach 2 weeks ago in Brigantine and I noticed a large group of people talking and laughing near the water’s edge. As I walked near them, an older woman looked at me and was pointing. Turns out she thought I was someone else but as we talked and she said she lived in Philadelphia 40 years ag in a wonderful neighborhood with Italians and Irish (she was Irish). As she described the neighborhood, I just guessed that she was from Corpus Christi Parish and she was. She lived at Toronto and 25th Street. She knew many of the people I mentioned. So many times this has happened when someone makes an interesting comment about their old neighborhood and I can tell them they are from St. Mary’s or in the area. Everyone wants to say they came from 22 and A. For those who did, we are blessed. Wonderful neighborhood and good people. P.S Monsignor Busco celebrated his 96th Birthday on 7/24. I spoke to him on Saturday and he is doing well.

Mario Amici
2132 W. Clearfield St.
Now Plymouth Meeting and Brigantine

Joe Roddy of St Columba Parish and Roman Catholic Hign, Class of 52 wrote a book about St Columba Parish, Swampoodle & the Journey of an Irish Immmigrant Family in Philadelphia. Talks somewhat about the old neighborhood. You can get a copy from Joe by emailing him at jmj210@verizon.net or calling him at 941-484-0285. Book was published by morrispublishing.com.
There is also another book on the old neighborhood “TO EVERY THING A SEASON” by Prof. Bruce KuKlick. Princeton Press.

St. Mary’s Reunion – November 7, 2010 – Galdo’s Caterers of South Philly – List #2
Joyce DeFrancesco
Ernest DiBenedetto
John DiBenedetto
Alexander DiGiacomo
Marshall DiGiacomo
Paula DiGiacomo
Thomas DiGiacomo
Nicholas DiPiero
Aaron Domenico
Donald Falso
Carolyn Ferullo
Joe Giannetti
Frank Grosso
Angela Grosso
Marilyn Gutekunst
Joseph Iorio
Carmen Juliano
Philip Juliano
Rachael Lanzetta
Stanley Lanzetta
Lois Longo
Paula Lucchese
Donna Lucchese
Philomena Maccio
Joseph Maio
Nick Maio
Geraldine Marcellino
Nick Marcellino
Laura Martosella
Donna Mattoccia

St. Mary’s Reunion – November 7, 2010 – Galdo’s Caterers of South Philly – List #1
John Abel Jr.
Carl Bauhof
Jeanette Bello
Raymond W. Bender
Regina Berretta
Steve Borgioni
Frank Cappelli
Veronica Capuano
John Cariotta
Diane Cervone
Bernadette Chiodetti
Andrew Ciammetti
Genevieve Colombo
James Colombo
John Condon
Barbara Consello
Robert Corapi
Anna Corsanico
Thomas Corsanico
Juliette Crestani
Violet Crupi
Anthony Cucinotta
John Daiutolo
William Deasy
Carol DeBlasis

St. Mary’s Reunion – November 7, 2010 – Galdo’s Caterers of South Philly – …….. list continued…..
Salvatore Mattoccia
Chucky Mulhern
Stan Nielubowicz
Anna Marie Pacifico
Tony Pacifico
Claire Perilli
John Perilli
Matt Petrillo
Richard Petruzelli
Anthony Picarello
Concetta Picarello
Val Pistilli
Linda Riviezzo
Terri Sabato, Jerry Vittorelli
Donna Santasiera
Joyce Sciarra
Linda Senese
Marianne Sgrillo
Christine Siravo, Al Macchione
Micheal Spatacco
John Sobczak
Joe Sobczak
Anthony Sposato
Joe Staffieri
Joe Stranieri
Linda Torcini
Donald Vittorelli
Mike Watson
Margie Zito, Art McGee

As more tickets are sold, a new list will be printed. Please contact your friends and family members and encourage them to please reserve their tickets by mailing their check with the bottom portion of the reunion invitation to Joyce Sciarra Levin as soon as possible.

Many thanks to all of those people who have purchased their tickets already. Actual tickets will be mailed the first weekend in October. Keep them in a safe place. No tickets will be sold at the door. All tickets must be purchased in advance of the reunion. Any questions, please contact Paula DiGiacomo (pauladigiacomo@verizon.net; 610-308-0797)

ST.MARY OF THE ETERANL – REUNION UPDATE – Happy 4th of July to Everyone! I am so happy to report that we have sold almost 100 tickets in 2 months!!! The Committee is extremely excited and we anticipate that all tickets to this event could be sold by late August. If you have not purchased your ticket, don’t wait…. as once we reach the 300th ticket sold, we shut down sales! This is going to be another memorable event in the history of SME and the Old Neighborhood. Send your check and rsvp form in today! Don’t delay!!! Best regards to all, Paula DiGiacomo

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL REUNION – UPDATE – NOVEMBER 7, 2010
Just a brief update … ticket sales are moving along quite well. Many people we talk to say they are sending their checks in, we’re waiting for you guys!!!! Come on, don’t delay!!!! We are only 2 weeks away from our “early bird” price deadline. Ticket cost until 7/1/10 is $55 pp. After 7/1/10, ticket cost is $60 pp. So, send in your check today to reserve your tickets for our reunion in November. It’s going to be a memorable event!!!! Come and see your old friends, dance to the oldies and have some great food @ Galdo’s….. Happy Fathers’ Day to all the Dads from SME!!!!!
Best regards, Paula DiGiacomo (610-308-0797)

This was in the Obits of the Inquirer this morning, February 13, 2009

AMELIA T. PASCUZZI, of Skippack, on February 9, 2009, she was 82. She was a graduate of Chestnut Hill College and then received her master’s degree from Temple University. Amelia was an elementary teacher at St Mary of the Eternal in Philadelphia and the Gotwals School in Norristown. She was a member of Holy Saviour R.C. Church in Norristown and Philadelphia Rose Society. She is survived by her sister Joanne Pascuzzi; a nephew, Gregory (Janine) Margarite, and many loving cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to Amelia’s Life Celebration Service Saturday, February 14, from 10 to 10:50 A.M., with her Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at Holy Saviour Church, 407 E. Main Street, Norristown PA 19401. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Holy Saviour at the address listed above. Family service by BOYD-HORROX OF EAST NORRITON 1-800-GIVNISH.

Julia Norbury Benson, St. Mary’s Class of ‘61

I went to St. Mary’s from 1965-1970, my parents Joe and Brookie owned Dee’s Bar at 23rd and Clearfield. I lived on 3149 North Taylor St. My cousins were the Ludovici’s and Tennysons who also attended St. mary’s. The best memory I have was sister Maryellen, what an angel. God I misss that neighborhood. this is a great site.

This message is from January 2009. I posted it to keep everyone informed!

Please make note of my new e-mail address. On Jan.19, Harry passed away. He had
been in and out of the hospital several times during the holidays. He couldn’t
breath and his body just couldn’t handle it anymore. He died surrounded by all
his children and several of his grandchildren. A couple of his daughter-in laws
and friends were also present. We have both shared our memories of our
classmates and friends from St.Mary’s neighborhood with our family.As some of
you may remember he took many trips overseas to purchase reptiles,monkeys,birds
and exotic cats when he was young. When he was dying he said he wanted to be
cremated and sprinkled over the Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico. We will
honor his request in the spring, when we can all go camping, sit around a
campfire and remember our good times together.As you know he lost his brother
Robert April 10,2008, his sister Lucille July 11,1997, remaining is his sister
Carol in Florida.Our children are: Dennis Breyer, Ralph Breyer, Ricky Bock,
Kenneth Bock, Sonya Bock, Carl Bock, Rosemarie Bock and Harry G. Bock Jr.
Looking forward to hearing from you in the near future, please make note of my
new e-mail address. Please put my sister, Carmela Cannataro back on your mailing
address:Carmela Cannataro at 3002 Memphis St. Phila. Pa. 19134 Thank you,
Rosemarie Cannataro Bock. 5822 Sun Court Circle, El Paso, Texas, 79924 Tel:
915-822-9031. Rosemarie Bock @live.com

My name currently is Mariann Carroll. Maiden name is Quinn. I lived on Bailey Street between 26th and 27th Street. I went to Corpus Christi church until I was about 10. My aunt told me about the site. She sent pictures of my grandmother and her sister. They are the Giargiari sisters.

i just found out about this journal from my cugino, anthony cucinotta.
i’m paula cucinotta rothermel.
my father had cucinotta’s pharmacy at 22nd and indiana..
how do i sign up?
p

Aaron –

So very glad to see The Judson Journal come back! I have all my old issues in a file.

My grandfather, Vincent Ferrante, owned V. Ferrante Coal & Oil and my mother, Ann Ferrante Driscoll, owned the Mary Ellen Gift Shop on the 2700 block of West Allegheny. Her uncle (brother of her mother, Marietta Riccardi Ferrante) owned the garage mentioned in the October 2005 issue.

The annual Paradise/27th and Allegheny Avenue picnic has a page on Facebook. I am the administrator of the page.

With your permission, I would like to tell people in the group that The Judson Journal is now online and post the link for TJJ.

I know that the folks from the Facebook page who aren’t familiar with TJJ would love to read the back issues and discover this wonderful newsletter and read the memories others have posted.

One gentleman, originally from Woodstock and Indiana, Manuel Michael Sabato, told me about some pictures he has. I sent him a message about TJJ.

Also, could I mention the annual Paradise picnic in an upcoming edition of TJJ? It’s September 19 at Cannstatters in Northeast Philadelphia. $30 per person — includes buffet, beer and soda, door prizes and DJ.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.

My name is Mary Marcellino-Shorten, my parents came from Swamp Poodle. I
have been trying to find information on Saint Marys for my family. I found
your website and have been enjoying your beautiful stories. I came across
the Memorial Day story today and noticed that you heard my Uncle Nick
speaking about Guadalcanal. I was so excited to see that! I know it was a
long time ago but if you can remember anything that he said that you could
share with me I would appreciate it. Did you know that he (Nick) painted
the murals in St. Mary’s? He also went on to be a very successful makeup
artist in Hollywood. Also, if you know of anywhere I might find some
pictures of the area from back in the day I would appreciate the help.
Thank you again for the wonderful writings when I read them I can see it.
It must have been a great place to grow up.

thank you tommy gangi for all the fun

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL REUNION – NOVEMBER 7, 2010
This is my weekely update a day early. We are happy to report that no invitations were returned this week; however we are still looking to locate those people who I have mentioned in past updates that we have either no addresses for or the invitations that were returned for incorrect/bad addresses. And, more good news, we sold another 10 tickets this week. So sales are moving along. $55/pp deadline is 7/1/10; after that tickets will cost $60/pp. Don’t hesitate….send in your RSVP and check today. Happy Memorial Day to all and thanks to all the men and women in the armed forces of the USA. God Bless you and keep you safe…… Paula

Tom Gangi died on May 24, 2010. His viewing will be Friday 5/28 from 9 am to 10am at St. Martha,s Church 11301 Academy Rd. Phila . Pa 19154. Mass following. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Martha,s Church

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL REUNION – NOVEMBER 7, 2010
This is my weekly update – happy to report that only 2 invitations were returned this week… Micheline DiGiacomo Combs and Linda Lalli. Would be nice to find all of the people who are on our “no address list” and “returned address list”. If you know any of these people, please have them contact me at pauladigiacomo@verizon.net or at 610-308-0797. Take care and have a great weekend!!! Paula

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL REUNION – NOVEMBER 7, 2010
This is my weekly update to post the names of those people who were sent invitations and unfortunately, they were returned to me because of an incorrect/bad address. If you know their whereabouts, kindly contact them and ask them to contact me, Paula DiGiacomo at pauladigiacomo@verizon.net or they will not receive an invitation to our event. Many Thanks……..Paula

Ronald Altenberger ‘58, Patricia Antonelli McGettigan ‘65, Joanne DiLarso, John Perrone, Luigi Rosica ‘58.

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL REUNION – NOVEMBER 7, 2010
We have received some invitations return for incorrect/bad addresses. This is the first batch that came in this past week. If you know their whereabouts, kindly contact them and ask them to contact me, Paula DiGiacomo at pauladigiacomo@verizon.net or they will not receive an invitation to our event. Paul Futcho, Janet Gates Fenman, Theresa Granada, Albert Mandia, Robert McCourt, Sandra Mealey Layfield, Maureen Parisi Timinski, Frank Sciarra, Lillian Torzone Brown.

Hi Aaron, just a little bit of news: Mario Chiarolanza, originally of 24th Street, is celebrating his 90th birthday. He is one of the few World War II Pearl Harbor survivors. If anyone would like to send him a birthday card, his address is: Mario Chiarolanza, 433 Linden Circle, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444. Aaron, thank you for all your work on the JJ website. Sincerely, Mary Vacca

A bunch of the guys met last night at Charlie’s Pizzeria on the Roosevelt Boulevard and it was a great time. Charlie’s is owed by Donnie Vittorelli and he make a good pizza. I told him that I had tasted good pizza in many cities in Italy and I have to say, his pizza had many of them beat, hands down. A lot of old neighborhood friends were there – to name a few, A-Ron, Barbells, Ron Tucci, The Balloon brothers, Joe and Rocky, Joe Delarso, Frank Lavangna, John DeBenedetto, Anthony DelloRusso plus a few others.

Good time had by all.

Mario Amici

April 24, 2010 – Update on SME Reunion……….. Invitations are being mailed on May 1st. Check your mail……. We will post names of those invitations that are returned to us because of incorrect address.

Also, please note that we now have an “Early Bird” special price of $55.00 per person for tickets purchased by July 1st. After July 1st tickets will cost $60.00 per person. No refunds after August 1, 2010. Any comments, questions, contact Paula DiGiacomo at 610-308-0797. Thank you!

ST. MARY OF THE ETERNAL – CALLING ALL CLASSMATES FALL REUNION – FOR CLASSES FROM 1955 TO 1970
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010 @ GALDO’S CATERERS OF SOUTH PHILADELPHIA
3:00PM TO 8:00PM – COST $55.00 PER PERSON

OUR FLYERS/INVITATIONS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL THOSE ON OUR CURRENT MAILING LIST. WHEN YOU RECEIVE THE FLYER, KINDLY COMPLETE BOTTOM PORTION AND MAIL IT TO OUR COMMITTEE MEMBER, JOYCE SCIARRA LEVIN AT THE ADDRESS NOTED, WITH YOUR PAYMENT. NUMBERED TICKETS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL PAID ATTENDEES IN SEPTEMBER.

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD @ THE DOORS ON 11/7/10. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE ONLY 300 TICKETS BEING SOLD. SO DON’T PUT THIS FLYER ON YOUR FRIDGE AND WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE SUMMER TO GET YOUR TICKETS….. THEY MAY BE ALL GONE BY THEN!!!

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME…………..PAULA DIGIACOMO (610-308-0797)