Bethpage-Tribune_2006-03-31

              BETHPAGE PUBLJC LIBRARY m „ 3 m
Proudly
p'ving Bethpage.
Vinedge. Seaford,
\d Trees, Plainview
Id Old Bethpage
For Over 40 Years
Volume 44 Number 12 MARCH 31-APRIL 6, 2006 50 CENTS
Our Mystery is Solved!
Last week we ran this photo with the hope that someone would be able to
tell us who these boxing-glove clad fellows were. Well, we got lucky. On
Monday morning, Bethpage resident Lynn McDonald, Northrop Grumman
Historical Center Volunteer arrived at our office with the actual newspaper in
which it was first printed. These fabulous fellows made their appearance in the
Grumman "Plane News" on August 27, 1942. The group pictured in front of
the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, are members of the Grumman Wildcats Boxing
Team. We decided to reprint the article as it was printed six decades ago. Mr.
McDonald also provided us with some information on the magnificent aircraft
which is providing the backdrop for the "Wildcats." The plane as mentioned
above is a F4F-4 Wildcat with painted British markings. The British called
them "Maltlet IV's." The insignia behind Tom Smith, is also British and has a
yellow ring around its inside. This indicates intended participation in the North
African campaign which started in late 1942. There is also British Squadron
I.D. numbers which are partially shown near the tail ("FNB?)"
Special thanks to Lynn McDonald and all of the members of the Northrop
Grumman Volunteer Historical Center for their help in identifying the Wildcats
and also for keeping Northrop Grumman's history part of our lives today. So
here it is reprinted from the 1942 issue of "Plane News."
DYNAMITE. Wildcats, Grumman's hard-hitting ringmen, pose with their name­sake,
the famous Navy fighter. In the group are: standing, I to r: Warren
Sheppard, Abelio Pinti, Johnny Suskawicz, Tom Smith, Tony Celantano, Bob La
Castro, Tommy Ring. Squatting at the left is Manager Lou "Peanuts" Barbetta.
Man at the right is Trainer John Borgiorno. Missing are George Brum, Danny
Cox, Coach Sgt. Tom Rozzi and Trainer Mickey Slowik.
The Wildcats roared into Jamaica Monday night and tore an all-star A.A.U.
team to bits as they chalked up an impressive 4-1 victory at the Jamaica Arena.
Led by Johnny Suskawicz who upset the previously unbeaten Tony Coruso, the
Grumman lads scored in every bout but the last where Tommy Ring dropped a
close decision to Charlie Moore, finalist in the 1940 Golden Gloves tourna­ment.
Johnny Suskawicz led all the way and clinched the decision by sending his
opponent to the canvas twice in the fifth round. Caruso had scored five kayoes
in his eight previous bouts.
Wee Warren Sheppard caused another big surprise for the home sluggers when
he knocked out Emory Fry in the fifth.
George Brunz earned a popular decision over Art Waite in a match that had the
fans on their toes from bell to bell. Waite sent the blond bomber to the floor
with a right cross early in the fifth, but the Wildcat came back and before the
round ended sent his opponent to the canvas not once but twice.
Tony Celantano registered Grumman's fourth win of the night when he scored
a clean-cut decision over Artie Sheppard, the Metropolitan A.A.U. champ.
Bethpage Veteran Firefighters
Honored For Exceptional Service
Legislator Ed Mangano joined with Bethpage Fire Department Chief Greg
Patsos, Bethpage Fire Commissioners and Department members in honoring
Ex-Chief Michael Mancini for 55 years of Service to the Bethpage Fire
District. Michael A. Mancini joined by his wife, Virginia was recognized for
his commitment to the Bethpage Fire Department by serving as 2nd Assistant
Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, Chief and Fire Commissioner.Pictured (1 to r):
Chief Gregory Patsos, Commissioner Francis Debobes, Michael Mancini,
Honoree, Virginia Mancini and Legislator Ed Mangano.
Legislator Ed Mangano joined with Bethpage Fire Department Chief Greg
Patsos, Bethpage Fire Commissioners and Department members in honoring
Ex-Chief Vito DeFanis for 60 years of Service to the Bethpage Fire District.
Vito DeFanis joined by his wife, Ernestine was recognized for his commitment
to the Bethpage Fire Department and his devotion to his fellow residents by
serving as a Commander of the Butehorn Brothers Post, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Officer in Engine Company #1, Trustee of Rescue Company #6 and
service on the Bethpage Fire Departments Fund Drive for over 20 years.
Pictured (1 to r): Ernestine DeFanis, Vito DeFanis, Honoree, Legislator Ed
Mangano and Chief Gregory Patsos.
Memorial Day Parade Committee Information
All participants expecting to march in the parade should attend the following meetings.
They are to be held at the Bethpage Fire Dept. building, located on Broadway. The
times are 7 o'clock and the dates are April 26th and May 24th.
Looking forward to seeing you and hoping as many as possible can make the meet­ings.
I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you can attend the meetings
and parade and how many will be marching with you and your organization. The infor­mation
is necessary for the program which has to be printed up. Also the persons name
if a wreath is to be presented. Please call or write to me as soon as possible. Thank
You.(Treasurer) Mary Staudermann, 244 Harrison Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 (516)
681-2549.