Monday, April 12, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Carmine

Well, I hope you are quite surprised at what your kids did for you. Congratulations on another Birthday. I hope that you enjoy your special day with your Family. I was trying to think of something "punny" to day, but since it is your Birthday, I thought that I would give you a break. Vicki tells me that you and I have similar senses of humor. My condolences.

Best Regards,

John Marchese

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Happy Birthday, Carmine


I'm not much for sappy or sentimental, but I can easily say that you have been a wonderful friend, mentor, and father-in-law a son (not "son-in-law", and no, I won't let you live that greeting card blunder down) could ask for.  We always enjoy your company and are blessed to have you, Rosie, and the rest of our Kentucky family so close by.  I still remember the first time we met at Piccola Bussola in Mineola, NY, and will never forget my clear instructions not to let my eyes wander around the place (or I could end up at the bottom of the Long Island Sound with really heavy concrete shoes), and the fact that the valet couldn't start my Hyundai when dinner was over  Since then we have shared many good times and special occasions, including my wedding (where I don't think John could stop laughing whenever he was around you), to the birth of Christopher (and your fist-pumping "YES!" when we announced we had a boy), to graduation in the pouring rain, to the many IU auctions which have so inexpensively filled your unfinished basement with monitors, CPUs, computer mice, and keyboards out the wazoo.

I (we) hope your 70th birthday is everything you wanted it to be, and we're happy to be able to celebrate it with you.

All the best -

Mark

Carmine puts the "p" in "peonies"


And, yes, I could have cropped the photo so that the hose would not have been visible, but it is, after all, your birthday.

...

Ahhh, what the hell.  THIS ONE is even better, and I didn't even have to crop it.


You rock, Carmine.  Happy Birthday.

Happy birthday, Dad


To say that living so close for the past eleven years has been a gift would be an understatement.

I want to tell you how much I admire your wit, faith, logic, curiosity, and generosity. I'm sure it is these things that I attempt to conjure in tough times when I find myself wondering, "Well, how would Dad handle this?"

Your spirited and often irrepressible storytelling has made some of your memories mine - through repetition, perhaps, but also because they are good stories told well. They reveal your appreciation of people and strong desire to share.

My brothers are good men, of whom I am very proud, and I believe that they built their lives on a foundation of love from you and Mom. Our family has only been enhanced as it has grown.

For all these things and more, I want to say thanks.

Enjoy your day! Love, Froggie

Friday, April 9, 2010

Whatever you do . . .

Do not accept an invitation to come check out this man's crawl space.
Dear Mr Allocco,
You might remember me as Vicki's college roommate, Kris. I hope you have a very happy birthday and enjoy all the messages and birthday wishes here.

I have to thank you for bringing me to see my very first Islander/Ranger game at MSG. I am sure you were not as happy as I was to see Pierre Turgeon score his 50th goal of the season to win the game for the Islanders in overtime. I will never forget that. Thank you and have a happy birthday!














Hi Dad!

Happy 70th birthday - I don't think that would make you feel as "experienced" as knowing that your oldest son is just 2 short years from joining AARP! I'm sure someone else whom you always treated like a daughter would have loved to be here for this so I'm going to convey our joint best wishes in a visual. Enjoy your day! Remember, 70 is the new 50 (or something like that...).

Love ya!

Chris and Jeffrey

Happy Birthday - "Brother" - Carmine from Maria "Onnie" Moringiello Mastromarino

I remember with fondness our good times at Aunt Vel's. I was the baby and all of the older cousins took such great care of me. There was always such a warm and loving atmosphere.

I wish you a very Happy 70th Birthday and I am sure you understand I am still 10 years old, just as you remember me.

Have a great day!!!
Dear Mr. Allocco -

I hope that you have a very fabulous birthday celebration! It's the big 70! WHOOOHOOOO!

I feel very lucky and blessed to have met Vic and to have her as my dear friend! Of course, this also gave me the good fortune of meeting you and Rosie! I am so very grateful to have been included in your family holiday festivities! Having "adopted" family made being away from my own easier!

I sure love sharing those emails with you (through Vic) -- HEHEHEHE! I always like to think of the big smile and laugh it might give you on your end! My Dad gets a kick out of the same kinds! Wink Wink!

GREAT BIG BIRTHDAY HUGS -
"SusanShuford"
Brother, it is so nice to see your smiling face - it brings many happy memories to mind as your smile is a real Galatola smile! A smile that never ages! I can't believe you are 70!

Happy Birthday - Love to you - Cousin Jackie

Addition to the Top Ten

I have to add to Jen's top ten.
11. He believes chocolate and mint together are wrong (and they are!!!!!!!!!!)
12. He can cook some fantastic pasta!
13. He often reminds us that if his aunt had wheels she would be a bicycle.
14. He is all about finding a bargain, sale or deal!
15. He's ALWAYS available for computer assistance.

Just some more reasons to love him!

Happy Birthday Uncle Carmine!!

Carmine where do i start? How about i'm very proud to have the privlage of calling you uncle! This is a strong family and sometimes hard to fit into even if your born as a member. i can honestly say i loved you the first time i meet you because aunt Rosie was very happy. Some people dont understand about "family" and it's deep meaning to me due to my bond with papa. But you are Family and always will be because to me you are always there to help myself or the family no matter the request!! Your infectous personality has won the family's love and respect. Oh dont forget my friends they say you rock!! (Morris, haha) Nikki and the kids always love seeing uncle carmine. Nikki thinks your hilarious and always makes her feel as a member of the family.(thank you) The kids well simply put you rock and they love ya!!!!

With loving respect and pride

your nephew
Shane

Top 10 Reasons I Love Potki

10. You give very "thoughtful" cards for every special occasion.
9. You wear the name "Potki" very well.
8. You know more people than Dionne.
7. Your singing capability would get you to the finals on American Idol.
6. Your airport shuttle service is the most reliable and friendliest in town.
5. You don't find fault with someone for loving vanilla ice cream.
4. You bring the spice of New York to our lives every day.
3. No one knows the true value of garlic like you do.
2. Pajankets have never looked so comfy as they do on you.
1. My son adores you (as we all do)!

Happy Birthday! Love, Jen

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Hi Carm ----

Well , 'you've reached the next level of maturity. Happy 70th !!!!

Wish we could bring back the good old Baldwin days when the most important thing to accomplish on Saturday nights was -- Finish the signs !

Then there was the fun filled car pool . Remember -- J O'Hara and his ever present roll of toilet paper ? Or how about Joe E and his sweet smells ? And of course I was proud of my nick-name .
SHORT STOPS !

Seriously, we had some great times then and we will always - regardless of time or distance - consider you as one of our close friends .

Happy, happy birthday .

Dan & Irma

Happy Birthday Big "C"


Carmine-

Wow, I can't believe you are turning the big "7-0", you don't act a day over 20! Seriously though we are so glad to be able to celebrate this milestone with you. I remember celebrating your 60th with a surprise party when I was 8 months pregnant with Caleigh, seems like just yesterday. I remember when Mom first told me she was marrying you. It was a surprise to say the least. I am so glad she did. Once I learned to speak "New Yorker" and you learned to say "ya'll" I was able to communicate with you better. You have been a wonderful addition to our family. You are so caring and generous with everyone you meet, and you NEVER meet a stranger (just ask every server at Carrabba's!) You are a wonderful grandfather (or rather Potki) to the girls. They are absolutely crazy about you (and have you wrapped around their little fingers-you are such a softie!) I have also learned MANY new phrases from you (some are able to be repeated some not!) We wish you many more years of happiness and look forward to celebrating them with you!

Love you,

Heather
Potki-
HAPPY BIRTHDAY POTKI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***7O***


-EmMA

Happy Birthday Potki

Potki-

I hope you have an awesome birthday!

Love, Caleigh

Happy Birthday Carmine


Happy Birthday Carmine! Time has flown by since you first moved here and loved the thought of having green grass in your yard and real trees. You have become quite the Kentuckian ... of course you could fool no one with your New York accent. Having you here for all these years has been great! From the very beginning, you have always been a good father and friend to me ... and now a great Potki to Jackson. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Thank you for always being there to offer guidance and support. I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and my own little family now. Thanks could never say enough or explain how special you are in our lives. We love you very much!

- Jim, Jen & (most importantly of course) Jackson
Happy Birthday & Congratulations, Carmine!

We are part of a beautiful, very large family who miles can't separate. Through the years there have been some very happy and sad times, but we have always been there for each other.

Enjoy every minute this special birthday and the many more that are sure to come.

Love,
Janie, Bill & Tom

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Happy Birthday


I don't know if everyone knows how dashing you can be; what a great Potki/Grandpa you are; about your unusual sense of humor (Okay, almost everybody knew that one!) and we won't even bring up Judge Judy!

However, everyone does know the heart that beats behind that pink housedress is very special and full of love. Happy Birthday! Love you---Me




Another Family Photo from Mary Sarko

Yes, that's Carmine sitting on the rock. This picture was taken at a place called Avery's Farm, maybe in the Poconos or the Catskills. That's Grandma Olga holding Carmine's hand, my mom, Aunt Lily and me.  Look at Carmine's head of hair! To die for!!!!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Happy Birthday Old Guru!

Carmine,

From myself, and speaking for the Gurus who don't speak for themselves here, I want to thank you for your wisdom and guidance over the years. You've always been someone who I've looked up to for advice, and I've always taken your words to heart. Even if you are an ornery old fart. You've got as much respect in my eyes as Rodney Dangerfield had in front of the crowd ;-) .

Take care, and happy birthday!!

Daniel

Monday, April 5, 2010

Happy Birthday!

Carmine -- Happy Birthday! There are so many good memories of bagels and coffee and major support and love throughout the years! I guess the best way to sum it all up would be to sign "Rockabye Baby"!

Love, Beth & Bill
What a wonderful idea to share our fond memories of growing up with you ! I do remember being confused that my brother was "Bucky" and you were Brother.

I do very much want to tell you how much I appreciated your good words which gave me a chance to work at the insurance company. Because of you they let me come there every day after work to practice building up my speed on the data entry machines.
Gene and I both especially remember when we came back from our honeymoon, you picked us up at the airport. Somehow we didn't really know how we were getting home but you were right there !

We all want to wish you a very Happy 70th Birthday and many, many more ! God Bless You !

Love, Sister and Gene and family

Rockin' the Pajankets!


"America's Next Top Model" ... nobody rocks the pajankets like Carmine!

Happy Birthday Uncle Carmine!
With love and best wishes, Andrea, Nigel, Sophia & Dante XOXOXO

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Happy Birthday Carmine!

It seems like only yesterday that Rosie went to New York to meet you and the next thing I knew you two were getting married. I'm pretty sure I thought she was crazy at the time. I still do ;o) My birthday wish for you is that all the joy you have given to all of us is returned to you ten-fold. May you have many more years to continue charming your wife and bringing joy to all those around you.

Love You.
Barbie

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Happy Birthday from Bob and Jean

Birthdays are for nasty (funny) cards. But not today! Jean and I want to wish you a very happy, blessed birthday. You always go way out of your way to help others. May all of this kindness come back to you tenfold. May you have lots of peace and happiness!! (A nasty card will be headed your way NEXT year!)

LOVE,
BOB and JEAN

Friday, April 2, 2010

Happy Birthday Potki!

Happy Birthday POTKI!
Love, Jackson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! GOD BLESS YOU ON THIS SPECIAL DAY! MUCH LOVE, Jim, Tricia, Gabrielle, Hannah, James, Matthew and Sarah Winslow (Sis "Scotto" and Gene's daughter, and family)

Thursday, April 1, 2010

April 1947 (from Mary Sarko)

Here's a picture of some cousins, including Carmine. This was taken in front of Aunt Vel's house on 8th Street, probably on Easter. Back row, me, Sal; 2nd row Maria, Dom (aka Bucky), and Carmine with hands on Letitia (aka Sister Bess) Tony Veneziano with hands on Michele.

Weren't we the chicest group ever! Look at those hats on Sal and Carmine.

Mary Sarko