StemCell Therapy

It was a rough two weeks for notables in Greater Pittston.

We lost centurion Michael Augello, and local musicians Charles Infantino and Ralph Barber.

Charles and Ralph lost their lives at a time when, at 67 and 65, respectively, there is a lot more living to do.

Charles and Ralph were music people where Charles played bass guitar and trombone and, I believe, Ralph played bass, as well.

Ralph played with the New York Times Band for over 30 years. If you never heard the band play, you missed out.

We also lost former PA State Police Trooper, Luzerne County sheriff and former West Pittston councilman Barry Stankus. Lets not forget his duties in the deli at Gerritys Market in West Pittston. Barry was 69 again, way too soon.

Barry was a great guy and loved by many; he was a West Pittstonian through and through growing up there, graduating from Wyoming Area, serving there and working in the community.

At 100 years old, Mr. Augello was definitely in the plus range. Not only did he live a long life, he was productive just about every single year of his life.

There are a few people I can think of in that age range who were very active in their later years like Bill Hastie, of West Pittston; Dr. John Markarian, also of West Pittston; and our buddy Chester Montante, all over 100.

I just met Hank Cordy, an Avoca native now living at Wesley Village, whos pretty active himself. I had the chance to write about Hank and everyone loved his success to a long life a nip and a nap a nip of booze and a nap to go with it. Not a bad idea, dont you think?

A decade ago, turning 100 was something so far-fetched it didnt seemed possible and was very rare. Ive covered my fair share of 100-year-old birthdays over the last several years.

John Markarian will turn 103 on June 7. From what I hear, it wasnt too long ago John was still hitting the links on the golf course. Ill have some of whatever hes eating.

Genetics, environment and what you eat assuredly play a roll in longevity. It always amazes me when I meet someone whos 100 yeas old and sharp. Most dont even look close to their age.

I met Josephine Lazzari in 2013. She was 100 years old at the time and I would have bet the farm she wasnt a day over 80. She was a member of the Blooms and Bubbles Chapter of the Red Hat Society.

I had the assignment of taking a photo of the Red Hats at Fox Hill Country Club where they were honoring Josephine on her 100th birthday. I walked into the small room filled with women in their red hats. As I stood near the table, I looked around, carefully trying to eye someone I thought could have been 100.

I got a glimpse of some of the women with walkers and canes and, yes, I was stereotyping at the time, but I had no idea which one was the guest of honor.

So I spoke up, Which one of you would be the birthday girl? No one raised their hand but, as I was scanning the room, the person sitting near me tugged on my jacket. I looked down and it was Josephine.

Naturally, my first reaction was, Youre not 100 years old!

I gathered the ladies and told them we would take the group photo in the lobby area. There was music playing throughout the PA system and, when the women started making their way to the lobby, Josephine got out of her chair and danced to the music on the way.

I was amazed at the energy she had. But what really shocked me was, she told me she had a major heart attack at the age of 80. This woman made the best of her life for the next 21 years. She said the secret of her life was to love everyone.

Josephine penned an article when she turned 100 stemming from that birthday party at Fox Hill.

The article appeared in the Sunday Dispatch on April 25, 2013 two days before her 100th birthday.

She said, Celebrating my 100th birthday has been like a Polish wedding. I have been honored and remembered by the St. Joseph Senior Social Club, the members of the Altar and Rosary Society of St. John the Evangelist Parish Community, my sister Red Hats of Blooms and Bubbles of Greater Pittston, the officials, firefighters and policemen of Pittston City and, on my birthday on April 27, with a family and friends party. I am very grateful to all who remembered me.

I sure havent forgotten Josephine and her zest for life at 100 years of age.

I wont forget Charles and all he touched, along with his contagious smile and his love of family, church and God.

I wont forget Barry and I wont forget Ralph and his musical talent.

I wont forget how, at 100, it was important to Michael Augello to get up every morning to make soup for his customers.

Rest easy you will never be forgotten.

Quote of the week

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha

Thought of the week

Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine. Christina Rossetti

Bumper sticker

Things are beautiful if you love them. Jean Anouilh

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.

Excerpt from:
My Corner, Your Corner: Gone, but never to be forgotten - The Sunday Dispatch

This entry was posted on February 15, 2020 at 5:44 pm and is filed under Longevity Genetics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |