Kathy Tramontana
George’s parents and my parents were best of friends and met in 1940 when my mom was pregnant to me. They did so many things together so you can say I knew George from the day I was born in 1941. Of course, the first few years I do not remember well, but I do remember all the good times we had. Going to each other’s homes for dinner, Coney Island, the movies, and the nights we spent making pizza at my house. In 1946 my brother Bobby was born and he joined George and I in whatever we did. George was like a big brother to him. The three of us were big NY Yankee fans , although George’s dad, George Sr., was a NY Giant fan, my dad had convinced George to root for the Yankees. We would listen to the Yankee games on radio until later when TV became more available and then we would watch the games together on TV. I remember one memorable game we all went to at Yankee Stadium in 1956 when Mickey Mantle hit the roof and made history. We were sitting on the third base side and had a perfect view of that ball that hit the right facade. It was so exciting that we are all part of that historical event.
I remember the afternoons we spent walking on 18th Ave., or the fun we had in mastic Beach where both of our parents owned a home. Later in life, our friendship continued when George started dating a wonderful girl, Peggy, and I met my soldier boy, Joe. These relationships did not pull us apart, but made us closer as we double dated, and spent many a night at mastic beach, even to just lie in the grass and make future plans together. In 1959 Joe and I shared the joy of being in the wedding party of Peggy and George and when it was our turn to get married in 1961, Joe and I went to the same catering hall for our reception and Bermuda for a honeymoon because Peggy and George spoke so highly about both.
Throughout the years, when both of our families began having children of our own, we kept in touch and continued our relationship. Even though my family was now in Staten Island and George’s family was in Long Island our friendship continued. When the Dumont’s moved to Delaware, of course, we did not see each other as often as we would have liked but one of the most recent memories I have was when the four of us went on a Caribbean cruise, and then spent a week at my brother Bobby and his wife, Carol’s house in Florida. The six of us had a great week together which made me realize even more what a blessing our friendship was.
Till we meet again, George, your forever friend, Kathy Tramontana
