These are all the guestbook messages for 2002. Thank you to all who left messages, memories, and thanks.
Grumman has done so much for the Island. Especially all of the great workers it had and still has. I used to go to all of the picnics. They were great. It's good that there is still something to remember all of the good things that Grumman has done and is still doing.
I just found this site and love it. I worked for Grumman from 1981 to 1987 at their Houston operations in Webster Texas and really appreciate what you guys have done to preserve the legacy of Grumman in Long Island. I was there when Grumman Houston built various components for the A6, E2, EA6B, and F-14. Although I have never been to the island while I worked for Grumman, I did work with some great individuals that had transferred down from New York with the LEM program and saw the opportunity to expand Grumman into the oil industry with oil well logging equipment until the bottom fell out in 1984. Thanks for a great website. Hank Jackson
HI !!!
My name is Sandro Vilucchio and I live in Agrigento, a city on Sicily's southern coast. I'm an 34 years old member of top gun generation. I worship Grumman's airplanes and so I would Know better latest Grumman's projects ( ATF competition for example ). I like paper projects and Grumman was maybe most interesting aircraft company of my youth.
Love this website, and messages from the folks who worked in Bethpage and Calverton. I was there 1980-1990, '92-'93. Hi to my old friends and co-workers in the Aerodynamics, Aero Test, and Flight Test groups. I miss that place!
I first signed your guestbook in 1998 and have enjoyed reading the comments and viewing this great website. Of all the places I've worked throughout the years, Grumman stands out in my heart..I especially remember the great times with fellow workers...namely Mark Guss, Jerry Fogel, Jack Sachleben, Artie McIntyre, Don Waller, Dan Polofsky, Jimmy Hunter, George DiTullio, Jerry Stoodley, Artie Kaercher, Don Ball, Ed VonRhee...good buddy Nancy Meyer, Jo Hubert, Memory Lane. And hello Joan Switchtenberg (you gave me a baby shower, remember!). Keep up the good work....Looking forward to visiting the Memorial soon....Barb (Plant 5)
I AM THE SON OF JEROME "JERRY" CAPURRO WHO WORKED AT GRUMMAN IN CALVERTON, NY DURING THE 1960'S. HIS DEDICATION TO HIS JOB WAS FIRST CLASS AND ALSO INVESTIGATING ANY POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EXPOSURE HE ENCOUNTERED DURING THIS TIME WHICH MAY HAVE LED TO HIS CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN THE 1980'S. CAN ANYONE THERE HELP ME WITH AT LEAST AN ADDRESS TO GRUMMAN? THANKS.
PERRY J. CAPURRO
Hello, best wishes from Germany
This website: I like it!!! I'm an alumni of Grumman (Data Systems) from 1981-1989. I always refer to that time of my life, and being part of this great team, with pride. Visiting this website has re-sparked that pride in what Grumman has meant to myself and my family. From the 'Grumman Family Picnics' to the paychecks to the victories which the Grumman Aircraft helped to achieve. My Dad, Charles t. Lee (AKA: Buddy), worked there with pride for 30+ years with some of our time overlapping.
Keep up the good work, and Keep Grumman Going.
Sincerely,
Douglas Lee
I was saddened to read of his recent passing, via the NY Times, but his obituary was fascinating and his accomplishments are many. As a young boy, I had little idea how impressive of an engineer he was! I was a Boy Scout in Troop 114 in Huntington, and Mr. Kelly was our Scoutmaster. Thanks to Mr. Kelly and the other fathers, the Boy Scouts was a very positive experience that changed my life forever. Just wanted to say thanks!
I truly felt the memorial was terrific! I would like to see Grumman add A6 and an E2C to the project! Took many memorable photos (thank you) I was an employee for 20 years and feel this is a wonderful tribute.
Grumman Aerospace Corporation -- Facilities Resource Management Team
Paul Haller, Peter Berlin, Rene Yao, Keith Thompson, Rich Groblewski, Dave Plotsky, James Glander, Jack Seaman, John Wimer; wish the best to the Grumman Park. Many memories were made at the big "G" and we thank you for preserving them.
The pride that Grumman workers show now....many years later proves they were a special group of people. Normal people that made a difference. Growing up 10 miles from Grumman and seeing the planes fly over as a kid makes me proud to be a Long Islander.
One of the first fleet B/Ns to fly the A-6A in VA-42 in Mar '63. Fell in love with the aircraft then and have had a fond spot in my heart for the bird ever since. Stayed with the plane 'til 1974, with three tours in VA-42, two combat cruises ('66 and '67)in VA -85, and VA34. What a gross strategic error the navy made in abandoning the aircraft so suddenly.
Ted Been
Nice site. I'm the son of the late Joe Kridel, who worked in Calverton on the A6 from the 1970s through 1988. I believe that he worked in what was called Plant 6, the building that now houses the remains of TWA Flight 800. I'd like to hear from anyone who knew him. Thanks.
Great Site,.. Looking forward to sharing this site with my Dad, Frank "Bronco" Brancaccio Long time Grummanite from the 1950's through
the Iranian Project in the '70's till the Present. Proud to be his Son.
My dad had been an engineer on the F-14 when I was younger. I remember the outings they would have every year. He now works for Boeing in Arizona.
I think the Super Hornet is a mistake. The U.S. government should have pressured Japan and Saudi Arabia to buy the Tomcat instead of the F-15. South Korea was recently pressured to buy the F-15 instead of the more advance French built Rafale. I think the F-14 would still be around if more friendly foreign nations flew Tomcats.
I pout this message in once a year so sorry if you have seen it already. I was interested in knowing if anyone monitoring out there knew my dad Tony Fama. He worked on the F14 project for a time. I was fortunate enough to speak with one old friend of his and the memories were fun to share. I thought with all the new comments there may be others who knew him. He loved the company and Grumman took good care of his family after his passing. I fondly remember the picnics we went to and how many of his friends became our extended family.
I would love to hear from you if you knew him.
Mike Fama
The website and the park are terrific means to honor the people and the company that have contributed so much to our country and especially to Long Island. Having two uncles who worked for Grumman, the company was always familiar inmy life. My son grew up to be an F-14 Tomcat pilot. Thanks to Grumman for that wonderful plane!
I had the pleasure of visiting the center prior to the building of Memorial Park. The gentlemen at the center where very accomodating to my questions and requests. I am a former AME2 who served during the early 80's and some of the men there had been tech reps during my time aboard. I can't wait to see the static F-14 and looking forward to visiting them again. The only thing missing from the park is a E-2C on display.
Take care.
I love driving out to Riverhead and seeing the F-14 Tomcat on Route 25. The park is beautiful and I wish they had all of Grumman planes out there. Lets hope they make a nice museum because Suffolk County has a lot of aviation history.
IT WAS GREAT BEING PART OF THE GRUMMAN FAMILY. STARTED JULY 10,1958 AND RETIRED ON JUNE 30,1995 (36 YEARS) BADGE #59771. I REALLY MISS THE F-14 DAYS, WORKING 7 DAYS A WEEK, SOMETIMES 12 HOUR DAYS. THE PARK IS GREAT. GOOD JOB CREW.
Great web site. I worked at the big "G" for 33 or so years. keep up the good work.
The site is commendable for it's entertaining and educational aspects. I actually was curious because I saw "Grumman" bumper stickers and didn't think you had those! I know someone, whose family I was close to, who works at Grumman, my husband flies, and another friend is a "buyer"; so I was curious. Plus, I used to live in L.I. I will share this site with others.
I thought that the Tomcat was displayed great In the sky & it brought back memories of when my father worked at Grumman. I think very much Of these people who did this for all the Grumman nights. This plain means a whole lot to all of us especially me because I loved seeing all of the planes flying high over the Grumman office & I loved all of the Grumman picnics & the Shriners Clowns & the Christmas parties & all of the activities after the parties were over. I especially liked the open houses. Now that was something.
The memorial park is a wonderful place to visit, it brings back many memories of the wonderful people I had a chance to work with. I would love to hear from any co-workers.
I worked for Grumman from 1982 to 1989. I was an Avionics engineer in plant 7 on the EA6B and A6E. It was a place that I will never forget. I would have never left if I knew it would have lasted another generation or two. I miss all the people in plant 7, Pete Tummilo, Frank Verano, Joe Prudent, Frank Fillipo and Gil Lester just to name a few.
for Susan Wier
I remember your Dad, although I worked on the A6E and EA6B as an Avionics engineer we shared the same space on the second floor in Plant 7. He was a great guy to be with. always helpful and eager to teach anyone. In general the F-14 engineers were a great bunch of people to be with. I would have not left if I knew Grumman was going to survive. In closing I just want you to know that I will always remember him. My other half worked in the F-14 reliability group. She can better tell you about Dad.
Just discovered web-site. I retired in l983 after 26 1/2 years with Grumman. In July of 2002 we visited the Memorial Grumman Walk of Honor. At a distance you can see plant 6 and plant 7 and the memories they hold. Most of my working time was in the White House, Plant 6. The Grumman Memorial Park is a great tribute to the Grumman Family. I would love to hear from fellow retirees. I plan on adding my brick to the memorial walk of honor.
My grandfather, Roger Seybel, worked at the Grumman History Center there in New York. He was recently killed in a car crash on his way to the History Center one morning. My dad brought back a picture from a recent trip to New York that showed my grandfather in the Grumman History Center. I was told that I could find this picture of him through the website but after hours of searching I have had no luck. Can you or anyone you may know help me locate this picture or any other pictures/articles you may have in reference to my grandfather.
Sincerely,
Shane Seybel
Boynton Beach, Florida
Is there a list of brickowners available on the internet?
I have sent your applications to many of my Grumman friends. I would be very interested to know how many of them responded so I can follow up.
Thank you for your response.
Ed "Duffy" Clark
PEOPLE SHOULD REMEMBER GRUMMAN WAS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK. I WORKED FOR GRUMMAN FOR 10 YEARS.
So very happy that this is happening. I flew EF-111s out of Calverton for 5 years as USAF pilot assigned to Grumman and it was some of the best flying and met some of the best people.
I am in search of any information regarding the OA-9 amphibian. The plane was used for the TV movie version of the Broadway show South Pacific. I wanted to include a replica of the plane for a parade float we are building for the Sun Bowl Parade on Thanksgiving Day 2002 in El Paso, TX. We are event decorators/float builder and have recreated airplanes for American Airlines such as their 757 (on our website), a Ford Tri-motor (also on our website), and a 777 to 1/4 scale along with some other planes. The OA-9 is designated to be displayed at the rear of the float, flying over a sunset. I wish to create it to scale approximately 7-8 feet long. I plan for it to be designed and structured out of painted Styrofoam and wood. Is it possible for me to attain a basic PLAN drawing or photo of the airplane through the internet? Please feel free to visit our website at: www.theballoonhouse.com
Respectfully,
Jim Skistimas
Am enjoying your site tremendously. Would like to have seen an OV-1 on your Home Page. This almost forgotten aircraft program started in 1959 and was finally terminated (about) 1984. I don't know about it's beginning but I can tell you it made a nice profit for the company from 1972 till its termination (caused by inception of E8 program). Few people realize this aircraft served the U.S. Army even in the Gulf war. My dad worked for Grumman from its inception (badge 12) and I was there when it was finally sold. My family opened it and closed it and never was there a time when we didn't give our all for it. Keep up the good work!
Back in the 80's we worked for Hartman systems. This company made many electronic sub systems that can be found on the F14 as well as many other military planes. Roger worked as a SR test technician and Mary as a production control expeditor. We will always remember Grumman for what it has done for the Long Island economy. The Grumman Park is a wonderful way to remember that Grumman was a major part of Long Island’s history.
I grew up within blocks of the Bethpage plant (Farmers Ave.) and two uncles and aunt worked there. My best memory as a child was the navy pilots flying the S2's coming in for landing and waving to us.
My husband, John Budriss, worked for Grumman from 1973 to 1998. He started as a plane captain on the F-14 out in Calverton. We relocated to Pax River, MD. in 1974 and back to Calverton and Bethpage in 1976. These were the best years of his life. Grumman was a wonderful company. John passed away on 9/3/02. On the way to his burial in Calverton, the entire funeral procession drove into the Grumman Memorial Park so John could say a final farewell to his beloved F-14. My husband loved that bird and all the guys he worked with at Grumman. Thanks for everything.
I recently visited your museum. Wow. The F-14 is incredible.
Well First I want to Thank the webmaster for an incredible site. I have been looking for such a site and now I can put a link from my website to here. My Father Who worked for Grumman aerospace from the 60's thru the 70.s
Mr. Peter J. Brenna, helped with the Design of the F-14 and how I loved when he would bring me patches of the Apollo LM and models. I miss my father and I miss the company he worked for. God bless. If anyone worked at Grumman and knew my father please e-mail me at dbryant@hvc.rr.com
Looking to contact former fellow Grummanites that worked in Plant 6 on all programs between 1965 thru 1981.
COMMENT FOR DONALD BRYANT: PETER J. BRENNA WORKED FOR ME IN INSTRUMENTATION MFG. FOR MANY YEARS. HE CAN CONTACT ME IF HE WISHES.
It was good to see some of the old "Grummies" still dropping comments to this site. I still enjoy coming back to this site to relive some of the 20 years I spent in plant 2,3 & 12.
I'm currently working in plant 66 (Milledgeville, Ga) at the same number and desk even though the sign has changed 3 times since 1991. It now reads Vought Aircraft Industries (Yuck!) but it still lives and breathes as Grumman Aerospace.
Thanks for the great memories of times past.
Leroy, rest in peace for your dream still lives on...
Thank you so much Charles P.Cava and thank God Your still alive! I have sent you an e-mail thanks to Chris Dittmeier for sending me that long awaited lost bottle in the ocean. I thought nobody would respond I feel so much better now thanks a million.
I worked as a summer engineer during 1947-49 while attending Lehigh U. on the GI Bill after Navy service in the Pacific Theatre. I knew Bill Schwendler through my uncle who was his high school best friend. Later, my high school best friend, married Grace Grumman and the Grumman connection continued until Alan Nelson's death a few years ago.
My family and I had a wonderful visit with the Schwendlers on our return to the East coast in the late 60's. I told him I thought the F9F was the most beautiful airplane ever designed. He didn't disagree and I will cherish always the F9F model he gave me.
I wanted to fly Navy in the worst way and although being accepted for the V-5 program was frustrated in achieving my ambition to fly Hellcats off carriers when the war in Europe ended.
We now have a son, Naval Academy graduate, who would have attained my goal of flying Navy except for an unexpected pollen-related allergy. He is now a Navy Captain serving in Special Ops overseas. His mother and I hope to take him to Calverton when possible to visit the museum. Best wishes for preserving the memories of a wonderful company.
Dick Husta/Wilton, CT
My three summers in Bethpage remain vivid and nostalgic memories. A wonderful company to work for, and Grumman products were built to such perfection.
First and foremost I would like to thank my wife and children for giving me the greatest honor of having a marble brick laid in the walk of honor in my name. Looking back it was the best years of my life. I worked for Grumman 27 years and retired in 1992. most of them years was at Calverton. I worked in the security dept. and if any of my co-workers see this please contact me. Thanks for the memories and Grumman will always be in my heart.
It was a great place to work, plant 7 in flight development, A-6's and the F-14 12:06 shift. I work in Saudi Arabia these days for Boeing in customer support - miss Jimmy "Duece" Janacek, Bill "Captain Dirt" Frank, Cliff Barth, and even Bob "Catfish" Chapman. I hope that all the techs, mechs, engineers, and others that I worked with (and argued with!) are all OK. Looking at LI today, it is hard to believe that at one time it was the Cradle of Aviation.
Best memories I have were the people that made it happen with the working man having the highest degree of integrity. July 29 1963 to present December 12, 2002
I stumbled on the website this morning and spent a pleasant hour just reading through the messages. Your website brought back fond memories of a great company and so many people. I'm a retired Grummanite - 1964 -1993. Spent 1964 - 1975 in LM and Shuttle wing engineering before moving to Milledgeville (Pl 66). Hope to get up to Long Island again. I'll certainly get out to Calverton to visit the Grumman Park if I do. You've done a great job keeping the Grumman family tradition alive.
Great site, you've done well!
I started working for Grumman in 1972. I was hired in Norfolk VA and worked briefly in Calverton on the F-14 flight test program. When flight test moved to NATC Patuxent River, MD I moved with it and haven't stopped moving since. When employees were asked to go to Iran to train Iranian mechanics on how to repair their F-14s, I was there. After Iran I worked for Grumman in VA, MD, CA, FL, NM, Japan, Israel, Egypt, Switzerland, Finland, and probably a few other places that I can't recall at the moment. I just passed my 30 year milestone and am back at Patuxent River for the third time working on the E-2C flight test program. I am grateful to Grumman for an exciting career and for an opportunity to see the world. I would be interested in corresponding with Peggy Dufner about Isfahan if you could pass this on to her.
I think the web site home page looks great, but where are all of the other early planes like the Hellcat, Bearcat, Panther, Banshee, and the others? My Father was the Chief Test Pilot for the A6 Program from the mid 60's through the 80's. he died this past February! Anyone who would like to contact his wife can get in touch with her at nicolinada@vol.com. I am William E. Bassett, Jr., I also worked for Grumman in Calverton, plant 6, as an assembly riveter on the A6A-E Mod on cockpit re-work. If Carl Rappold see this, or if anyone knows how to contact Carl, please let me know!
What a wonderful website. I worked at Calverton from 1980 to 1989. Never since leaving Grumman have I encountered a group with greater professionalism or enthusiasm. The people at Calverton set a standard for the industry. I'm sure Joe Mallins checked the inlets for FOD before the F-14 was placed on it's pedestal at the park. 137832
It was a fine company a grand company, I'm proud to have been part of it for 33 years. I represented those products for thirty plus years in the field and was proud to do it. Semper Fi
I worked for Grumman from July, 1972-May, 1992 mostly at plant 6 Calverton but I spent a good 18 months in Little Rock Arkansas. (good road trip). I mostly miss all the great guys and girls I worked with over the years. In fact that's all I really miss. The work wasn't fun but we got the job done and left our mark in history. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
Hi,
Someone Please e-mail me. My father worked at Grumman on Long Island, he past away in 1985. I am in desperate need to find information. I hope someone can help me, please. I was only 3 years old at the time. His name is ROBERT BARBERA and he had a brother Jimmy. I think he worked at the Calverton one or Bethpage. If anyone knows where I can get information, PLEASE E-MAIL ME!!!! IT MEANS A LOT!!! CAN SOMEONE HELP ME???? KittyCat101500@aol.com