_________________ bellmore ________________
HERALD Blakeman will run for governor
Shop local this Saturday
Neighbors learn Israeli dances
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Vol. 28 No. 50
DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2025
$1.00
‘The Sopranos’ fans listen to actors from show really good time.” Franzetti took the opportunity to meet actor Funaro directly, Hundreds of fans flocked to shaking hands, taking a picthe Bellmore Movies and The ture, and expressing his enthuShowplace for a special oppor- siasm for the show. “It was a pleasure watching tunity: to spend an evening with four “Sopranos” actors tonight,” Franzetti said. “Thanks for coming down, sharing their stories about the show from on and of f the and happy birthday,” responded screen. Funaro. “A Night With The SopraFranzetti is one of many nos” featured actors younger fans of the Ro b e r t F u n a ro, show. This surge in Jason Cerbone, Dan popularity came Grimaldi, and Matduring the Covid-19 thew Servitto. p a n d e m i c, wh e n Throughout the sesmany people found sion, the quartet t h e m s e l ve s w i t h gave their perspecmore time to watch tive on the show’s classic shows. story, the culture JACoB FRANzEttI “It became more around it, and their and more popular,” ‘The Sopranos’ fan feelings about variFunaro explained. ous topics in the “It’s a great feeling past and present. — not so much the recognition, Jacob Franzetti, 17, of North but they really like the show, Bellmore, listened closely to the and they like your work, and exclusive information about they appreciate us, and we one of his favorite shows. Fran- appreciate them too.” zetti was brought to the Nov. 21 Fans new and old were well event by his family to celebrate served; the actors had much to his birthday. s h a r e. A c o m m o n t h e m e “My mom told me about this between the four’s stories was e a rl i e r i n t h e we e k , ” h e the collaborative — sometimes explained. “We got a lot of good comedic — nature of the set. insight — everyone got to ask For Servitto and Grimaldi, questions, and I think it was a
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo
jdalessandro@liherald.com
Holden Leeds/Herald
Bellmore is ready for the holidays Bellmore’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting took place on Dec. 5 with family favorite activities and more. Story, additional photos, Page 10.
Turning memories into a kind of service Irving ‘Bob’ Miller turns 102, now living in Maine By HERNESto GAlDAMEz hgaldamez@liherald.com
Irving “Bob” Miller celebrated his 102nd birthday on Dec. 7, but the Bellmore-born World War II veteran still travels through the rooms of his life — from Jones Beach and Bellmore classrooms to the decks of Navy ships — and draws crowds when he talks. “I went to my local library, and they gave us this whole room, and I was telling my story about World War II,” said Miller, who now lives in Maine, “and I was surprised that they were so interested. “That engagement is what really keeps me going, being able to tell people about what happened during World War Two,” he added. “It’s
just amazing.” He has carried that impulse from his youth when he joined the Junior Naval Reserve at 13 to classrooms and community centers decades later He is determined to have listeners understand what he lived through. Miller’s path began in Bellmore and ran through the Depression to Brooklyn before the Navy called. “When a lot of boys joined the Boy Scouts… I joined the ‘Junior Naval Reserve,’” he recalled. The choice led him to machinist school, boot camp in Newport, Rhode Island, and then to the sea. Boot camp left a lasting impression: the Riot Act, shots, a haircut, and the odd intimacy of Continued on page 11
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t was a pleasure watching tonight.
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