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Vol. 28 No. 50
Blakeman will run for governor
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Fans listen to actors from ‘The Sopranos’ Franzetti took the opportunity to meet actor Funaro directly, shaking hands, taking a picHundreds of fans flocked to ture, and expressing his enthuthe Bellmore Movies and The siasm for the show. “It was a pleasure watching Showplace for a special opportunity: to spend an evening tonight,” Franzetti said. “Thanks for coming down, with four “Sopranos” actors sharing their stories about the and happy birthday,” responded show from on and of f the Funaro. screen. Franzetti is one of many “A Night With The Sopra- younger fans of the show. This nos” featured actors surge in popularity Ro b e r t F u n a ro, came during the Jason Cerbone, Dan Covid-19 pandemic, Grimaldi, and Matwhen many people thew Servitto. found themselves Throughout the seswith more time to sion, the quartet watch classic gave their perspecshows. tive on the show’s “It became more story, the culture and more popular,” JACoB FRANZETTI around it, and their Funaro explained. ‘The Sopranos’ fan feelings about vari“It’s a great feeling ous topics in the — not so much the past and present. recognition, but they really like Jacob Franzetti, 17, of North the show, and they like your Bellmore, listened closely to the work, and they appreciate us, exclusive information about and we appreciate them too.” one of his favorite shows. FranFans new and old were well zetti was brought to the Nov. 21 served; the actors had much to event by his family to celebrate s h a r e. A c o m m o n t h e m e his birthday. between the four’s stories was “My mom told me about this the collaborative — sometimes e a rl i e r i n t h e we e k , ” h e comedic — nature of the set. explained. “We got a lot of good For Servitto and Grimaldi, insight — everyone got to ask there were no easy times involvquestions, and I think it was a ing scenes with pump-operated really good time.”
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo
jdalessandro@liherald.com
Tim Baker/Herald
Merrick is in the holiday spirit The Merrick Chamber of Commerce kicked off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting event. Story, additional photos, Page 10.
Barry Fox, prominent Merrick activist, former Person of the Year, dies at 85 By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Barry Fox, a relentless civic advocate who spent more than three decades fighting to preserve Merrick’s suburban character and safeguard the quality of life for local residents, died on Nov. 18. He was 85. Born on Jan. 24, 1940, in New Haven, Connecticut, Fox lived in Merrick for more than 50 years, becoming one of the community’s most influential watchdogs. He served for decades as president of the Merrick Park Home Owners Association, leading efforts to curb overdevelopment, stop environmentally hazardous projects and push for improvements in local infrastructure. For his strong local advocacy, he was named the Merrick Herald’s Person of the Year in 2003.
A retired New York City schoolteacher, Fox also was a husband, father of three, grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of one. To many, Fox was reminiscent of George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life” — an unassuming, selfless everyman whose quiet leadership helped shape the place he loved. Residents often said that without Fox, Merrick would look very different. Under his leadership, the Merrick Park Home Owners Association grew to nearly 200 members and developed into one of the region’s most active civic groups. Fox encouraged generations of residents to engage in local government, offering guidance, mentorship and a steadfast example of community involvement. From the 1980s through the 2000s, Fox played a Continued on page 16
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t was a pleasure watching tonight.
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