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The clarity of memory in recalling Fuzzy
(by GRANGE RUTAN HABERMANN - October 30, 2008)
Mounties whose blood still runs blue were not there and would never have been able to hear "Uncle Charlie," aka Charles Johnson, proudly say at the ribbon-cutting, coming all the way from San Francisco, Calif. – to be with his entire family – to dedicate this beautiful building in memory of his brother-in-law and hero,"Bob" aka "Fuzzy," the first "signal caller" for Clary Anderson – for the youth of today say, "Four of my classmates are here to be with me today."
To see Vincent Tango’s cameo paintings of Montclair memories proudly hanging in the field house; his book, "Montclair Football"; blue and white pennants; balloons; author Robyn Hodgen’s "Glory Years" (and her MHS cheerleading jacket), and cups and napkins with bulldogs and the trophies in the patina of their original beauty, grabbed the heart.
When Tony Naturale, one of Charlie Johnson’s teammates from three MHS state champs, wanted to take a photo of him standing next to the huge, beautifully restored to its original patina, 1949 Newark Evening News trophy, I couldn’t help but step in, pick it up and place it smack dab into his waiting arms and say "Here."
Were it not for Bill Kennedy, Vinny Valente, Barbara Fortunato Hurley, Sandy Kennedy and I, working in close contact with Vice Principal John Porcelli and Superintendent Frank Alvarez, taking trophies out, cataloging and photographing them, before and after, then to C.&J. Trophy in Verona, then back to Porcelli’s office with the many donations sent to John and Stacy Joyce of Montclair Alumni from classmates all over the United States to have them restored and be in the Furlong Field House, this moment would not be.
Thank you "Uncle Charlie" and the entire Furlong Family.
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