AUNT VIRGINIA AND LENNY
BAPTIZE ROBERT GANGI.
Photos by Philip Gangi Sr.


I'll never forget the day my brother Robert was born. It was the day the New York Mets won a World Series for the very first time - October 16, 1969. Two months later Aunt Virginia and cousin Lenny baptized Robert at St. Raphael's in East Meadow.

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Aunt Virginia and Lenny with baby Robert in Rosedale.

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Waiting for the ceremony to begin, my Mom and John sit in the first row. Steven is sitting next to Aunt Virginia and Lenny in the next row.That's Tommy with the glasses behind Lenny. To the left of Tommy someone is being blocked by Lenny, but that's me sitting next to Joe. In the fourth row is Aunt Frances, Uncle Russell and Grandma.

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The ceremony begins.

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Aunt Virginia and Lenny recite the baptism prayers.

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The priest pours holy water on Robert's head.

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Lenny and Aunt Virgina with Robert outside the church.

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After the ceremony we went back to my house in North Bellmore. From left to right, it's Lenny's arms with the purple shirt, Aunt Frances, Aunt Nina, Aunt Ann (my Mom's sister-in-law), Uncle Joe (my Mom's brother), Grandma, Aunt Rosie (my Mom's sister), my Mom and Aunt Virginia.

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Time for dinner!

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Uncle Vinny makes a toast.

Bonus Photos by Philip Liborio Gangi

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A close-up of my brother Robert.

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Aunt Virginia leaves the church after the ceremony.

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Lenny and Aunt Virginia look at my Dad taking a photograph.

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My Mom fixes Robert's blanket before getting into the car to leave the church.

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It's cousin Joe. Hey, nice tie.

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The sun appears to be in Grandma's eyes.

Well, that's all folks. Hope you enjoyed a little family history.

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