I remember hearing the sirens and seeing the fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances all going very fast, westbound on Chicago Avenue. I lived on Christiana south of Chicago Avenue. I was in the morning class and already at home. 'I was not directly involved with the fire. Rick attended morning Kindergarten and was fortunately at home at the time of the fire. The streets and sidewalks were very slippery because I remember falling.” Niece of Grace DiMaso. As we were trying to get away from the school I remember seeing huge firetrucks and hearing people screaming and crying. I do not remember their names, but I would like to thank them for getting me home safely. Luckily, my babysitter who walked me to and from school made it out of the fire ok and came to get me to walk me home along with a friend of hers. at the time of the fire.Ĭlara lived on Thomas Street at the time of the fire along with her parents Philip and Jessie DiMaso and, sister Rose Marie. My uncle, Andrew Salemi, and my aunt Maria Salemi were both in the school and were able to get out without injuries.” Niece of Andrew Salemi and Maria Salemi.

I have very clear memories of watching the street in front of our house as the mothers kept bringing out blankets and wrapping the children before the ambulances came to get them. My house was right next to the convent, which was directly across the street from OLA. Sister Mary Remi was the teacher in this class. “I remember the mother of one of the other children came running into the classroom crying that the school was on fire. Sister of Henry and Linda Bertucci cousin of George and Janice Pomilia, and Joanne, Mary Ellen, and John Pettenon. Sister of Aurelia and Anthony Abbatiello.ĭiane married Michael Cantieri and they have a son and daughter. Denise taught the morning session and Sr. There were separate morning and afternoon Kindergarten sessions.

This was a separate building from the main school, located south of the church on Hamlin Ave. Click a Room Number To View a List of Known Survivors of That Classroom

Crazy For Alice by Alex Dunn