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The Pudabalk's

Original Release: 12/4/2023

Organized in the early 1950's, the Pudabalk's were a group of Brush students who, according to Bill Loparo, '54, were just a "bunch of Italian guys who were proud to be Italian and wanted to have our own group." Hoodlums? Hardly! Their first civic project, held in 1952, was a benefit dance. The proceeds of the affair went to purchase equipment, suggested by the assistant director of Rainbow Hospital, to brighten the days of the shut-ins at the convalescent hospital located in South Euclid.

Assisting the group in planning the event was Michael "Mac" Palermo, principal of Memorial Junior High School and former Brush football coach. Mr. Palermo, who was well respected by club members, took them under his wing. In addition to planning philanthropic events, the group enjoyed playing pool in the pool room located under the Cedar-Lee theater. They played football on the front lawn of Victory Park Elementary School and hung out at Stella's Drive In which was located on Mayfield Road next to Bemis Florist. Members of the group included: Rick Betori '54, Al Campensa, Tony Caruso, Mike Cipulla, Lawrence Corio, Pat Corrado, John DePalma '54, Arthur Dercole '50, Gene Dercole '54, John DiCillo, Mike DiCillo, Frank DiLillo '51, Tony DiLoretta, Bob Fiderio '54, Ron Lanese '54, Marzel Levan '53, Bill Loparo '54, Jim Loparo, John Pedella, Joe Pullella, Arnold Tutolo “53, and Dan Tutolo '52 (apologies to any group members we may have missed).