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Felix Ghirlando
........... working at NBC Radio in New York City.
I became a Ham in 1999, it was something that was not self-inspired. My grandfather was a very active ham back in his day. Taking his place in his local civil defense organization and clubs. I heard he was also active in the foxhunts with his club and friends.
When he was active back in, at least the 40's and 50's, his call was W2VQY. After he became a silent key in 1955 , I am told his equipment was donated to the local church and his call, I guess was put back in the pool. As far as I know that is where it stayed.
When I became a ham in 1999, I began my search in finding his call, since nothing of his station was ever found. I began my search and was not coming up with anything till I remembered that ARRL's QST magazine has a "Silent Key" column in every issue. I was in contact with John C. Hennessee, N1KB; The Regulatory Information Specialist, from the Field and Educational Services Department, from ARRL and he took the time to look in the back issues from 1955 and sure enough my grandfather was on the list with his call. So I filed for his call sign on 3/7/02 and on 4/4/02 I was granted his call as my own from the FCC. So after almost 46 years his call is now back in the family and on the air.
My special thanks to the ARRL and Mr. Hennessee.