Ira Gitler - The Greatest Gorilla Of Them All - 1928-2019
 
To All The Gorilla Family,
It is with deep sadness that I inform you that our Simian Leader of all things Green, Ira Gitler, passed away Feb 23, 2019 at the Mary Manning Walsh nursing home that was his home for the past 4 years.
Even though we might have been preparing ourselves for this day since his major surgery 5 years ago it is still something that scorches the soul when you remember what Ira meant to all of us.
I'm sure we all have our personal memories of our long and intimate times on and off the ice with our beloved Coach. I will leave you with those to recall with a smile as big as the one I can envision Ira breaking into that stretched his big beautiful mustache from ear to ear. as Ira goes to the great hockey rink in the sky for another late night skate with the likes of Mario D.,, Tom P., and Phil S.
 
Coach Ira's memorial service will take place at Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 W 76th Street, Sunday March 10th at 2:30pm. If you haven't already, reach out to other Gorillas not on this distribution list or whomever you think is interested please let them know they are most welcomed to attend.
 
If you have a Gorilla jersey, feel free to wear it as your badge of honor for Ira.
 
I would guess the service will be completed by 4 PM. The Amsterdam Ale House (corner of Amsterdam Ave and 76th St) has a back room that holds over 20 people that we can use as a Gorilla gathering place.
 
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
 
OOOH-OOOH-OOOH-OOOH
 
 

Ira's 90th Boffo Birthday 'n Gorilla Boyz Gathering Dec. 18th, 2018

 

Aloha Apes,
Today certainly marks a major milestone in red-letter Gorilla memories. A bunch of apemen made the pilgrimage to Mary Manning Walsh Adult Care Center ion the Upper East Side of Manhattan to mark Gitlers Gorillas founder, player-coach, and GM Ira Gitler's 90th birthday.
Larry 'Ratso' Sloman was the first to arrive (Mary Jo was already there . . . .she's always there). He had been wavering until he learned that a free Jewish-style breakfast buffet was going to be served. We're pretty sure 'free' was the keyword that got him there early with portable utensils. Cap't Pat McMahon, Dan 'Beboppa' Rieber, Nunzio 'Michelin Boy' Cassara, and Scott 'Drivin Massa Gitler' Schwedock arrived a little while later. The grin on Ira's face meant only one thing . . . . He was so happy some other Gorilla besides Ratso had showed up. Following closely behind were Vinnie the Fan, Mike 'Baby Face' Geller. and last, but not least, Cap't Jimmy O'Boyle.
Ira was in great spirits, out of bed in the wheel chair, soaking the whole scene in with hugs, smiles and laughter. Pat mentioned that we were all here to see him and that we were all hockey players (except for Ratso, of course) and that he, being the only Canadien, was a little better than the others. Much to Ratso's delight and gowling stomach, Nunzio brought bagels, spread and cookies. The boys went through a number of recollections, including going to Nunzio's parents pizza shop on Bath Ave. Brooklyn and the many phrases that have become part of Gorilla lore ("IRRRAAAAAA" as Peter the sanitation worker would call him, "But first, Mugambo!!", "I've been hearing a lotta nice things about you" - from the Kiev, and, of course, the immortal Blume Coke) and took a group photo with Mary Jo and the absent (groin repair - horse? or hockey?) Jon Alpert's empty jersey (par the course).
 
Certainly a day to remember., but don't afraid, YOU were all well represented today to Ira and Mary Jo.
 
Just remember, it's never too late to wish Ira a Happy 90th in the Guestbook on the Gitlers Gorillas website guestbook page. Fitz Gitler is looking forward to sharing your thoughts and wishes with Ira.
 
Looking forward to getting us together again soon. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
 

Slideshow below includes a sampling of Ira's 70+ years in hockey.

For more photos of Coach Ira and the Gorillas please visit Photos/Videos

Please wish Coach Kong a happy 90th in the Guestbook.

 

 

 

43 Years of Gorilla Stats Have Now Been Officially Entered

Click here to see NEWS article

 

OOOOH-OOOOH-OOOOH-OOOOH

 

WELCOME TO THE HOME OF ALL GITLER'S GORILLAS

Thanks for dropping by and visiting  the Gitler's Gorilla Web Site. Coach Kong, Ira Gitler, and his clan would like to use the site to preserve Gorilla history, as well as serve its future. 

As time goes by we will be adding the past 45 years worth of history, photos, video and anecdotes which includes highlighting 14 championships and well over a hundred of Coach Ira's extended and unique skating simian family. We have compiled ALL the stats available, from the undefeated 1973 Inaugural Sky Rink League to the present plus tournaments. Photo link to 'smugmug.com' established.

 

The Gorillas have embarked on their 45th season as one of New York Metro most competitive, entertaining and respected ice hockey clubs. We have listened to our diverse fan base and will be using this site to keep one and all aware of our continuing escapades.

 

Record
TeamRecordOTLHomeAwayPtsGFGALast 10StreakWin %
Gitlers Gorillas3-11-21-5-22-68601042-7-1Won 1.250
OVERALL GORILLA RECORD

1973 - 2015

WINS  LOSSES  TIES

 350    171    21

Last Playoff Game - Mar 3,2015
 123F
Gitlers Gorillas1023
Americans2125
Box Score and Summary
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