Rockaway’s Most Established Circle of Friends

By Anne Marie Greene

Everyone in Rockaway knows about beach circles. The group of people who set their chairs up early, watch where the tide is and enjoy the day with family and friends. For decades, a group of Belle Harbor friends has gathered in or around the same beach of 133-134, their circle woven together by time, memories, and shared laughter. It’s a space that has seen generations of their families come and go, yet this circle remains unchanged—an enduring testament to lifelong friendship. They sit on beach chairs and under umbrellas, their conversations a soothing blend of nostalgia and quiet wisdom, as waves lap at the shore, they all know intimately. Their bond—strong, unspoken, and rooted in years of stories—is constant. These friends are Rockaway Beach’s living history, each member a presence in the Rockaway community, known and respected for many decades. In a world that’s always moving forward, their beach circle is a rare sanctuary, a place where the past, present, and future coexist in harmony.

They could be called the Most Well-Established Beach Circle of Belle Harbor, many friends for more than 50 years. Although they have seen some changes to the group over the years, a core group remains. The members of the circle celebrating Labor Day this year included (l to r) John O’Connor, who was raised in the Bronx but moved to Rockaway with his wife Terry in 1960 and raised three children who also live in Rockaway. Ann Marie O’Grady Nelson, who considers herself a true Rockaway “Original.” Calling Rockaway home for more than 70 years, O’Grady Nelson was born In Rockaway Beach Hospital, she attended St. Francis de Sales and Stella Maris, and along with her husband, Mike Nelson, raised her two children, Ryan and Nicole, in their home. Her family has run O’Grady Plumbing and Heating since 1932. There were DFD friends of the group, Jane and Wheaton Simis, who called Rockaway a “hidden gem.” Francine Munson McManus was born in Greenwich Village and moved to Rockaway in 1958. She also attended St. Francis de Sales and Stella Maris and married her husband, Marty, whose family also goes back in Rockaway history several generations. Together they raised six children in a beautiful house in Belle Harbor and was quoted saying, “Still here, Thank God.” Alice Rayder Ostrander was born in Belle Harbor, married her husband Robert and raised four children, who all call Rockaway their home. She said she misses Harry the lifeguard, who retired at the age of 70.

Next to Alice is her sister, Jean Rayder Murphy, also born in Belle Harbor, who attended St. Francis de Sales, Stella Maris and St. John’s University. Jean told the story that the Rayder family were the first to have a milk machine that made them the most popular kids on the block. Jean married Brooklyn’s own Kevin Murphy and raised five lovely children who all live in Rockaway. Liz Sweeney Haughie and her husband, John, feel blessed to have moved from Brooklyn in 1975 to 133rd street where they love their neighbors and the family and friends in Belle Harbor. They feel lucky to have their children and grandchildren so close. Mary Lou Rayder and her husband, Eugene Heym, raised their three sons in Rockaway and will always have sand in their shoes. At the end of the day, after the hors d’oeuvres and drinks, they made a toast to another year in the sun with lifelong friends and family on Rockaway Beach, the place they call home.