THE FAMILY IN CASTELMEZZANO
Although John, Joe, Charlie and Michael were settled in America, Minnie and Saverio still had the rest of their family at home: Romeo, Giorgio, Celeste and Maria. (Caroline I and Anthony were either stillborn or died shortly after birth; Caroline II, succumbed to typhoid at age 8; Giulia died in 1921.)
Romeo
Romeo was born September 6, 1918 in Castelmezzano. He attended elementary and secondary schools and then went on to study law. At age 22, in his last year of law school, Romeo was drafted into the service (1940) as a First Lieutenant in the Army. Six months later he was captured by the Russians and his family was notified that he was listed as a prisoner of war. He never returned home and nothing was ever learned of his fate.
George (Giorgio)
Born in the Spring of 1992, Giorgio was a beautiful healthy, strong, bouncing baby boy. But, on a fateful date in February 1923, he was struck with infantile paralysis. His mother practically witnessed it as she was just a short distance from his crib. The crippling disease caused his eyes to cross and left his legs partially paralyzed, giving him an unsteady balance.
Over the years, George was taken to several specialists in Naples, but they could do very little for him, except to straighten his eyes. While in Naples, awaiting eye surgery, his parents took him for a stroll along the beach. He had never been to the ocean and was entranced by it. He broke free of Minnie’s hand, ran into the sea and proceeded to swim into deep water. His frightened parents were absolutely amazed and were equally grateful when he returned to them safely.
The surgery was to take place in an operating room in the doctor’s office. His parents held on to him to give him support, but seeing how shakey they were, he asked that they leave the room. Then he told the doctor to operate without any anesthesia. (He must have been an amazingly exceptional child.)
George was always full of “guts and courage,” says Michael, “resolute and happy, with a terrific sense of humor.” He was able to cope with his problem quite well and had a good disposition and attitude. Despite his handicap, he was determined to attend school. His fortitude remained steadfast and he would never admit defeat. Finally, after eleven years, he completed his elementary education. He laughingly told his brother, Michael, “They graduated me simply for being the oldest!”
During World War II, George tried numerous times to enlist in the service, but much to his regret, was always rejected. He persisted and finally in January 1942, much to everyone’s amazement, he was accepted. In 1943 he was captured and “suffered all the prisoner’s torches.” In August 1945 he managed to escape and miraculously made his way home.
When his mother, Minnie, came to the U.S. in 1951, George stayed on in Naples with his sister Celeste. She and her family provided the love and support he needed and gave him a job in the family laboratory.
When George fell in love and married, Celeste purchase two co-op apartments in a good section of Naples; one for George and his bride and the other for their sister, Maria.
Celeste and Maria
Celeste and Maria remained with their parents and continued to reside in Italy. Celeste married Michael Parella and they were blessed with two children; a boy, Michael and a girl, Tilde. Maria was wed to Arnaldo Giaquinto and they have two children Patrigia and Elenina.
In 1983, Celeste, now a widow, visited Michael & Louise in Florida. She was very pleased to be with them, and to see their brother, John. John had recently lost his wife, Bella, and had given up his apartment in New York City, and had moved to the western part of Florida permanently. He suggested that Celeste might was to live in the States and invited her to share an apartment with him.
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