I was born in Charleston South Carolina, on September 13, 1908. My mother, a saintly woman, whom in my heart I bless and revere as a sublime example of goodness, unselfishness, courage and devotion. Who though not educated brought up all seven of us brothers and sisters, in a consistently code of morals right and duty.

Dad who migrated in this country in 1906, worked as a long shoreman and within a year had mom come to America and settled in South Carolina. When labor became scarce, dad decided to move to New York City, this occurred in 1913. At the time I was 5 years old. My first recollection of existence was at the age of size when a younger brother named Angelo died of a throat ailment and also the death of my uncle, fathers brother; who left a five year old daughter. My parents took her in and she grew up as a third sister. (Aunt Pauline)

My first day of school was a lullo, reason was that dad had not as yer registered me, and while playing caddy-stick a truant officer nabbed me and took me to school. After which dad had me registered and school thus became a must.

In the year of 1917 when our country entered world war #1 against Germany, my recollection of events are vague and somewhat mixed up. First there was a lot of confusion, with people all having the own opinion of the outcome. To me it meant nothing, other than to wonder what the hell war was all about. That which I was able to understand was very discerning and scary. After all at the age of nine I wondered if this was the beginning of what the world would be like.

Life in the big city in those days was tough and for most foreigners with large families much harder. Most people survived with the help and understanding of some good samaritans, such as the butcher, the baker and the grocery man. The bills got bigger and bigger and then the trusting at the stores got smaller and sometimes food was barely sufficient for survival. And with no help from the city agencies matters became pretty desperate.

Many out of the way acts by most of use youngsters were committed during our boyhood days when the going was really tough, such as helping ourselves from and horse and wagon loaded with eatedbles. Always without the knowledge of our parents.

Some of the never to be forgotten memories of the neighthood are still alive and vivid. One cardinal rule by the older boys was that you had to know how to swim, otherwise you weren’t allowed on the docks. The way we were taught to swim may not be the smartest, but it was very effective. While the older boys stood watch, we had to jump off the dock and on emerging were told to swim or sink. Somehow we learned and became thankful. We all took part in the boxing, running, and plenty of baseball playing.

Mom bore 11 children, -- the first two (both boys) died after birth the third son was brother Pete is still going strong at the age of 78, the fourth son brother John died at the age of 62, then mom bore twin boys named Bruno and Frank. Frank the sixth son died at the age of infancy and brother Bruno died at the age of 69. I thus became the seventh son to be born, after which mom bore four more children, named sister Ann the Angelo who died at the age of 3 then brother Paul was born who is now 65 and of course the baby in the family sister Connie who is now 63.

The ensuing facts are after an elapsed time of almost 3 years, hence the aftermath is thus: Brother Pete who is the eldest, aged now 81 and residing in Florida (New Port Richey) is doing OK. Brother Paul aged 68 is fine and has three grown sons all of whom are married and has four grandchildren. Sister Ann is the only one in the family that no one ever could get along with, she always made it hard for all. The last sister Connie is the baby of my family aged 66, but you wouldn’t believe it, she seems to retain her youth always.

My only child Son Frank is doing O.K. He is teaching and has four lovely children, aged 24, 22, 20, & 18, all growing up with a consistency of honor and respect. Of course the apple of my eye is gradson Frankie who is a college graduate and now working as an accountant. The oldest grandchild Donna is also a college graduate and now working as a counselor. Grandson Nicky is still in college and I’m hoping that he will get what he is striving for in life. That leaves the baby grand-daughter Carol who loves music and is playing the Viola.

This year 1982 was one never to be forgotten. My wonderful wife and I celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary, with almost all our relatives present with the only exception of sister Ann, who always was the lone one in the family. She could never do anything to please the family, always a difficult person. Truthfully no one missed her, because all had a wonderful time and was a good get together for the family.

On our last trip to Italy, we saw many of our relatives (Punturieri’s and was surprised at the number, to begin with my grandfather and grandmother had children (19 children, grandpa married 3 times)