Graziano died in 1934 while in his 80s. Most of his life here in the US he lived at the same address in Long Island City. His address changed in later years but he had the same neighbors so I am inclined to believe there was some sort of redistricting or some such that resulted in street name and number changes. He listed himself as a junk dealer or rag man. Perhaps today he'd be called a "picker"??
As far as I know, there were 4 children in this family. The oldest, Giovanna (Anna), married Giuseppe (Joseph) Manzelli. They are your great grandparents. Although three names appear on this monument, cemetery records indicate 5 are buried here. Besides Antonia and Graziano, you see Michael who also died in 1934 just a few months after his father. I believe this to be Anna's brother. Also buried here are 5 year old George and 4 year old Vincent. I do not know who these children are yet but I am supposing they may be nephews to Anna. Another mystery to delve into someday! I don't know why they are not listed on the monument but it looks sort of new to me (at least in terms of the first death listed being in 1912) and perhaps these children were unknown to whomever purchased the monument. I love the angel though! It appears not to match the monument, lending some credence to the theory that the monument is more recent.
The Isoldis remain an open book for me--lots of research potential there. One of Marilyn's letters promised the story of the Isoldis, but she never got the chance to share it with me. If Marilyn knew their story, perhaps someone else does as well so it remains an intriguing remainder on my list of family history to-do items.
It is very hard to believe 20 years have gone by since your mother died. We think of her often as I am sure you do as well. God Bless.
Brian and Gram 1989
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