Aunt Sally

Aunt Rose called a couple of days ago to let us know that Aunt Sally had died. We are not going to be able to arrange to get to Long Island tomorrow but I wanted to take an opportunity to celebrate her life.

I did not know her very well, I just remember going to her house once or twice for a visit. She was a great hostess on those visits. She was James' godmother and he remembers she used to love to play canasta. She looks like she's ready for a canasta game here!

I expect you each have your own fond memories. She's not the last of that generation to pass but I believe she might be the last of those that you knew in your childhood. The passing of a generation is always bittersweet. Cheers to Aunt Sally.

Pictures and Puzzles

If this picture wasn't in black and white, some of you may think it replicates some of the family fun in recent weeks. But this family event was probably held some 60 years ago or more. You all come by your love of family gatherings honestly! There is a long history of such for you to benefit from.

This picture is meaningful to me in many ways. One is that it reminds us that we aren't the first generation to enjoy a good time and silliness. Aunt Josie and Aunt Rose helped identify their Uncle Frank on the ground under the spigot; Esther on his legs; Walter Junior the young boy; their Aunt Bea on the far left, your Aunt Rose in the middle and Great Aunt Rose drinking from the glass. Aunt Rose tells me Esther is now 71 so I feel pretty certain this was taken at least 60 years ago.

The Messa children (Mary, Rose, Louis, Bea, Peter) didn't have a happy home life (an understatement). Most of them suffered from serious health problems in adulthood. But when they got together, good times and silliness ruled! It's a reminder that we can find strength in our family gatherings especially when times are difficult either personally or more globally.

Another reason this picture is meaningful to me was supplied by cousin Diana whose sharp eye noticed that the picture I previously posted of your grandparents was taken in the same location. She noticed the lattice work. When I looked at the both pictures more carefully, I had one of those "dope slap" revelations and realized we had 3 pictures from the same event.

We had originally been puzzling over the identity of the man on the ground. When I put these 3 pictures together it is obvious that it is Uncle Frank. Mystery of the man on the ground solved by keen observation--thanks Diana! Another reminder that family history is a family effort.

There is much to say and share but I have to admit I am feeling a little overwhelmed (if not overcome) by the events of this past weekend. It is going to take me a few days to get myself organized and ready to post, but I didn't want any more time to go by before I said thank you to Aunt Rose, Uncle Lou and Diana. They spent the better part of an afternoon with us sharing stories and memories. Rose's (the "other" Aunt Rose Jozwicki) tale of her childhood is riveting and I cannot express my appreciation to you for sharing it. I look forward to studying it further and filling out some of the other details on the lives of the Dalpiaz and Messa families. Thank you.

Congratulations Jake and Lindsay! It was a wonderful ceremony and reception--we could see how much you both put into making the day special for yourselves, your families and Emily. It was wonderful to spend some time especially with the cousins. Thomas and Michelle should be very happy--thank you to them as well! More soon!

From the Heart for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! It's not exactly Valentine-y or romantic but I do have a little gift for you all. Another Coffarelli story is beginning to take shape. I followed a bit of a hunch I mentioned previously regarding the unknown Orabel girls. Mary and Julia Orabell are buried together with your great grandmother Rose Coffarelli and your great great grandfather Giuseppe (Joseph -- also known as Nicholas).

I recently obtained a copy of Mary Orabell's deather certificate and she is one of the "missing" Coffarelli siblings--your grandfather James' sister. Mary is the first of the children to be born in New York (November 12 1886) which helps me pin down immigration information. I don't know the name of her groom just yet but I believe Mary was married Dec 23 1907 in Queens--just a few months later she had a daughter Julia who died a few hours after birth. (OK--it's a sad Valentine's Day story, but it's a celebration also to reclaim an ancestor). Mary was probably just 21 at this time. Julia was born and died just about a month after Mary's mother Rose died so I can imagine this was a very difficult time for her.

Mary herself died six years later in the Bronx after spending several days hospitalized. She is listed as married but no mention is made of her husband in the death record. Every time I get one question answered, that answer creates more questions! And that's the thrill of the hunt, I guess. This job will never be done and that's OK by me. I am just hoping someday some future descendant will be very happy with me!

I look forward to seeing some of you this upcoming weekend. I am including one of the "unknowns" from an album labeled "Regina Coffarelli"--I think the baby might be your mother but I don't know who the man is for sure. Any ideas? Maybe it's father/daughter--so I think the other picture makes a nice contrast.

Sweet 16

Happy Birthday Amanda! This is Beatrice Messa at age 15 and this picture makes me think of you. This looks like a beautifully graceful young woman, which explains why it seems appropriate to post in celebration of your birthday. And I think her shoes look like dance shoes!

I heard from Diana (hi there Diana!) who said she's been reading the blog with her parents. Diana mentions that Louis Messa was a musician in the family. Of course, I did know about his band but I guess I did not know this is how he made his living. The 1930 census shows an 18 year old Louis as a factory worker living at home with his mother and brother in law Costante. Also living in the house at the time is almost 16 year old Beatrice, apparently a beader in a bead factory. I imagine everyone was working to pitch in to help the family during these difficult years.

I am actively seeking information on Louis' band but so far no luck. There are many other pieces of information I continue to "actively seek" to round out the story of your heritage and I appreciate everyone's input! Thank you.

Basketball Highlights

Wasn't it nice of this guy to check Ryan's pulse for him?

There may be more than one dancer among the cousins!

Things that are 50 too!

Happy Birthday Scott and Linda! I know we all partied it up to celebrate but I didn't think it would hurt to share some perspective on Things That Are 50. She doesn't look a day over 19, but Disney's Sleeping Beauty movie came out in 1959. Fidel Castro came to power; Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states.

You already know the Barbie doll was "born" in 1959 -- just like Linda and Scott! The Grammy awards were born. Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis were probably on the radio while your moms were feeding and changing you.

Gas was 25 cents a gallon and a new car cost $2200. Movie tickets were just a dollar. Are movie tickets today 4 times a gallon of gas today??? Just about -- at least for those of us in upstate NY.

And Motown is 50 too and I think it never looked as good as it does here! Happy Birthday!