Schiavone – Many Branches, One Tree

He Gave Not Some, but All

John Francis Mattarocchia (1948 – 1969) I spent Memorial Day this year with my cousin, John. I came across him about eight months ago for the first time in the way distant cousins sometimes meet these days, on the Internet. His name had just popped up, as names do, in the course of researching my … Continue reading

Ralph Schiavon – Part Four: Twilight

Ralph Schiavon January 27, 1898 – August 16, 1970 Twilight (Last in a four part series about my wonderful grandfather) Ralph Schiavon, at train station, Chicago (date unknown) My grandmother Alice had lost her eyesight in the early 60s. Her diabetes worsened, and she died at home on New Year’s Day in 1963. My parents … Continue reading

Ralph Schiavon – Part One: Auspicious Beginnings

Ralph Schiavon Born January 27, 1898 Died August 16, 1970 The following is Part One of a four-part series on the life of my wonderful Italian grandfather. Auspicious Beginnings My maternal grandfather, Ralph Schiavon, was one of those rare children born with a veil over his head. The “veil,” known medically … Continue reading