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Celebrants outside Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York
Photo courtesy of Tony Montemuro |
Today [Tuesday, April 27th], we commemorate the 100th wedding anniversary of Filomena Breglio and Giuseppe Maria Toscano—our maternal grandparents. It’s an American Story...made in Italy!
Joe came to American in 1899 under permission of the King of Italy- Umberto I, to what he expected were “streets paved in gold” -- together with his mother Maria Antonia, dad Giovanni, sister Angelina and brother Domenico.
Approximately 5 years later, Giovanni was killed during a workers’ organization protest on the docks of the lower east side. While it made Nonna question America and why they were here (wearing black for the rest of her life—over 50 years later), it made Joe determined to do and be more.
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| Filomena and Giuseppe Toscano |
Joe dropped out of school at age 14 to provide for his family. First, he worked at Eisner’s Clothing factory—leaving nights to go to the public library to read newspapers and teach himself English. By the way, he had NO accent. Later in 1918, Joe served his country (not his former country) in WWI. He shared with me when the government asked him if he had any problem fighting against his country. He replied, “I’m fighting for MY country when I serve.” They immediately enlisted him.
Thereafter in 1920, he met Filomena Breglio at a local pharmacy after which they began a courtship...part of which was a deal. It was a “three-fer”—when you marry me, you get me, my mother and my little brother too! “Minny” (as he called her) lovingly agreed and continued to care for them and her own children for years after. She was, after all, used to a crowd—being one of 18 children.
Together Joe and Minny had 4 children—Frances who is currently 99, and those children now gone, Catherine, Helen and Marie (aka Maria Antonietta—a theme).
While Minny cared for Nonna, Dom, and her own children, Joe initially worked as a runner on Wall Street and finally at the Post Office—green truck #15119 remaining with the Post Office until retirement.
They first lived in what is now China Town, then on Avenue B by Tompkins Square, and later at #3 Avenue C in Brooklyn. They spent their final years living with Fran and husband Dan in Jamaica.
Filomena and Joe had 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren by their final ages of 80 and 92.
Filomena often admonished others: “don’t worship the stars (celebrities), worship the saints.” Who were the saints they appreciated most?—St. Rocco, St. Veronica, St. Francis, St. Joseph, Santa Maria, and San Antonio! (the theme continues).
Their focus during life was simple—education, faith, family, and love of country—the USA, whose streets weren’t, in fact, paved in gold, but which YOU could YOURSELF pave with industry, hard work, education and determination. “You can become anything you want in America!” they’d often say.
They might be embarrassed by the attention today, but it is a well-deserved testament to them and their legacies which we now honor.
With gratitude and thanksgiving for them, their lives, their examples, and the sacrifices they made which have benefitted us all, these 100 years later.
May God continue to bless them and keep them and their children with a special blessing for Frances on her upcoming 100th birthday!
Grazie mille ed baccioni per i nostri nonni Filomena e Giuseppe!! Rendiamo grazie a Dio perche e una cosa buona e giusta!
~ Submitted by Tony Montemurro, April 29, Feast of San Severo di Napoli
