Thank you Uncle Angelo!
Thank you Uncle Angelo for being a caring soul.  You and your lovely young wife, Italy decided to stop the madness of passing little Tony around to all the family members and give him some stability and a place to call home temporarily.  The love and consistancy you showed him as a child proved to mold his character and become a thread that he would eventually sew into the lives of his daughters and grandchildren.  He was a gentle caring soul like you Uncle Angelo, my namesake.

(r) Angelo, daughter Carmela, wife Italy and son Jobe in front

Little Tony, Angelo and Italy's youngest born in Chicago

Aunt Italy, also known as Aunt Tillie, insisted on a routine that included music lessons beginning at the age of 7 with an instrument that was half the size of little Tony.  And the rest is history...he was a natural at playing the accordian.  He had the opportunity to teach others, to perform regularly and earn extra money to support his family with his talent.  I remember Dad mentioning how much he enjoyed making people happy when playing his music. He had so many opportunities to perform in important places and fondly remembered being invited to perform for The United States Generals that were meeting at The Greenbriar in West Virginia.  He always wanted his grandkids to learn to play, although they were interested in sports and such. I remember when he purchased a beautiful small accordian with mother of pearl inlay...his pride and joy since he purchased while on a very limited budget in later years. This instrument was for my boys to have in case they ever wanted to test their own musical talents.  Time gets away from us sometimes and we get busy with our routines.  Lets learn from this and keep music alive in our little ones to come...music instruction will hopefully be incorporated into Jasper, Cora and our little ones that will be born in the future so that little Tony's legacy can live on.  God gave him a rich talent which is another thread that runs through me and onto my boys and onto my Grandchildren.