THE CHILDREN OF PROVVIDENZA LA MANNA AND MARIANO IANNARINO
Saverio Iannarino
Saverio Iannarino is the first son of Provvidenza and Mariano Iannarino. Sicilian custom dictated that he be named after his paternal grandfather. This first son was given the name of Saverio. He was born on February 12, 1912 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died on September 18, 1987. Charles was the American name given to Saverio, though Charles is not a direct translation. The photo on the left shows Charles when he was a young man. The photo to the right, below, shows Charles with his friends -- he is in the back row, left.
The 1930 census shows Charles still living at home with his parents and working as a cushion maker in a factory. According to his son, Charles did not leave home until he was 28 years old. Charles married a woman named Helen, and he lived all his life in Pittsburgh. Charles and his wife Helen had two children--Charles and Darlene. Both children are still living. Charles obtained a job at the Post Office after his marriage and remained in that career until he retired.
Charles was artistically gifted though he was unable to develop his gift because of economic circumstances. Charles was required to drop out of high school to help support the family, though it is reported that he went to night school at a later time. There is some speculation that Charles may have been color-blind. A number of old photos have been found with the inscription on the reverse that they were photographed and developed by Charles -- as a young man, Charles' hobby was photography. Charles also taught himself to play the banjo.
Charles enlisted in the United States Army during the Second World War and served as a demolition expert, destroying remaining infrastructure in Germany after the conquering Allied army had passed on. Charles received an honorable discharge. Charles' younger brother Frank believed that Charles had also served in the African campaign, which had ended before the invasion of Normandy.
Rosaria Iannarino
Rosaria Iannarino is the first daughter of Provvidenza and Mariano Iannarino. According to custom Rosaria was named after her paternal grandmother, although she was known as Sadie. She married a Polish man, John, and gave birth to three children--Jan, the oldest boy, and two daughters, Janice and Judy. All of the children are still living. Sadie was born on August 28, 1913 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died on November 5, 1997 in Glendora, California. Sadie was preceded in death by her husband John.
Sadie hoped to be a nurse as she was growing up, but her father Mariano wouldn't allow her to pursue her dream. The nursing school at Allegheny General Hospital required it's students to live at the hospital in the nurses' dormitory. Her father Mariano would not allow Sadie, his unmarried daughter, to stay at the nurses' dormitory, even though it was only a block away from the family home.
Sadie trained to be a beautician instead. Sadie spent many years in that career, her first position in the Matrascia Salon, shown in the photo on the right. Eventually Sadie owned her own beauty salon. Sadie retired from that business and after staying at home for ten years was hired as the manager of the beauty salon in Joseph Horne's, an upscale department store in Pittsburgh.
At the age of 50 Sadie finally realized her dream of working in a hospital by persuading Allegheny General Hospital to train and hire her in the cardiology department where she assisted patients, preparing the patients for testing procedures. When she retired from the hospital, Sadie and her husband John moved to North Carolina to be near their youngest daughter, Judy and her children. John died in North Carolina but was buried in Pittsburgh. Sadie later moved to California to live with her daughter Janice. Sadie died in California a few years later. She was also buried in Pittsburgh. She and her husband John were married more than 50 years.
Memories
What I remember the most about Aunt Sadie was her boundless generosity and her willingness to always to listen to us, even those of us who were not her children. Aunt Sadie always dressed well, her hair and make-up always perfect. Aunt Sadie was a wonderful cook, specializing in both Italian and Polish cuisine. I have many fond memories of her warmth, her way of making me feel important and of the delicious smells that were always emanating from her kitchen. Sadie was creative and industrious. Difficulties could not defeat her. Sadie was challenged by her life and responded courageously, determined to make the most of what life had to give to her. Sadie loved her children and her large, extended family with a passion. Our Aunt Sadie is missed greatly by all of us.
Antonio Iannarino
Antonio Iannarino is the second son of Provvidenza and Mariano. According to Sicilian custom, he was named after his mother's father, Antonio La Manna. Tony was born on June 20, 1915 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died on October 15, 1996, also in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was known as Anthony. Tony volunteered for the United States Navy during the Second World War but was mustered out before the end of his training because of an injury suffered in childhood that left his arm partially disabled. Tony was honorably discharged.
Tony and his wife Mary have two children. Their children are Frank, now deceased, and Prudy. Their son Frank died at age 38 after serving proudly with the 101st Airborne as a paratrooper. Frank joined the police force in Pittsburgh after receiving an honorable discharge from the Army and had hoped to become a lawyer. He died before realizing his dream. Frank's wife Josie is still living. Prudy, a wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on May 29, 2007. Mary and Anthony were married almost 60 years.
Memories
Uncle Tony was the family storyteller. On lazy afternoons or evenings family members would congregate in grandma's or Tony's house, listening to Tony tell the family stories. Uncle Tony had not only a commanding voice, but a voice that could illustrate vocally the stories which he told. He had a wonderful sense of drama, always knowing when to highlight a particular part of a story. And he enjoyed laughing when he reached the unexpected parts. Listening to him tell a story was better than going to a movie. He enjoyed the telling, and he enjoyed those who wanted to listen. How much we miss hearing him tell his stories!
To hear a short excerpt of Tony speaking, go to Tony's tape transcript page. Click on the appropriate link on that page.
Concetta Iannarino
Concetta Iannarino is the fourth child of Provvidenza and Mariano. According to custom, Concetta was named after her maternal grandmother. She was born on June 1, 1918 and died on April 10,1990. She was known as Jennie. She married her childhood sweetheart, Gasper, on September 5, 1936. They were married more than 50 years. Jennie died quietly in her sleep late one afternoon. Her husband Gasper survived her by more than 14 years. He died on December 12, 2004, having never recovered from grieving for the only woman he had ever loved. Gasper and Jennie had four children, all girls. Their names are Linda, Nancy, Karen and Deborah.
Jennie was a full time homemaker though in her later years, when she should have been retired, Jennie went to work for Allegheny Hospital. Her sister Sadie encouraged Jennie to work in the cardiology department where Sadie worked. Jennie worked at the hospital for several years.
Memories
She had an ever-present smile and a sunniness of disposition that could banish even an overcast day. Jennie was always a surprise in the way she handled problems, in the way she related to people. She had a quick wit that was tempered by a warm and loving personality. There was nothing ordinary about Aunt Jennie. Jennie was always welcoming to all of us nieces and nephews and made us feel important and special. In Jennie's later years she enjoyed her grandchildren, activities at the senior center and romps around town with her younger sister Rose. On photographs there is always a big smile or a wave, just so you don't forget she is there. How could any of us forget you? You were such a joy, Aunt Jennie! We all miss you.
Francesco Iannarino
Francesco Iannarino is the fifth child of Provvidenza and Mariano. He was born on January 28, 1920 and died on May 11, 2005. To family and friends he was known as Frank. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Second World War. Frank married a "southern belle", Bert, whom he had met during that conflict. Frank and Bert were married more than 60 years. They have four daughters.
Frank is the most educated of all of Provvidenza and Mariano's children. He attended night school at Johns Hopkins University when he was in his mid-thirties and graduated "summa cum laude" with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While studying at Johns Hopkins, Frank had a full time position with Westinghouse Electric in Baltimore, Maryland. A few years later, after moving to Arizona, Frank attended Arizona State University to earn a Masters Degree in Engineering, and he graduated again with honors. He continued his education throughout his life, earning Professional Engineering Licenses in Texas and Arizona as well. Frank worked in a number of positions with major corporations and after retiring from Motorola Semiconductor in Austin, Texas, he started his own consulting business.
For the next 15 years Frank worked whenever he had the urge and retired several times only to decide after each retirement that he still had more to learn and contribute. Frank's final retirement occured when he moved to San Angelo, Texas with his wife, Bert. At that time Frank was 80 years old. Frank enjoyed his life in San Angelo and was truly "at home" with the West Texas lifestyle. Bert still lives in San Angelo, waiting for that time when "her lover" comes back to her. As our dad lay dying, our mom tried to comfort us with these words: "Your dad is going to make a place for us. When it is ready, we will all be together again". Our mom is the wisest woman we know.
Bert left this world to be with her husband, Frank, in that new place he was making for her, on July 29, 2008.Memories
Frank is my father. While my father is now gone from my sight, he will always be alive in my heart. I am so proud of the life which my father lived, of his many achievements, of the care and love he lavished on his entire family, especially our mom. Dad's character was one of unfailing goodness, of a deep honesty and a life-long commitment to those he loved. How could my sisters and I be so lucky to have a father like you?
Dad, words cannot describe the ache in our hearts. We long to hear your voice, to tell you something new we have found or learned, to ask your advice on some problem we are having. Throughout our lives you have been our hero, the person we most looked up to, the person who always knew the right way to live and act and think. We will never, ever forget you. We hope in our hearts that you are still here with us, still watching over the family you loved so much. We are taking care of our mom as you did, as you would want us to do - with an abundance of love, devotion and attention.
To visit a page devoted especially to Frank, click on Frank's homepage. Your browser will open a new window with more information about Frank's life and family. To read the transcript of Frank's audio CD, go to Frank's Audio Page. Included on the audio page are photos taken during Frank's service in the United States Navy.
Rosalia Iannarino
Rosalia Iannarino is the sixth and youngest child of Provvidenza and Mariano. She is known as Rose. Rose was born on June 18,1921 and died on October 29, 2006. Rose has always been an independent soul. She decided early in her life that she would not marry, that she would remain single all her life. Having seen photos of Rose as a young woman, I know that she had lots of "beaus" who wanted her heart. (To read a short tribute to Rose, go to Eulogy for Rose Margaret Henry. If you have a dial-up modem, the file will take a bit of time to load.)
Rose had other dreams; she wanted to travel, to see this great big world. And Rose did travel, almost every vacation -- around the United States, to the Caribbean and its islands, to Mexico and even to Italy twice. She lived with her mother, Provvidenza, for many years and helped to support her. Rose still lives in their home.
Rose worked at a number of positions over the years, but she worked the longest at Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Rose retired from that company on May 30, 1983. Rose had planned to retire early to spend time with her mother, Provvidenza, who was ailing. Provvidenza died the winter before Rose's retirement. Rose was preparing to attend church services when Provvidenza fell ill. Grandmother died that morning in Rose's arms. Rose told me that she often prayed to God that her mom would not be alone when her time of passing came, and Rose believes that God answered her prayer.
Rose has been an avid gardener over her lifetime, and true to her name, once raised the prettiest roses. She also cultivated peonies as well as other flowering plants. Rose would "start" a new rose bush by placing a cutting in the ground and invert a glass jar over it until it rooted. Rose still cares for her yard, but in the last few years she has finally relented and now pays someone younger to mow her yard for her. With her activities at the Senior Center, Rose does not have time for yard mowing. She is the resident treasurer of her bingo group. Rose makes the morning coffee before everyone arrives and, in addition, she plans luncheons and other outings for them all. Now and then Rose even wins a game and uses the winnings to take Tony's wife Mary to lunch.
Memories
Every one of Rose's nieces and nephews love her and count her as their dearest friend. When all of us were small and our moms said "no", we would go to Aunt Rose and everything would be okay. Not that our Aunt Rose would countermand our parents; it's just that she would find some way to make us feel better, even if that something was a warm glass of Ovaltine. We have all known complete love and acceptance from her. If everyone had an aunt like our aunt Rose, this world would be a wonderful and peaceful place. You are the best, Aunt Rose, and we all love you very much!
Reflections
Growing up in this family was a great experience and a great blessing. The adult children of Provvidenza and Mariano and their spouses all had the same goal, a goal which was set before them by their own parents--to raise children to adulthood who would be happy, healthy and well-adjusted, ready to step into their own individual lives and to be an asset to the community. My parents, aunts and uncles were successful because of the two special people who inspired them.
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©2010 Franciene McDonald