Where we come from: Janet Messina

 I can remember going back to 1939 when I met my dearest friend, Rocchina DiJulio Bruno,  Rocky for short. 

Our friendship grew, and she introduced me to her first cousin Anthony Messina.

It was the year we lost your great grandfather Joseph Cozzoli.   I will look into the lives of Rocchina and Joseph Cozzoli,  since I spent the early part of my marriage living with her, your Aunt and Uncle Messina.  Your grandfather passed away in 1939 just at the time I entered the family, and soon WW II was about to begin.

We had 5 Josephs in the family, and one Rocchina.  How confusing must that have been when all Josephs were in the house at the same time.

Soon after our High School Graduation, we went to work.  Only a few students could afford college; many did not have the opportunity or finances.  In those days, a High School diploma was equal to a College Degree today.  Many Students quit school as soon as they reached the age of 16 and went to work in whatever they could find, to help support the family. 

So when World War 2 was declared, many of the students graduating went into Service.  The men in our large family enlisted, or were drafted, into the Armed Services.  Your Dad  [Frank Jannuzzi] was one of the first in the family [Navy] if I remember correctly.  Tony Messina enlisted in the US Marine Corp, stationed aboard the Transport carrier USS General Butner; that ship  had taken him around the world.  He served as the Captain's Orderly, and he told many stories of his time in the Marine Corp.

Joseph and Frank Lucchesi were drafted into the Army.   Joseph was listed missing [he had been hit by snipers and was a prisoner for a short time, but sent home], but was safely returned.  Frank was captured and became a "prisoner of war" and sent to Yugoslavia Prison Camp until the war ended. Frank later was the recipient of the Purple Heart. These were difficult times especially for Aunt Ernestine and Uncle Louie  [both sons missing, then coming home after such harrowing experiences].  

Reno, Joseph DiJulio, Joseph Messina, Jim and Raymond Binetti all served in the Army.

I should mention at this point that Jim, while stationed in Australia, met Norma, brought her to America (sponsored by Uncle Frank Cozzoli) and had one daughter Pat.  Sadly we lost Pat much too soon.

My story is so much  longer than most, going back so many years. and I can tell so much more.

So at this point I'll say:

 "To Be Continued"