Growing up with mom's family, we all lived close-by. Being Italian-American meant the extended family was cousins, aunts, uncles and Grandparents, then came "Goombada" and "Goomada, " then close friends, then "How ya doing" friends. It was one big happy family. Everyone watched out for everyone. It was great times.

Grandpa always thought he was the head of the family, but the real boss was 4 ft 11 inch Grandma. I should have learned as a kid, how the world really works. Grandpa was in his mid 60's and most of his vocabulary was "yes dear" and "OK." As a young teen I asked mom if Grandpa was always this mellow. Hell no---but he mellowed out as the years went by. Grandpa worked every day of his life, never had a lot, but always made an honest living and raised an honest hard working family. He always thought of his family first and himself last.

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Source: http://www.ctpostchronicle.com/