My Great Uncle Bill Tedesco died this summer. He was 95 years old. I only remember meeting him once when I was in high school. My Dad kept in touch with him alot. He has an interesting story to tell. I had sent out books for family members to fill out their thoughts and stories. He actually did it for me. I did this back in 2002. What was even more amazing was I not only received my note book back filled out, but he sent me alot of personal items! He sent me a box with his personal drawings that he created. He sent me war photos, books, and personal papers. He knew that I would appreciate these items and why he chose me to have them. He sent stuff from WWII when he was in the service. Below is what I transcribed from the notebook he sent me back with his personal memories.
*notes from a letter William sent on April 2002:
"....for most of my childhood we lived in rental apartments. Usually 5 rooms -3 bedroom, kitchen and a parlor. The girls slept in one room, the boys in another, and Mom and Pop had the 3rd room. Our dining room was the kitchen where we could get together and have our meals. In the evening we would gather in the parlor and listen to the radio or sing along while one of us would play the Pianola. ....Our toys were whatever we could improvise from the junk we found in the city dumps. We would take the wheels from an old carriage and a wooden box from the grocery store and a wagon was born. We couldn't have skates or a bike. Helen can tell you why (this is my grandma-his sister). She was run over by a laundry truck and almost died. My good friend was my neighbor Eddie. He was older than I and he took care of me, protecting me from the bad boys in our area. We had street gangs in those days. When we moved to Bayonne, I lost contact with him. I often wonder how he is and if he is still living. Good friends are scarce today. On Sunday afternoons a concert in the park was a must. The music, usually classical favorites, was enjoyable, it was great. At the conclusion of the concert the band would play our national anthem and we would clap and cheer, it was a good feeling.We didn't have much of material things but we all had great love for our country and we weren't ashamed to show it! We also had an amusement park in Bayonne where our parents would take us in the summer time. Rides were 5 cents. The merry go ride was my favorite, I loved the music, also sitting on a horse that went up and down. I had a chance to grab the brass ring and that meant a free ride. I got it once, it was a thrill! I like going to school. We had a large area as a playground. Swings, see saws, ball field. Lots of yelling and fun. I went as high as the 11th grade in high school, but had to leave to find work. Times were hard from the Depression of the 30's. My father was laid off, we didn't have unemployment insurance in those day and you were on your own. No Government handouts. It was tough sledding but somehow we got through. I did find a job. My intention was to work during the day and go to night school for my diploma. The only job I could get was working as a salesman in a department store, The Big Bear, I worked in the house wears dept. of the store and $12.00 a week and the hours were 9-9 , 6 days a week. No chance for night school.
From that time until I was called into the army on Feb. 9, 1942, finishing high school was not a priority in my life. I was trying to save some money in order to go to Art school. Along came the war, I was called in the first draft and spent the next 3 year and nine months in the service. about 9-10 weeks in the U.S.A. the rest overseas. In June of 1942 sailed on the Queen Elizabeth, we arrived in Scotland with in 3 days. On rail to England to Dover area (We were the first Americans soldiers in England). The girls were crazy about us, we had a ball. Next stop was Oran in North Africa, then on to Foggia, Italy where I stayed with the Air force for the duration of the war. I lost a buddy in Algiers, however our outfit somehow came through the war with fewest casualties. Those that are still alive today keep in touch (not to many are alive). Incidentally my father received his citizenship papers while I was overseas." {Bill also told me on the phone after I received this letter, that he was unable to visit his grandparents in Italy while he was stationed there, and wish he had gotten the chance to do that, because they never met}.
"....When I was 32 years old, I met Terry (his wife). We worked at the same place, her in the office and myself in the factory. (she was 11 years younger than I) We hit it off from the very start, however matrimony wasn't my intention. In those days I was a lone rider, enjoying every moment of it. We were courting for about 2 years and finally marriage (I was 34 at that time). We were married May 9, 1954 in a catholic church in Jersey City. I wore a rented tux and we had our reception at the Fairmont hotel in Jersey City. We spent our honeymoon in Atlantic City for a week and had a good time together. We lived with my father for 4 years and in 1958 bought our first home. A two family new home in Bayonne. We had our problems but our marriage lasted 28 years and ended when Terry died on May 12, 1982. My wife and I enjoyed dancing. At that time the Waltz, Lindy and Latin dances were our favorite. When we entertained our friends we usually played cards and later with refreshments and conversation. My wife and I enjoyed the movies and stage plays. We took a trip to Porto Rico once, didn't like it at all. We would go to a night club often with our friends (New York City or Staten Island)."
"....Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy are my favorite presidents. My hero is Jesus Christ. I don't mind rainy days as long as I'm indoors. When I follow my instincts I'm usually on the wrong road. Prayer helps me most of the time, my faith is in the Lord. I'm easy to get along with as along as you agree with me. Comedies are my favorite shows, and my dog Sandy is my love now, he's my good friend, my buddy. I lived a fairly respectfully life, served my country, paid my taxes and all of my bills (still owe a few but if my time holds out they will be paid also). The stock market crash in 1929 had a bad influence on all of us. It brought on the great depression in the 30's and 40's. " Brother can you spar a dime" was the number one song and reality. I remember it well." "Our family probably never received public honors for achievement but we do have many unsung heroes to be proud of." May God Bless You Always.
Bill and my father Roy
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obituary
William A. Tedesco
AGE: 95 • Whiting, NJ
William A. Tedesco, 95, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2014, Arista Care at Whiting. His career began in commercial art and fashion but he has been in the leather design industry as a cutter since the 1940's and more recently for Robert Lewis Inc., in New York City where he retired in 1982. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in WWII. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 9503, Bayville. He was also a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, Whiting. Born in New York City, he resided in Bayonne for many years, moving to Whiting in 1974. William is predeceased by his wife of 28 years, the late Theresa (nee Lagriola) Tedesco in 1982. He is also predeceased by his 4 siblings, a sister, Theresa Simioni in 1984; a brother, Louis Tedesco in 1989; a sister, Marie Gagen in 1996; and a sister, Helen Altonen in 2012. William is survived by numerous nieces & nephews.
I hope you enjoyed his memories. I found them to be very profound! I have his art hanging in my bedroom, beautiful pictures.
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