The farthest I can trace my family history is to my great-great-grandfather, born in 1900 in Kansas City, Missouri, to first‑generation Sicilian immigrants. In 1924, my great‑grandfather was born, but his childhood took a dark turn when he witnessed his father’s murder in 1933—committed by his own in‑laws. At just the young age of 9 years old, he gave enough information for police to charge his two uncles and grandfather with first‑degree murder. They avoided capture for two years before finally being arrested in 1935. 

The case nearly went to sentencing in 1936, but his widowed mother refused to testify and withdrew her statements, likely out of fear. My great‑grandfather grew up with frequent run‑ins with the law yet eventually became a well‑known figure and face in Kansas City. 

This photo has been hanging in Garozzo’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Kansas City for years. Sitting in the chair is my great‑grandfather, getting his hair cut by Rocky Marciano, a major Italian figure at the time. Marciano was an undefeated heavyweight champion, finishing his career 50‑0, and later became the inspiration for the Rocky movies. My family loves this picture because it captures how close‑knit the Italian community was back then, and how even well‑known celebrities could share ordinary, genuine moments with the people around them. 

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more