My grandfather, Francis Savastano, passed away this past November. The artifacts pictured here are things I personally took out of his home to keep for myself, in honor and remembrance of "Pop." Francis, a 3rd generation Italian-American citizen whose grandparents moved from southern Italy and settled in Philadelphia, found the constant and steadying force in his life when he found football. 

This arrangement of artifacts from my beloved grandfather represent who he was to his community and the principles he lived by and instilled into his family--especially his grandkids. Always be prompt (hence the calendar). Never settle and lean into your purpose (hence the varsity letters symbolizing athletic/student and academic/teacher achievement). Be yourself, and pour into your community...AKA the youth (hence the coaching picture). Lastly, BE DISCIPLINED (hence the Lombardi bio). Like his idol, Vince Lombardi, would have said: do things the right way or the wrong way. The decisions you make moment-to-moment create your brand. I believe that Pop saw part of himself in Lombardi, and used his example of discipline to develop, exercise, and master the art of doing the right thing.

I have included these artifacts because they represent who my grandfather was, and in turn who I have become. Be prompt, lean into your purpose, be your authentic self, and be disciplined even in the face of a society that prefers to take the "easy way" out. Just like he held himself to the standard of another Italian ball coach in Lombardi, I have been holding myself to his standard this whole time. 

– Robbie Marsden

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