THE BEGINNING
The year was 1955 when two brothers from Borgetto,Sicily set off for America. Joseph leaves behind his wife Nina and his two boys John and Benny( thats me). Anthony leaves behind his wife Rosa,daughter Pina,John and Benny.They arrive in New York City to meet their sister Josie and and older brother Sam. Aunt Josie lived on the eastside near 62 st and 1st ave. Uncle Sam lived in Brooklyn off Ocean Parkway.
Joseph and Anthony would stay and live with their sister Josie while working for a constructing company. They would do this for two years while sending some of their earnings back home to the families.
A Helping Hand
A cousin of theirs, Andrew Dipaolo practiced law in Astoria. Andrew Dipaolo had political aspirations andlater became mayor of Glen Cove, Long Island. He also became a Supreme Court Judge in Nassau County.
Andrew Dipaolo would lend Joseph and Anthony the money they needed towards a down payment to purchase a six family house on 22nd street off Astoria Blvd in Astoria, Queens. The purchase of this house set many things in motion. Their families would be coming to America.
On Dec 19 1957 the Cotilletta families finally arrive in New York City! Of course we came over on the banana boat(actually it was a Greek liner). The waters were very rough and I still remember getting thrown back and forth from one end of the hallway to the other. I had quite a few lumps on my head. Maybe that’s why I’m pretty wacky? When we came off the liner my mom Nina, pointed to this man who was standing there with his arms outstretched. As he came closer I said to him you’re not my dad you’re just some kid. My dad Joseph, started to cry when he realized I didn’t recognized him. I was 3 years old when my dad left for America. This is where my story of ”Growing up in Astoria” begins.
