THE RAZZANO FAMILY

My sentimental memory is of a reunion many years ago, around 1982 or so. 

At the end of all the reunions, Grandpa John would to stand up on a picnic table and thank everyone for coming, share a story or two and end the event by bringing everyone together. 

At the reunion I'm referring to, he started giving his speech and noticed that his mother, my great-grandmother Albina, was facing the opposite direction from where he was standing. He called out to her and asked for her to turn around and face him. 

She responded (in Italian) that "I'm not facing the wrong way, you're at the wrong end of the pavilion."  

Everyone exploded in laughter and grandpa hung his head realizing that his mother was correct. He proceeded to step down and walk to the opposite end of the pavilion. 

All of us in attendance turned around 180° to face the direction the matriarch of the family told us we should be facing.  

That was the level of respect this powerful woman commanded. 

She never moved.

We all moved to align with her.  

Respect.

 I hope you know and understand that you were the center of the entire Razzano universe. 

We could not wait to arrive in New Castle and watch you come out the door and be the first one to greet us with a huge smile on your face . 

All of our aunts and uncles and cousins are so special Stella, but you were the true Queen ! 

Remember when your brother Tony would honk the horn , park and run up the steps and give you a big hug . Then, the first thing you would say was “ where’s Robin? 

We all loved you with every fiber of our being. You made the New Castle trip extra special . You were so lucky to have Grandma, Uncle Ang, Aunt Rose, Teri, Linda and Brenda share the house with you . And they were all so lucky to have you to wake up to each and every day . 

All of your little habits were so cool, having a hanky ( I never leave the house without one )x maybe a clothes pin( usually under your pillow for protection ) or even a fly swatter or wooden spoon nearby to chase us around when we misbehaved , with a warning … “ I’ll tell Tony” . 

Stella , you were truly one of a kind and very very special in the eyes of everyone who crossed paths with you . 

Just want to tell you that I love you with all my heart Stella ❤️

As I reflect on my life, I’ve come to realize the greatest gifts you've ever given me weren't things I could hold in my hands. They were the values you quietly demonstrated every day—values that have shaped the person I am and have continued to guide me every day. 

Thank you for teaching me the importance of family. 

You showed me that family is about showing up, sacrificing for one another, celebrating together, and carrying each other through life's hardest moments. You were always there for us, every day no matter what. 

The love and consistency you modeled created a foundation I have tried to build my own life upon. 

Thank you for giving me the gift of faith. More than words, I watched you live with trust in God, especially these last few years. 

Your example taught me that faith provides strength when answers are hard to find, peace, and hope that carries us through every challenge. 

Today, it has become one of the greatest anchors in my own life. 

Thank you for instilling in me the value of hard work. You both demonstrated that honest effort, perseverance, and responsibility are qualities that never go out of style, even today. 

Watching you work taught me to take pride in doing my best, to finish what I start, and to approach every opportunity with gratitude rather than entitlement. 

And thank you for teaching me integrity. You showed me that character is revealed not when people are watching, but when no one is around. You taught me to tell the truth, to keep my word, to treat others with respect, and to do what is right even when it is difficult. 

Those lessons have guided countless decisions throughout my life. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate even more the sacrifices you made that I probably didn't recognize when I was young. The long days, the difficult decisions (like moving to Florida), the sacrifices you made when finances were tight, the worries you carried, and the countless acts of love didn’t go unnoticed. 

Even today my gratitude has only deepened and has set an example of how I want to live. 

If there is anything good in my life it is because you planted those seeds long ago and watered them consistently. 

Your legacy lives on, not only in me, but hopefully in the generations that follow. 

Thank you for loving me, always believing in me, correcting me when I needed it, encouraging me when I doubted myself, listening to me when life was hard, and giving me an example worth following. I am deeply grateful to call you, my parents. I love you both more than words can fully express, and I thank God for the incredible influence you've had on my life. 

With all my love and gratitude, 

Alan

When I reflect on our family ancestry a few common traits come into view like a single, continuous thread that connects and weaves us together through several generations.  

Giovanni left his homeland at age 17 to seek a better opportunity. Sailing 2 weeks on a ship to a land he’d never seen and into a culture & language so foreign to him, it is ironic the ship’s name was “Patria” meaning “homeland”. It was out of ambition, courage and internal fortitude that drove him. He toiled for 6 years, returning to Italy and marrying his sweetheart. He then had to summon the courage to again leave his "patria" but this time also his wife and infant daughter Arcangelica, to sail back to American in 1914, leaving Italy for the final time.  

Ambition, courage, devotion and hard work in pursuit of a better life for his family.

Giovanni and Albina then had a son, Domenico (Domenick John), my grandfather. Tough times lie ahead as the Depression hit hard and it is then we saw the courage and strength in both Giovannii and Albina, both working tirelessly to survive and prosper. Even Aunt Arcie helped, having been pulled out of school in the 9th grade to help the family. Then came World War II and Domenick was sent off to fight, along with his 2 brothers, leaving behind his wife and infant son John (my Dad). He was wounded, suffering in the cold and wet trenches for weeks, but he persevered and returned home to raise a large and loving family.  

Ambition, courage, devotion and hard work in pursuit of a better life for his family.

John (my Dad) then grew up, marrying his high school sweetheart (Gini). Not only working full time but at the same time putting himself through college in the evenings, all the while with 3 children. He moved his family to Michigan in pursuit of a successful career and a good life for his growing family. Now with 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, I would say (as he was and is fond of saying, 'persistence pays off').  

Ambition, courage, devotion and hard work in pursuit of a better life for his family .

These are ancestral traits that began several generations ago that have been instilled in me, and which I see throughout the extended family -- ambition, courage, devotion and hard work.

Ron

Where do we begin to explain the lasting impact you have had on our lives? 

Your example of sacrifice and family dedication are the first that come to mind when we think of the two of you.

 You were asked to move in with grandma and Stella upon grandpa’s death. That was in 1962 and you remained their caretakers until their deaths in 1983 and 1996 respectively. 

This was an act of love, dedication and sacrifice. 

Never once did either of you complain about the responsibility. You were able to balance well your own marriage and the raising of your own family with their care in a way that is commendable. 

You gave us the gift of growing up in a multi-generational and bilingual home. It gave us memories we would not otherwise have experienced. It gave your grandchildren the opportunity to love and understand someone different from themselves and through this the gift of empathy. 

You made every holiday and special event memorable through the preparation of food, desserts, cookies and, of course, music. 

You emphasized education and service. You taught us how to garden, fish, bake, pray and most importantly, how to dedicate ourselves to the people we cherish. Those are lessons passed on to your children and grandchildren and lessons we hope to pass on to your great grandchildren. 

You were truly a blessing to your family and you are missed so very much.  

Loved by, Daughters Terri, Linda and Brenda Grandchildren Sam, Katie, Emily and Eric Great Grandchildren Joseph Martin and Jack Rosen

1. Grandpa -- for reminding me to maintain balance in my life while at the same time encouraging me to "take the risk" before I started my first company.  I did just that 4 months after you passed. 

2. Grandma -- for feeding me so much sausage and pepper sandwiches during my week at Uncle Rick's football camp in New Castle that I actually gained weight during that week.  Also, for teaching Danielle how to make wedding soup. 

3. Uncle Bob -- for our long talks and for being my spiritual advisor.  I'm also amazed with your love of meeting new people and engaging with anyone you meet.   

4. Uncle Anthony -- for encouraging me to "jump off the learning curve" when I was considering going back for MBA, for golfing with me at CCNC, and for standing by me in my wedding party. 

5. Uncle Tony -- for the time we drank two bottles of wine each during the famous Clinton "I did not have sex with that woman" speech, and and then waking up at 6:00 in the morning to make me eggs before giving me a ride in your old orange truck to pick up three newspapers.  I also thank you for being an idol to my son who treats your book like it's his Bible. 

6. Great Grandma -- for your smile and for starting my savings account out with crisp $2 bills. 

7. Aunt Stella -- for always being entertaining and threatening your brother, John, (Grandpa) for teasing you. 

8. Uncle Angelo -- for introducing me to high alcohol-content, homemade wine, singing "Country Road", and entertaining a kid by smoking a whole cigarette without every ashing!  

9. Mom -- for being the epitome of what it means to love your family.

Jeff

I know you will be with us in Spirit as I and my family felt you with us when we visited Riardo! 

There’s something very very unique and special about this Razzano/Carbone family as when we found Olindo Carbone and family in Argentina you would have thought we knew each other for years! 

Their kind, humble, peaceful, genuine and loving spirit permeated the room! It is those qualities and many more for which I am eternally grateful! 

Dad: you taught me how to complete federal tax returns which whet my appetite for “numbers” and “finance”. It was a minor beginning but inspired my Banking career. 

You lit up a room not by verbose rhetoric but with quiet dignity and respect you showed to every person regardless of their stage in life. 

Your perseverance in trying to find help especially for your two brothers health conditions is etched in my mind and heart. That quality, I believe, you passed on to me. 

Your funny faces and unique nicknames for all the kids in the family always brought laughter smiles. 

You connected with your LOVE! 

And I will forever be connected to you. 

You left indelible memories with your beautiful voice, singing at weddings and leading the Christmas party songs! 

Remember how I whispered the words in your ears? Oh how I long for those wonderful times. How I miss you: How I love you; How Grateful I am to be your only Daughter. 

Your Sug Sug  

Mom: you are not an in-law to this Razzano FAMILY; you are a daughter. 

I vividly remember how much you loved talking Italian with Grandma and with our Carbone relatives in Riardo. 

You also wrote letters for Grandma to send and read the responses back to her. 

The Razzano Girls were truly Sisters to you and how much you loved them. 

Tradition: that’s you Mom! 

Baker extraordinaire ! I Try my best but somehow my wedding cooked just aren't as high and moist as yours. But I did make a really good Easter bread this year! My grandkids love it! 

I did inherit my thrill for a “bargain” but no one could sell an “igloo to an Eskimo” like you. 

Your love of big family dinners and the DEEELICIOUS meals prepared with Love is truly your legacy. 

My kids still fondly remember it all and I have done my very BEST to create those same memories for my kids and grandkids! 

I vividly recall those mornings preparing for the Family Reunion. No caterer; just lots and lots of food prepared by hand and again with love.

 I can see that wonderful smile, hear your fun laughter and see the sparkle in your beautiful blue eyes during all the group games. 

I miss you so very much and only hope I am as loving a mother as you were to us! 

You’re Mariucci  

How can I ever forget the amazing Love add attention you showed to our beautiful Stella. 

Dad, how you teased her with love, as she shouted “JOHN!!” 

You both set an example for all of us. My children loved going to Grandma’s, singing with Uncle Ang playing the guitar: eating Aunt Rosie’s Delicious Goodies, all while Grandma sat in her favorite chair with that gentle, happy smile loving every minute; and Stella “stealing the show” with her sweetness and love. 

That’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. That’s a memory I love and still miss!  I hope and pray both of you are so HAPPY and PROUD of us for our efforts in gathering this Amazing Razzano family together. 

Pray for us!

My Eternal Love  Faith, Tradition! 

One Family; One Heart

Grandma, I don't know how you did it! You raised five sons and one daughter. I'm exhausted just thinking about it.  

Dad says you kept a strict routine. On certain days you washed clothes, on others you ironed, on some you cleaned, and I'm pretty sure every hour you cooked!  

Most profoundly, every day, you loved. You loved your husband and your children, but above all, you loved Jesus.  

Most of us disregarded your insatiable love for Him, but that didn't stop you. You worshipped our Heavenly Father, sought His face, and were continually filled with the Holy Spirit and His Word.  

You recognized the spiritual warfare around us and often battled it alone. You were a soldier!  

You used to tell me I didn't need to go to college- that I should stay home and bake bread. I chuckle now because I know what you really meant: that my first priority should be my husband and my children.  

You were right, Grandma.  

My heart misses you. You were every bit of a Proverbs 31 woman. Standing firm in your faith isn't easy, but you were a rock.  

I just want you to know that your dough is rising, and oh, how much joy it would bring you to see it.  

Thank you, Grandma. 

We needed you when you were kneading us.

Hey Dad (John DeFelice),

I truly miss you every day, but especially during holidays and special events. 

You instilled in us the love for family and created memorable traditions. 

You were always the true patriarch and kept us close. 

You led by example and always earned my respect for how you were committed to hard work, kindness, generosity and honesty. 

Your love was always genuine. 

Thank you, Dad.

It was truly a blessing for me to be able to work on this year’s reunion with my Aunt, Uncles, and my father. 

I loved nothing more than seeing them come together in unity to put forth a spectacular and memorable event. 

I appreciate all of those who contributed their personal time and efforts. 

We are truly blessed and fortunate for the family we have. 

250 plus members of the Razzano family that all started with Great Grandpa and Grandma Razzano traveling to America from Italy in 1907. 

Truly incredible and I hope that we carry on this tradition for years to come.

Robert