By Tony Traficante (& His Ancestors)

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians immigrated to the United States. Marco and Lucia Rossi were among the young Italians considering joining this human mass. The couple hailed from the village of Pietropertosa in the northern mountains of Italy’s southern region “La Basilicata.”

Marco was a muscular and strong young farmer, while Lucia, his wife, was a pretty, slender young lady. Their son, Nicolo, was a bright, energetic little boy.

Marco and Lucia dreamed of a better life, free from economic hardships. They felt a deep sense of both excitement and sadness. While the promise of new opportunities in America filled them with hope, the thought of leaving behind their family, friends, and familiar surroundings weighed heavily on their hearts.

This article will be featured in the special October Italian American Heritage Month edition of La Nostra Voce. To subscribe to ISDA’s monthly newspaper, click here.

The promise of employment opportunities and the chance to own land in America were powerful motivators. Additionally, they hoped to escape the social constraints and limited prospects that defined their existence in Pietropertosa.

It was a tough time for the Rossi’s. A resolute Marco said to Lucia, “Cara, non possiamo vivere qui come contadini. La terra è povera e non produce, e non ci sono altri lavori. Per questo dobbiamo pensare a trovare altri posti.” (“My love, we cannot live here as farmers. The soil is poor, and there are few job opportunities. We must think about the future, even if it means leaving Italy!”) Lucia’s eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Marco’s wavering voice. Her heart ached for him and their predicament.

Their community, deeply rooted in tradition, would likely be shocked and saddened by their departure. Friends and family might struggle to understand their need to leave, viewing their decision as a break from generations of heritage. However, some sympathized with their plight, recognizing the harsh realities that forced such a decision. Economic hardships, dwindling job opportunities, and a lack of modern amenities made life difficult. Additionally, the younger generation faced limited educational opportunities and felt stifled by rigid societal expectations. These factors combined compelled them to seek a better future elsewhere.

Although they feared loneliness and uncertainty in a foreign land, their hope for a brighter future outweighed their sorrow. They clung to the belief that their love and determination would guide them through the challenges ahead.

Since money was a factor, Marco would leave for America first, followed by Lucia and their young son Nicolo.

And so, it was.

Marco arrived in New York City and felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Although he was impressed by the bustling streets and towering buildings, he felt isolated because of the language barrier and cultural differences. Although there were challenges, he remained hopeful and motivated by the prospect of reuniting with his family and giving them a better life.

Marco discovered that New York had a vibrant Italian community, with neighborhoods like Little Italy offering familiarity and support. Little Italy quickly became Marco’s refuge amidst the chaos of New York. The familiar sounds of the Italian language, the aroma of traditional foods, and the camaraderie of fellow immigrants provided him with a sense of belonging and comfort. This supportive community not only eased his homesickness but also offered valuable resources and connections that helped him navigate his new life and work toward reuniting with Lucia and Nicolo.

Marco overcame the language barrier by attending night classes to learn English. He practiced speaking with his coworkers and neighbors, gradually becoming more confident in his communication skills. Through his language classes, Marco developed close friendships with other immigrants who were also striving to build a new life in America. These bonds provided him with a dedicated support system, as they shared similar struggles and aspirations. Together, they not only improved their English but also shared advice and encouragement, reinforcing Marco’s determination to succeed.

Three years passed before Marco had enough money to send for Lucia and Nicolo. Finally, in 1925, Lucia and her son bid goodbye to their family and friends. When they arrived in Genoa, they boarded a ship bound for America. Passengers were crammed into tight quarters on the overcrowded ship. The food was meager and often inedible, and the trip across the Atlantic was long and dangerous. The rough seas made many passengers ill, and the lack of proper medical care only worsened their suffering. The cramped conditions led to the rapid spread of disease, and Lucia constantly worried about Nicolo’s health. Despite these hardships, she found solace in the thought of finally seeing Marco again.

When they landed in New York, Marco was waiting for them. Seeing her husband again was a thrilling experience for Lucia. She felt relief and happiness in her heart. She was aware of the challenges ahead, however. Adapting to living in a country where she barely spoke the language and knew little of the customs was challenging. Even so, Lucia remained resilient, drawing strength from her faith and the her Italian Catholic church.

The church became a cornerstone of her changed life, providing a sense of community and familiarity in an otherwise foreign land. It offered spiritual support, social connections, and practical assistance, helping navigate her unfamiliar environment. Through the church, Lucia found friends who shared her cultural background and experiences, making the transition to her newly adopted home easier.

At first, the Rossi’s lived in a crowded tenement in Brooklyn. They hated the tenements! They were cramped, with poor ventilation and limited natural light. The walls were thin, offering no privacy and allowing noise to travel easily between apartments. Sanitation was often inadequate, leading to frequent illness outbreaks. Saving every penny they could was their top priority. With the Great Depression looming, the 1920s were challenging.

However, Marco and Lucia’s determination paid off, and after a few years, they bought a modest apartment in Manhattan. A small grocery store was opened on the ground floor, and their residence was on the upper floor. Lucia managed the store while Marco kept his job. However, as their business prospered, Marco quit his job to help with the store.

Despite many challenges ahead, the Rossi family was determined to succeed. They worked hard and saved money. They eventually moved into a bigger house in a better neighborhood.

As time passed, Marco and Lucia were blessed with three gifted children, who grew up in a bilingual and bicultural environment. They attended public schools, learned American values and customs, spoke Italian at home, and celebrated Italian traditions. They were proud of their heritage but grateful for America’s opportunities.

The Rossi’s were proud Americans. They raised their children to be hardworking and respectful. The children attended college, got prestigious jobs, married, and had their own “bambinos.”

Marco and Lucia were thankful for all they had accomplished. Theirs was a success story, not because they were rich, but because they worked hard to build a better life for themselves. Their dreams were fulfilled. Their children succeeded and left the nest. It was time to retire. And as millions of other immigrants have done, they returned to their beloved Italy, always grateful for what America gave them.

 Back in Italy, Marco and Lucia enjoyed a slower pace of life, surrounded by the familiar sights, and sounds of their homeland. Unlike the hustle and bustle of their American years, their days were now filled with leisurely walks through olive groves, as Marco hobbled along with his homemade, woody cane.

They also spent afternoons sipping espresso in quaint cafes and chatting with friends. They relished the close-knit community and rich cultural traditions of their heritage. They were overwhelmed with a profound sense of nostalgia and contentment to have reunited with their roots. They quickly embraced their changed routine, finding joy in simplicity. Together, they found peace in small moments, appreciating life’s simple pleasures.