Guglielmo “Willie” Santucci, pictured above, shortly after saving a man’s life in a mining accident.
By Frank Santucci, La Nostra Voce
World War I ended on November 11, 1918, and all the Italian farm boys headed home.
My father, Guglielmo “Willie” Santucci, fought in 10 major battles for Italy, and upon his discharge he was sent to a local draft office in Rome and received a new suit, shoes and travel passes.
Willie found it hard to accept a return to farm rituals back home in Roccacinquemiglia.
He wanted to find those “streets paved with gold,” so he and a paesano walked into the American embassy in Rome to apply for passports.
With a stash of food, provided by his mother — one large loaf of homemade bread, prosciutto and a bottle of wine — he was set to sail. He departed from Naples and spent 12 days on The Duca degli Abruzzi ship.
Two days in, a storm hit the Atlantic and 90% of the passengers were seasick for most of the trip. But not Willie; he found several German girls, plus a fellow who played an accordion, and together they survived the storm by dancing their way across the ocean.
The ship held 1,836 passengers (80 first class, 26 second class and 1,740 third class).
He arrived at Ellis Island on January 25, 1921, and thanks to him I’m here today.
Happy Father’s Day to the dads who dreamed big and found their way in the world.
This tribute first appeared in La Nostra Voce, ISDA’s monthly newspaper that chronicles Italian American news, history, culture and traditions. Subscribe today.
