“He was brave, at age 15, coming over with… on the long voyage across the ocean.” – daughter, Jeanette Smith.

Frank John DiFelice left Italy in the early 1900’s to seek his fortune in America. At the time Italy had what he considered limited life opportunities, bad government and few job choices. Upon arriving in America, DiFelice began work as a coal miner with his brother-in-law.

A Wagon

Time passed, DiFelice met his Italian wife at a friend’s home on the back of a wagon. Together they had seven children and built a home. To increase their finances, DiFelice studied and eventually entered the stock market.

School

Because of DiFelice’s own struggle to learn to read and write English, he believed strongly in further education. His children were sent to school and several including Smith graduated from college.

Extremely…

DiFelice was also extremely patriotic. “He loved this country and respected our military,” said daughter Smith.  One of his sons served in the military along with Mrs. Smith’s own husband. DiFelice would prepare a five course meal for them whenever he could. His son’s military friends were also treated like family.

Own

His legacy of cooking Italian food passed onto his family.  “I make my own Italian “gravy” with fresh tomatoes, sautéed garlic cloves, oregano, Italian parsley and basil. I usually layer my pasta noodles with ricotta and top it with large amounts of pecorino romano cheese,” said daughter Smith. She also enjoys making his Italian scalpels (a thin fried non-sweet pancake like dish) from flour, eggs and water and pizzelles (a thin dessert prepared in a waffle iron). 

Italian…

Some other things DiFelice brought with him were strong morals, principles and faith. He read his Italian bible every evening. 

One…Treasured

Of everything he brought over one is especially treasured by his family, now that he has passed on.  For it was with this one possession that he left his homeland and everything else behind. With it he set sail for a new country, new life, new opportunities and new home. It was his trunk of dreams that eventually came true.

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What items do you need to go after your dream? Would they fit in a trunk? What is your heritage and family’s story?