Only the Living
A Personal Memoir of My Family History
by
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One morning, like many others, Joseph stood before the outdoor wash basin, shirtless, suspenders hanging down, face lathered, straight razor in his hand, shaving by the reflection of his face in a small piece of mirror hanging on the wash stand’s back board.
In that mirror he saw the image of three men rapidly approaching from behind, men he recognized as the father and two brothers of that village girl. They carried ax handles and were clearly bent on avenging the injured honor of the family.
As they reached within striking distance Joseph spun around, razor extended, slashing open one face on the first swing, opening a stomach on the return swing. He chased the third man into the wooded hills behind the home.
Joseph remained hidden in the hills until he was certain the provincial authorities had left the village after a brief investigation. He made plans to leave for Naples, then for the United States promising Teresa he would send for her when he could.
That was how Grandpa Joseph, Nick’s father, immigrated to the United States leaving behind a young wife and two baby boys.
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About the Book
Nicholas Manfredo always said he lived his childhood as the archetypical barefoot boy— with no shoes, ragged clothing, and ever-present hunger.In this memoir, author Joseph N. Manfredo recounts his father’s life story—from his birth in 1900 to his death at age ninety-three in 1993.
Born into abject poverty in southern Italy, Nicholas was abandoned by an uncaring father who immigrated to America leaving behind his wife and two little boys. Twelve years later, Nick’s father sends for him and he travels to America. Here, his story of struggle continues as he marries Anna and strives to raise a family during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The years that follow are both heartwarming and bittersweet.
Entertaining and emotional, Only the Living is a life story that could fit any one of the many thousands of European immigrants who brought to America the muscle and integrity that made it a great nation.
About the Author
Joseph N. Manfredo earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Kettering University and a Master of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. He is retired and living in Southern California.