Grampa's Birthday

Today is the day that my grandfather, Joseph Elefante, who passed away last June, would have turned 100 years old.  He was excited about the idea of turning 100.  It is quite an accomplishment!  Sadly, he did not make it.  But he came close.  And even more importantly, he lived a long, happy, healthy life.  He was a World War II veteran.  He was a barber.  He raised three sons, and adored his wife (my grandmother, Zita).  And he was an excellent grandfather.  He was patient, kind, and fun.  I have many wonderful memories of him, but my favorites are the times he took me to Italy with him, and the Fridays we spent having lunch together (my grandfather, my daughter, and me) every week two summers ago.  He had a great memory, so I heard many, many stories about his life.  And they were fascinating.  He met my grandmother on her farm in Italy during WWII.  They got married, and he brought her back to the US.  But by this time he was already in his early 30s, so up until that time, he managed to have a lot of fun with his friends in Newark, where he grew up.  He also lived down the shore one summer with a group of people who made their living cutting hair.  He had a blast.  

Happy 100th birthday, Grampa.  I really miss you. 

—Michele Stivalo