AMERICA Still The Greatest Land Of Opportunity On The Globe

I personally witnessed a transition that lit a bright light on America's immigration history.

John Carollo, the creator/owner/operator of the most popular Italian Restaurant in Rockland County, by vote, recently retired with his life's and business partner, his wife Rosemarie, after 26 years in Rockland.

John immigrated from Sicily to the US at the age of 14 without speaking one word of English, but with a passion for food and soccer. The soccer earned John a college sports scholarship. After graduation John had a short try at Banking, traded his suit and tie for an apron and began his life's dream of a journey of his vocation/passion for food with a pizzeria. It wasn't a tough decision and a good one for Rockland.

After owning pizzerias in Long Island and New Jersey, John & Rosemarie discovered Rockland and Del Arte's. For 26 years, Rockland and Del Arte's were his homes both of which were open to everyone. But Time marches on and the Carollo's decided to retire and enjoy seeing their six grandchildren grow up.

This sent a shockwave in Del Arte's devoted fans. But, John's legacy was not to be destroyed. Two Brothers, who also immigrated at ages 19 and 21 from Albania [which is just a short distance from Italy] to America without speaking a word of English and with a passion for food. They too began their journey working in a restaurant and ultimately owning 3 successful pizzerias/restaurants still doing great in New Jersey.

When they learned Del Arte's was for sale, they visited, fell instantly in love with it and John.

And they had a lot in common with John. Older Brother Scott [Nela] is besides being a food lover is a family man with three children ages 6 [Boy], 4 [Girl] & 15 months [Boy]. Younger Brother Matt is also a Family man with 2 children ages 8 [Girl] & 5 [Boy]. They also love food and feeding families and friends in a welcoming and warm ambiance.

Ergo, they are keeping Del Arte's legacy of great food, service and a family restaurant.

I had the pleasure of the company of both Brothers who are very sincere about food, family and respect for whom they serve, but what I was most impressed by is their story of what immigrating to America meant to their lives. Like John Carollo, they were willing to work very very hard because they knew that in America they could rise to their maximum potential, which is not very unlikely in Albania or Sicily.

God Bless America