An Immigrant's Personal Story - "Only In America"

John was born in a small town in Sicily 65 years ago. John was the youngest of a huge family that lived above a local pasta store. John's Father died when John was very young and his Mother decided to immigrate to the USA.

John arrived when he was 14 and did not speak a word of English. Nevertheless he got to go to College on a soccer scholarship and graduated with a Business Degree. He immediately got a great job in a Bank, but knew soon enough that he preferred an apron to a suit, shirt and tie.

John loves food and loves to cook. Ergo , John got into the food industry/business with pizzerias all over until he discovered the Blauvelt/Orangetown community and a pizzeria for sale.

As an incredible industrious worker, lover of delicious food and lover of people in general, most especially people who love delicious food, John's pizzeria became one of the best Italian restaurants on this planet.

Moreover the restaurant, named Del Arte's, became a virtual family dining room, a destination where John's beloved forever wife and life's partner was usually the Hostess greeting every one as if she was welcoming a guest in her home and John was not at the door in a suit, but in the kitchen wearing an apron and cooking the food, food he loved.

John also loved his community. John felt blessed that his family which grew with three beautiful daughters and 6 granddaughters enjoyed a safe haven, so he supported it every way he could, very generously. As his restaurant became a popular destination for our community of folks of Irish blood, friendships grew and John decided to host visits to his nation of birth/culture, which was hosted by his family in Sicily. They were magical. In return, John and Roe visited Ireland with Eileen and me. Roe and John loved Ireland and they loved Roe and John.

The story is about America and it's also a love story of friendships and a family community living harmoniously together.

The story does not end here. The Carollos are not moving and will have Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays free to share times with the hundreds of their friends made over 27 years, buy only the 6 Grandchildren want them first.

As a Post Script - John and Roe turned over their life's work to other very successful immigrants in the restraint business who promise keep and preserve the Del Arte's legacy.