Giovanni Marrone

Born: November 21, 1927, Fossacesia, Italy
Immigration: 1953
Sailing Ship: SS Nea Helles
Date of Departure: May 21, 1953, Napoli, Italy
Date of Arrival: June 02, at Pier 21 Halifax, Canada
Destination: Sudbury, Ontario
Occupation: Construction worker
Died: October 20, 1979

Personal Biography

Giovanni Marrone was born in Fossacessia, ("Blind Ditch"), a small town a few kilometres from the Adriatic coast in the province of Chieti-Italy. He was born the third of four siblings (Ida, Carmine Antonio and Teresa) to parents Concetta Bada and Rocco Marrone.

Life was particularly difficult for the family while Giovanni was growing up. His education was nominal at best, barely completing the first grade. Circumstances were such that both he and his brother Carmine Antonio went to work at a young age to support their mother and sisters. The brothers took various farming and construction jobs in and around town to help make ends meet. In the process, they acquired a reputation in town as reliable, indefatigable workers, respected especially by those with whom they endured the struggle.

World War II, the subsequent German retreat and Allied advancement through Italy brought a new set of realities to Fossecesia and the surrounding communities of the Sangro River. This region played a vital role in helping stem the tide in the Allies favour. In the campaign's aftermath, the town lay in ruins sustaining property damage and loss of life. Change, this was the backdrop for many Italians but particularly for Giovanni and his brother the struggle for work intensified in the wake of the devastation.

In 1946 he enlisted with the Italian army specifically with the 41st Reg Artigl. C.C Folgore. He would spend the mandatory year in the military, learn new skills, make new friends and look to the future.

On May 16, 1953 Giovanni married Maria DiGirolamo in a simple ceremony in San Donato Church. In time, many began leaving Fossacesia in search of a better life elsewhere. But married life would have to wait, that same year he began the process to immigrate himself. Aided with the help of his friend Nicola Campitelli he prepared all of the required documents. With his departure date looming, he put all his affairs in order and set his sights on Canada. He would be apart from his bride for the next three years while he established himself in a new country.

He boarded the Greek liner SS Nea Hellas on May 21 at Napoli, Italy. On board he had a few close friends namely, Alberto affectionately referred to as "Zi li Bert" and Rocco La Caprara. Years later he would regale family and friends with stories of his crossing and the anxieties he felt approaching his new home.

On June 2, 1953, as Elizabeth II was undergoing her Coronation to become Queen of the British Empire to much pomp and ceremony, Giovanni Marrone quietly descended the gang plank of the Nea Hellas to the adjoining immigration waiting room at Pier 21 Halifax., Nova Scotia, Canada. Soon after he boarded a train headed for Sudbury, Ontario where he would reunite with his brother Carmine Antonio (who immigrated in 1951) and continue their struggle on a new stage.

Giovanni and his brother rented a room on Copper Street from their uncle Francesco Sorgini (1893-1963) who came to Canada in 1926. It was he who sponsored the brothers coming to Canada. Giovanni found employment in construction jobs with Fraser Brace and later Foundation of Canada- a company that built smelter additions for INCO.

In 1956, after having saved enough money he sent for his wife. Maria arrived on April 25. They lived in Sudbury for a while, but soon after decided to move to Toronto. Carmine Antonio decided to remain in Sudbury to make a home for his wife and kids. With Giovanni's departure, the Marrone brothers established a tradition of visiting each other once a year at Christmas time.

Giovanni went to work as a plasterer in Toronto's booming construction industry. The Marrone's purchased their first home at 116 Bude St. and began their family. They had three sons Anthony (born 1957), Marco (born 1963) and Robert (born 1965).

In July 1968, following the Italian migration to the North West end of town the family moved to Downsview (a Toronto suburb). All was well until Giovanni was diagnosed with cancer in 1972. This turn of events forced him to retire from the construction industry.

In 1973 with his cancer in remission, he began a new job as a warehouse labourer for the F.W. Woolworth Company. Here, his reputation as a good worker persisted, garnering him the respect of all in the warehouse. The management constantly asked him if "he knew any good workers that might want a job". Giovanni, having many friends was only happy to oblige. He was personally responsible for having helped hire many friends and relatives. People who would for many years after he passed live off his good graces.

Giovanni Marrone succumbed to cancer on October 20, 1979.

Giovanni and Maria Marrone, May 16, 1953 shown in photo.