John Boccuzzi

In loving Memory of Uncle John. Born in a poor farming town Noicattaro Bari, Italy. Parents Giuseppe Boccuzzi And Teresa (Porelli) Boccuzzi. Uncle John was the eldest boy in a family of 7 children with parental responsibilities from his early teenage years. Always helping his parents and family as there were many hungry mouths to feed and cloth. He never lost that parental love with his siblings, when anyone needed him he would be the first to lend a helping hand. His love of farming includes cultivating grapes, olives, and many other fruits and vegetables. Uncle John loved to stay busy working for HK Perforating company for 31 years. He was always punctual and never missed a day of work rain or snow storm. After he retired he continued working for His Nephew’s bakery (John Lasorella) to keep himself busy and active into his 80s. When he was not working he would garden or tinker with things around his home. He was a loved neighbor always helping them when they called. He was a modern renaissance man. His love of music spanned 70 years playing in bands including Chicago’s Sicilian marching band that toured around the midwest and trips to Sicily to play in his native country. He played the alto horn, trumpet, piano and accordion. He met his wife Dorothy (Romito) on his first trip to America in 1960. John came here to work and make money to help his family back in Italy. While here he met Dorothy and immediately fell in love. After a few times out together he knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He asked Dorothy’s mother for her hand in marriage and she quickly denied it. Dorothy’s mother thought he was a foreigner that wanted to marry her for his American citizenship. After a few attempts to plead with her mother he gave it a rest. He returned to Italy after the construction season was over to see his family. When it was close to spring time the following year he tried to return to America but his visa was denied as he recently went and had no reason for another long stay per the government. He continued to send Dorothy (love) Letters while in Italy. The problem was he didnt read or write in English and Dorothy didn’t read or write in Italian. So the letters had to be translated by Dorothy’s mother who did read and write in both Italian and English. He also had family members that knew English that helped him with the letters Dorothy wrote back. My uncle told me he had to watch what he wrote since her mother was reading his love letters! He had to keep it PG. This went on for 2 years and eventually Dorothy’s mother caved and agreed to have John take her only daughter’s hand in marriage. The wedding would take place in Italy. John made all the wedding arrangements so Dororthy could quickly come and be Wed. The newly wed couple would go back to America to embark on their new life together. When they were settled back in America he had brothers and sisters that were interested in coming to America to also live the American Dream. He eventually had them come and stay with him to start their lives and eventually branch out on their own. John’s story is one of many American dream stories wrapped up in a beautiful love story. He will be truly missed as he taught us about our Italian roots, traditions and heritage that I have kept close to me and passed on to my children. Beloved husband, Brother and Uncle. Surviving Siblings Melina (Pugliese) and Nicola. John’s other siblings he is reunited with in Heaven Lucia (Lasorella), Lella (Gasparro), Steve, and Antonio. REST IN PEACE