The Greatest Gift from Sicily

The Life and Times of Donna Brigita

by John C. Zappia

The Greatest Gift from Sicily
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The Greatest Gift from Sicily

The Life and Times of Donna Brigita

by John C. Zappia

Published Jan 21, 2021
135 Pages
Genre: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs



 

Book Details

A non-fiction epic of a courageous single mother who emigrated from Sicily to fulfill her dreams of living in a land of freedom and opportunity—America. A personal and historical account of the pains, joy and adventure experienced by this mother from the time she left Sicily in 1905 until her death in America in 1950. Memories of influential people, famous places, family traditions and authentic southern Italian foods and recipes, growing up in an Italian Paradise called Little Italy (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Larimer Avenue) in the early 1900’s. A book to be enjoyed by anyone who had an ancestor who emigrated from Europe in the early 1900’s.

 

About the Author

John C. Zappia

Author John C. Zappia born 1938 in Pittsburgh (East Liberty), Pa. Grew up in North Hills, Pa. Attended Saint Anne Elementary School in Millvale, Pa. Graduated from Shaler High School, Glenshaw, Pa. in 1956. Served in U.S. Marine Corps for three years. Married Nancy Leach from Monongahela, Pa. in 1961. Current family: Children—Tammy, Jeff, Dana, Jay. Grandchildren: Timothy, Alex, Rana, Elis, Adam, Gia. Great Grandchildren: Haleigh, Hannah, Hayden, Logan. Graduated from University of Pittsburgh in 1976 with BS degree in Business Administration. Attended University of Wisconsin, Madison, Graduate School of Banking—Graduated in 1985. Worked at PNC Bank, Pittsburgh, Pa. for 38 years. Retired in 1998 as Vice President of Operations Services. Currently residing in Evans City, Pa. Along with wife, Nancy, served with Global Volunteers in teaching conversational English in Ostuni, Italy (2004) and Xian, China (2006). Wrote two books about experiences in Italy and China—Teaching In Italy—Living a Dream and Teaching and Touring in China. Published three books: The​ Greatest Gift From Sicily, Teaching and Touring In China, Recipe For A Happy Life.

Also by John C. Zappia

Recipe for a Happy Life
OPTIMIA