An Italian Boy Makes Good

     In the late 1930's, Papa worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad.  He used to get free passes for riding on the train.

     One time, for recreation, Papa took a trip to Rochester, N.Y. with a friend of the family.  Papa's friend worked in Rochester and asked Papa if Papa wanted to go with him for a beer and a show.

     "Sure, I'd like to go, I am game," said Papa

His friend heard that there was a young talent appearing at the Rochester Hotel. Unbeknowns to Papa and his friend, the crooner with the blue eyes and strong voice, was Frank Sinatra.  He had appeared in various hotels and nightclubs in New York at that time.  That is how Frank Sinatra got his break in show business, as an established singer.

     "Hey, he's pretty darn good," said Papa

     "Yes, he sure is Joe, he has got style and a good voice," said Papa's friend.

     In the years ahead, this crooner from Hoboken, New Jersey would be the heart throb of all the young ladies in Warren, PA, including Papa's sisters and all the young women in America.

     Papa heard about Frank Sinatra's success, later on in years, and commented.

     "That great, Italian boy makes good!" said Papa with pride to be an Italian-American.

     As Papa worked on the railroad, he sometimes hummed a familiar tune sung by Frank Sinatra at the Rochester Hotel