These pictures are selected from those of our mom’s family and living in Tampa or elsewhere.
Here they are from left to right:
Nonno, Francis, Nonna, Dominic, Mary, Matilda and John. The picture was taken in the back side yard of Nonno’s house.
Here is Jennie, years later in the dining room of our home on Rome Ave. She would visit from time to time and with Jennie sometimes it was a long visit other times she was in and out.
Although no family members are present. This was taken in 1947 at the Cuesta Rey cigar boxing company. Nonna and Francis worked for the cigar industry.
Not sure where this could have been taken or the year. From left to right: Grace Mistretta and Francis Perez.
Mom was not one that took many pictures. Here she is at an early age. She did take a beautiful picture.
Uncle Dominic and Aunt Grace Mistretta showing her beautiful wedding gown but not sure of the location.
Mom and Dad with cousin Chuck Mistretta on the left and me along Bayshore Blvd. in the late 1940’s.
Steve, Joanne and John Mistretta holding a new puppy.
Tony, Kevin, Eunice, Paul, and Michele showing a Paul Mistretta family picture.
New York in the 60’s as presented by Chuck Mistretta showing Meme and Grace, bottom right background.
Christmas party on Kathleen St. Very hard to tell but back left looks like Tommy Zambito’s sister, front left may be Nonno, far right may be Julian Turlington which was the partner to Julian and Stafford Market. (Perhaps you can recognize the rest)
Here we have Dad in a leather jacket at the house on St. Louis St. This must be an early picture and more plants, were in the back yard later on. You can see the oil tank in the background and a small crawl space; this is where he and I would enter each winter to get the heater ready for the cold weather. It was the only heater in the house and located in the main hallway near bedrooms and the bathroom. If you look closely at the back garage door, that could be mom.
This picture although not in good focus shows Dad and Bobby or Ray as well as the only picture I know of that may be Poochie. He was a tough dog but loyal and really a wonderful pet. I remember the day he passed away and the talk that mom and dad had with me. The picture of the car looks to be the 1950 Oldsmobile Super 88. It was his first modern car and had a wonderful ride with plenty of horse power.
Here you see Meme and Anne. Since I only went to this house once or twice I am not sure if it was taken there but I believe this is the home they had in the Temple Terrace area. It is my feeling that they were happy for this part of life but just as in the case with Paul and his wife it divides family members and each sees life differently then. It is so sad that judgments are made to those they take a different course of life but it happens and there is nothing we can do but learn to trust in the faith of others respect decisions that may cross ours and let others live the way they want. I hope the readers of this will take into account all they do, learn that families even with different lifestyles affect those around them. We must all be able to live with our decisions and if that is what makes us happy in life without totally destroying the lives of others…..you will have to finish this deep inside yourself. I did see them on many occasions and enjoyed them both as well as his first marriage.
I really do not have many pictures on my father’s side and that is sad when I think about it, but here you see his younger brother Truitt and his wife Bonnie.
Here we see Nonno, Uncle John and Nonna while visiting in Minnesota July 1967.
From an email sent by Bobbi Mistretta on 2-4-12 this is what she noted about this picture.
“This was taken at Mom’s brother home in Faribault Minnesota, the city I was born in. Roger and Kathleen Koopmans home.” Bobbi
Aunt Francis Perez, Eunice and Jr. on the day of their wedding April 4, 1964:
These were taken in St. Petersburg, FL. Nonna kissing the beautiful bride.
Another great picture of Nonno and Nonna’s family together in front of our parent’s house on 3218 North Rome Ave.: Perhaps I shared this one before but it was sent to me on 2-6-13 by Jr. and thought I would post it in this section. Back row left to right: Francis, Mary, Meme, Jennie, Paul. Front row left to right: Nonno, Nonna, Matilda, John.
Picture sent in by Jr. on 2-6-13. If I remember correctly this picture use to be in the formal living room at Nonna’s house when we were young:
Nonna, Jennie and I believe a neighbor.
The chair Jennie is sitting on, I still have the chair but it is covered in another fabric and color but still looks the same.
Here is what the chair looks like today. I had it redone by Rose Furniture in Tampa years ago and tried to keep it as much original as possible except perhaps for the color material.
This picture was sent to me by Jr. and is one that I have wanted to show the beach house in Anna Maria but had no pictures. About ten years ago I think I saw the duplex but at the time never had a camera with me so this is a huge help. Thanks cousin Jr.! Nonno and Nonna sitting, but notice the jealousy windows. Due to no air conditioning at the time they were great for air circulation. Later when air conditioning was brought in they were terrible as the windows did not produce a tight seal and let in cold or hot air.
Mom at the Lake house in 1961: The picture was sent to me from Jr. What a great smile she always had!
Mom drinking coffee on New Year’s Day in 1972: She loved her coffee and made sure it was almost boiling before she would it. She did that with food as well. She did not like to serve food or hot drinks unless they were HOT!
Jr. sent me this one as well and he says it is Aunt Francis on the left and Uncle Paul on the right. I can recognize Paul but fail to recognize Francis. The picture probably was taken in front of a cigar factory in Tampa.
Paul, Jean, Jr. and Joe with the picture taken in 1954:
Uncle John and Paul Mistretta at MN Lake House 1953:
Aunt Jean and Paul 1958:
Uncle Paul with Bobbi and Bonnie Mistretta, you may recognize the dock now from another picture in the book. (Cabin in Faribault, that Grampa built on Roberds Lake and that must have been where those pictures were taken. Sadly my folks decided to sell it when Brother John was born in 1958=Bobbi)
MN Lake cabin with Paul:
(Cabin in Faribault, which Grampa built on Roberds Lake and that must have been where those pictures were taken. Sadly my folks decided to sell it when Brother John was born in 1958-Bobbi)
Paul relaxing by the fireplace,at the cabin located in Faribault MN.
Can you recognize these two angels! Joe and Jr. in a 1945 photograph:
Bread played an important role at the dinner table, and this was taken in 1966 with Uncle Paul and Jean.
Wedding of Paul and Eunice showing family: What a great Picture.
Just as in the past the “Young at Heart” continue with lives that each can call their own and make memories for others to enjoy as well! DS