The Story of Pasquale Pagano and Antonia LaRussa and Family

About the Book

Being a bit introverted, I spent a lot of time at home with my mother in my youth. She confided many of her more private feelings and thoughts about her mother, Antonia. From what I could understand, the subject was off limits in her family circle. Perhaps she felt it was easier to talk about it with me rather than her brothers. Her sister lived in California. She lost her mother when she was three years old, so she had no memories of her. She wondered what her mother looked like, as she had no photos of her. Then she unraveled the sad story of her mother’s demise. I write this book to add some closure to the story. The demise of Antonia fractured the Pagano family and has scarred several generations. Hopefully, in my small way, I can relate the pleasant as well as the less pleasant qualities of the lives of Antonia and Pasquale. Also in this book, I would like to celebrate the extended Pagano family. In spite of a sad glitch in its history, the extended family has much to be proud of. Note: There is a large notebook titled Pagano Family Archives in the home of the author. The entire set of documents is stored there for anyone who wants to view it.

About the Author

My mother was three years old when she witnessed her mother’s tragic death. She had no conscious memories of her mother. As a child I was a bit introverted and spent much time with my mother. She talked to me about her sad feelings as well as her desire to know what her mother looked like. All photos were confiscated, and the death was not discussed. After my mother’s death in 1980, I became very interested in my family background and began my research. Now I am endeavoring to write about this side of my family as I think that this knowledge will be important to those who come after me. The Pagano family has been seriously fractured by this tragic death. I am hoping to help our family understand better how we have been affected and celebrate our survival skills. I live in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and retired from teaching in 2004. Currently I teach a Hebrew class to adults, play piano, take dance classes, and study Hebrew and French. I spend time with my adorable granddaughter, Etta, and sponsor a family reunion yearly. I also completed a book about my father’s side of the family.