As told by his granddaughter, Elizabeth ShermanInterviewed by Casey Rolfes (great-granddaughter)

*Disclaimer*

It has been requested that I not include any information about Giuseppi's wife, therefore she will not be referenced by name.

Who Was Giuseppi?

Giuseppi Grella was my great grandfather. He emigrated alone to the United States from Sturno, Italy at only sixteen years old. Once coming to the United States, he worked for the city digging sewers. He married another Italian immigrant girl. He was a very strong, passionate, and vibrant man that loved two things, and two things only: his family and this country. He established our family's roots in Newton, MA where all of my relatives lived until my mother moved to Needham. The first house he bought upon coming to this country was in my family for decades, and is still standing today.

This is an image of Giuseppi on his front lawn. He was greatly afraid of being robbed, and therefore would stay home to watch the house when the rest of the family went out.

This is a photo of my grandmother, two of her eight siblings, and her mother. Their names are listed below in order from left to right. My grandmother goes by "Betty" in this case.

Who is Elizabeth Sherman?

Elizabeth Sherman is my grandmother, and the granddaughter of Giuseppi. He was a huge part of her life until his passing at 90 years old. By that time she had already started to raise a family of her own. My grandmother continues to carry with her many of the values instilled in her by Giuseppi. Having grown up in the same house as him, she has many fond memories of her childhood that she attributes to her grandfather's tremendous accomplishment in coming to the United States and planting permanent roots. She is proud to be Italian, and is loyal to her family over everything. This is her telling of the life of Giuseppi Grella.

Page updated

Report abuse