Marie Juliano Memorial Page

Grandson Mick Fazzolare writes...

2008-12-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

Marie Juliano, or as she was more affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Grandma Sugar", was indeed an incredible woman. With an infectious laugh, a heart of gold, and a propensity for whipping up the most delicious meals out of a humble kitchen, one could not have asked for a more perfect grandparent. It would take volumes to expound on all the memories we hold of her throughout her long life. Grandma, you will be missed by all of us who loved you dearly. And tell Grandpa Frank, that I'm gonna get him for those times when we were kids and he'd ask us if we wanted to "see the moon", then proceed to hold us up in the air by our heads, causing, what I would perceive to be a taste of what could be compared to a migraine.
Miss you, love you, Grams.
Mick Fazzolare

As these memories continue to pop into my brain, I'll try to recount them as faithfully as my limited recall will allow....

When I made the "culture shock" move from Miami to Orlando back in '82, I was headlong into a musical career that was, as far as I was concerned, the ticket to eternal bliss, riches, and a life of artistic freedom that would release me from the chains of the daily 9 to 5 grind suffered by so many.
I sell refigerators for a living now....

Anyway, to keep the dream alive, I would make the arduous journey between Miami and Orlando on a bi-weekly basis. Now...you simply don't get into town without calling Grandma Sugar, who lived in Fort Lauderdale, and would have been blasphemy to not give a heads up.

"Hey Grams, it's me, Michael. We're going to Miami for band practice and a gig, maybe we'll stop by and see you on the way back in day or so."

"Michael, do you and your friends want to come over to have some dinner?"

"I dunno Grams, we're on a tight schedule, it'd have to be a quick stop, okay?"

"Of course, Michael. Something small so you can go do what you have to do."

Now, I should have known better...we walk in, and there's three different kinds of pasta, a roasted chicken, steaks, a salad...and a pizza.
As if all the other stuff wasn't enough, a pizza for heaven's sake!

"Grams, who else you got comin' over?"

"Just you boys, that's all."

"Hey Grams, how come you cut the pizza with a pair of scissors?"

"Would you shut up and eat?!"

Ate we did.
I couldn't eat for a week after that....

Allow me to further wax rhapsodical on the life and times of Grams...

I wasn't aware of the frequency in traffic court appearances that Grams had experienced until I read it in one of the first posts on this blog.

I do however, recall Gram's affinity for driving a tad past the posted speed limit. Not to say that she was a bad driver, just a little heavy on the pedal to the metal (sorry, I've lived in Oklahoma for most of the past year and couldn't resist the redneck colloquialism.)
If, God forbid, she was stuck behind a driver that was driving at or below the speed limit, she'd roll down the window, stick her head out, and yell at the top of her lungs, "GET A HORSE!!!!" Which actually sounded like, "GET A HAWSE!!!!" due to her New Yawk..err I mean New York accent.
Well of course as kids we thought this was hysterical, completely and totally. Priceless.

Take a drive with Grams to the beach? A splendid time was guaranteed for all...And that was before you ever got to the ocean.

Marie and daughter Joan

2008-12-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Marie Juliano passed away last night. She was a great woman, mother, grandmother and sister, part of the pioneering generation that immigrated and laid the foundation for the rest of us. She was a strong woman who lived a long and incredible life. We owe a huge gratitude to Joan for the years of care taking that allowed Marie keep her independence till the end. Marie died at home, as was her wish. Thanks Joan.

Joan emailed me some of her memories of Marie's years in Riverdale. If you have memories of Marie you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them as well. My email address is pauldacri@sbcglobal.net. Or you can post them in the comments section.

My mother loved to cook. She moved into her senior apartment complex 14 years ago at the age of 82. She had previously lived in South Florida for 35 yours and decided to come north to live closer to her City Kids. While Mom was not exactly The Queen of the Road, she was close to feeling she was and as a result spent many a day in driving court facing Judge Jarod. She eagerly explored new roads in NYC and Westchester pursuing her second favorite pastime -- shopping and returning goods that were purchased in haste and not suitable. But Mom's prime love was cooking. She was a brand new tenant when she began volunteering to cook in The Country Kitchen every Friday morning at her new apt complex. Instead of the usual coffee, donut fare, Mom served up trays of baked ziti and assorted kettles of soup. She had cooked for her family and friends for years and was at her happiest when she whipped up scrumptous dishes for huge, dinner parties. Being one of three daughters, a bit of her culinary love naturally fell on each of us. Oddly, none of us had shone a particular interest while growing up, but never-the-less, we all three developed into reasonable 30 Minute Meal cooks. NOT ONE OF US HOWEVER, could ever replicate the "unknown enhancer" the subtle difference in her dishes. Mightily we tried, but if given a taste test, Mom’s won every time.

With great-grandchildren: Michael, Gabrielle & Gabriel

2008-12-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

Marie in front of her family's bakery (1930?)

2008-12-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Click on photo for larger version

She's 16, on the far right. That's her step father on the left. Her mother is barely visible through the window on the right. I love all the old breads, some of which are still sold in Italian shops.

I'm planning to put together a history of the her early life in New York. If anyone has stories or pieces of history to share please do so in the comments below.

Inside the DePalmo Bakery in East Harlem

2008-12-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Click on photo for larger version

From left to right: Frank Castellucci, Tony DePalmo, Louis DePalmo, Marie Castellucci, Carmella Raione.