Phila-ITALY AMERICANA

About the Book

Postage stamps do more than just facilitate the transport of mail. They tell a story. This book tells the unique story of the indelible imprint Italians, Italian-Americans, and lovers of Italian culture have imparted on the formation and development of the United States. While each encapsulated image traces a single thread of the journey, together they form a rich trove of experiences and contributions from the very beginning to the present. But the story does not end here! As successes and contributions from this large ethnic and highly assimilated group continue to mount, the pictorial story of America will continue to grow. The ever-blossoming tale of those with a “root in the boot” will grace the American landscape for years to come.

About the Author

Growing up in Paola, Italy, the author remembers the airmail postage stamps on letters from his father and relatives. Then coming to America, he saw the landlord’s stamp collection and developed an interest in creating his own. The thought to write about his heritage through the imagery of stamps became very appealing as he was nearing retirement. The author is retired from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he worked many years in various capacities within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His most recent experiences were in Pathology Education Programs as coordinator of the Pathology Course and Resident Training Programs and as instructor of laboratory management practices to residents and fellows. For a number of years, he cohosted the Italia Ieri e Oggi radio program on WAIF, a volunteer radio program in Cincinnati. Besides philately, the author enjoys teaching Italian to adults, music, Calabrian history, and puzzles. He and his wife (Mariateresa) reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have four children and three granddaughters.