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Felice Pugliese

Felice was born in Pomigliano D’Arco on October 18, 1929 to

Francesco Pugliese and Concetta Romano. As a child, he grew up

“N’coppa O Carmine” and was the oldest of three sons. He at-

tended school for a short time but dropped out to support his family.

Felice was always a hard worker and even at a very young age he

worked at a bicycle shop repairing and building bikes. Later on, as

he got a little older, his Uncle Giovanni took him to Napoli to work

in construction as a “ferraiolo”.

At a tender age of 19, he knew that he would want to seek a better life for himself and his family so

when an offer from his Uncle Raffaele came along to come to America and work at his Brooklyn

based restaurant, he jumped at that opportunity. In the shadows of the Statue of Liberty, he arrived

in New York in September 1949.

Upon his arrival in this “land of opportunity” his uncle gave him a job at his pizzeria washing

dishes and cleaning bathrooms. As he progressed in proving himself, he was upgraded to making

pizza, cooking and serving tables. Even though he worked long hours at menial pay, he knew that

the sweat that poured down his face was worth it as he was eager to earn money to help his parents

and brothers in Italia have a better life.

It was while serving tables at this restaurant in 1957 that he met his wife Maria. Her family did not

approve of him and for that reason they decided to elope on October 15, 1959. More proof that noth-

ing ever came easy for Felice, not even marriage.

For the first year and a half after he got married, he worked two jobs: construction during the day

and the pizzeria at night. He knew the only way to eventually buy his first house was to work like a

dog and save towards that goal.

He eventually was able to fulfill that dream and settle himself in his first home.

During that time Felice and Maria were blessed with three wonderful children,; Concetta, Frank,

and Felice Jr.. All three children grew up, got married and filled the Pugliese family tree with seven

grandchildren; Giuseppe, Maria, Angela, Felicia, Frankie, Anthony, and Amanda.

In 1973, Felice finally left construction to start a new job with the Long Island Rail Road where he

worked for 20 years. Upon retiring, we enjoyed some traveling to different places. And reflecting on

all the efforts made in the struggle to survive and prosper in America. Life has been very good to us.